Recent content by HogBob

I have a Model 686-1 with 6" barrel that I purchased new in October 1987. Comments in various threads have stated that the 686-4 is the most desirable and valuable model. My question is - -what are the technical or design improvements/modifications that were made between the model progression...

My thanks to Hapworth and Waywatcher for their helpful info. As noted earlier I am a "Newbie" to this forum and revolvers. Most of my experience is with rimfire pistols and rifles and air rifles. I really like my S&W revolvers, but the 686 has baffled me a bit ever since I bought it new. At 75...

I mistakenly posted this in the Intro thread when I joined the forum. Unlike most posters here, I'm not very knowledgeable about revolvers since I own only two. One is a Model 686-1 with 6 inch barrel and the other is a Model 66-2 with 4 inch barrel. The Model 66 is reasonably accurate (when...

IronHead -- At the time I brought it in for inspection, I remarked about the variation in flashgap clearances and the poor accuracy of the revolver since I bought it new. At that time, I got the impression that they figured I was a newbie PITA and kind of blew me off with a quick look at the gun...

A big THANK You for all your welcome replies. This was first time to post on this forum and I mistakenly put in the wrong place. I don't know if it can be moved to the Gunsmith thread or if I can remove it and retype it in the proper place. Thanks again for your welcomes and replies.

All the replies seem to indicate the headspace (flashgap) is consistent as the cylinder rotates through six rounds . My 686-1 varies from .008" to .006" as the cylinder rotates. Is this variation normal? Any info that might help explain this revolver's erratic accuracy would be appreciated.

Unlike most posters here, I'm not very knowledgeable about revolvers since I own only two. One is a Model 686-1 with 6 inch barrel and the other is a Model 66-2 with 4 inch barrel. The Model 66 is reasonably accurate (when fired from a pistol rest) but the Model 686 has been erratic since the...