686 series- favorite dash?

[Fide686]

I am new here. I have a 686-1 4", a 686-3 6", and my 2 1/2" 686-4, that I had the trigger tuned for carry.
Curious as to opinions about the different "dashes."
Thanks.

 

[Zipdog]

They're all good.

 

[Shark Bait]

As many will point out, the -4 is often considered the pinnacle of the 686 line because it was the most refined before the demise of the hammer mounted firing pin and the introduction of internal lock system. It is also the model where seven shot cylinders were introduced.

 

[Ranger514]

They're all good. I've got a dash 4 plus with a 6-inch barrel. Years ago, I traded in a four-inch 686-3 for a semi-auto, and have regretted that move ever since.

 

[helmsp]

As many will point out, the -4 is often considered the pinnacle of the 686 line because it was the most refined before the demise of the hammer mounted firing pin and the introduction of internal lock system. It is also the model where seven shot cylinders were introduced.

That and you had the new retention hole for the rear sight leaf, which means more aftermarket sights for customization.

 

[Jerryatric3]

Same 686's here....

Have the same 686's that you do except my 6" is a dash 5. The 4" -1 is by far the best handgun I've ever shot, including my "tuned" Colt Gold Cup. Had Nelson Ford go through it and also put a small diameter fiber optic front sight on it. PERFECTION. Just got the 2 1/2 -4 yesterday...anxious to shoot it and hoping it comes in second place to the -1. The 6" -5 has a Ultra Dot on it and does VERY well for a close range hunting handgun. Like others have said.....Love Em All.

 

[one eye joe]

They're all good. I've got a dash 4 plus with a 6-inch barrel. Years ago, I traded in a four-inch 686-3 for a semi-auto, and have regretted that move ever since.

MANY TOUT THE 686-3 AS THE BEST ITERATION. I HAVE A NO DASH 2 1/2" AND A NO DASH 8 3/8", AS WELL AS A 4" 686+ MOUNTAIN GUN. I LOVE THEM ALL.......

 

[AveragEd]

I'll go with the -3 as most of them had square butts making them compatible with the nicer wood factory stocks no longer available on newer guns.

Ed

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The nice thing about the newer Smiths, like the -5, -6, & -7, is that parts and service will be in production and available for them for the foreseeable future. Your great grand kids will the able to "mind meld" with S&W customer service and have a replacement part "teleported" to them instantly on their "replicator" for their -5.

The older Smith parts, not so much. Many of the key parts, the one ones most likely to break, are already out of production -- hammers, triggers, rear sights, etc. And will likely never be made again.

S&W refuses to work on older Smiths already, like pre WWII guns, due to no parts. How long before they refuse to work on pre MIM guns? Will the millennials of today leave their safe spaces and grow up to be the skilled revolver gunsmiths of the future? If not, who will keep the old -4 and below M686's running 50 years from now?

 

[Dorian]

50 years! ha ha that's the next generations problem not mine.

 

[rock doc]

My favorite dash is the -6 Performance Center, since it is the only one I own, plus I removed the wart.

 

[EricR]

My -3, it's my only L-Frame. Between the balance and grips on it I'm thrilled with how good it shoots.

 

[AlHunt]

As many will point out, the -4 is often considered the pinnacle of the 686 line because it was the most refined before the demise of the hammer mounted firing pin and the introduction of internal lock system. It is also the model where seven shot cylinders were introduced.

And, it's factory drilled and tapped for a scope! Absolutely the pinnacle.

 

[HorizontalMike]

I DON"T do "dashes"... Bought my 4in. 686 back in August 1986 when there were NO Dashes. I have owned it ever since. Got a "M" but no dashes...

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

50 years! ha ha that's the next generations problem not mine.

I understand the mindset.

But how many times have we read a post with words to the effect, ".... treat it right and your grandkids will be shooting it!" I've seen it a hundred times. Empty words?

How many of us have a gun handed down from a grandfather? Or father? How many of us have Smiths that are already 50 years old? It's only 1965. Guns from that era are bought and sold everyday. They're not antiques. Many are just shooters.

 

[lamarw]

I can't speak for the no dash or all the other dashes other than the -1. My -1 is "just fine" speaking in Deep Southern Lingo.

 

[SS57]

ALL DASHES MATTER!! I enjoy my -3, -4, and -6 equally. Shoot, clean, fondle. Repeat.

 

[grip frame]

-3 and -4 are the best IMO followed closely by the -5.

 

[revolver686]

I have a -4, a -5, and a -6. I like them all, but my -4 snub-nose is my favorite.

686-4

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[jimbo728]

At present I own a 6" 586 no dash. That one has been a workhorse.
Also have a 686-2 4".
Both guns shoot great.
Jim