Finally found the needle in the haystack…

Claims Rep. · May 19, 2025

I’ve been looking locally for 4+ years for a pre-lock 2.5” 686, and this weekend it finally happened. My wife had a group of women from church over at the house Saturday, and told me I needed to make myself scarce (which I had already planned to do). She then reminded me there was a gun show at our local civic center - so I was TOLD to go buy a gun! LOL!!! Anyway, I get in there and there were 22 rows of tables, with each row being about 150’ long… tons of vendors, private sellers, and guns everywhere. On row two I spotted a pristine 2.5” 686-4 in a glass case from a private seller. I stayed cool and cruised on by, walked the entire show, and that 686 was the only 2.5” model in the entire show. The guy had it listed for $1,200 but I got it for $900. It is pristine, and came with the factory box to boot! I haven’t shot it yet, but I already know this 686 will belong to me until the good Lord calls me home. I’m still kind of shocked that I found it.

Following are the specifics from the box label:

Stock: RB
Features: CT-RR
Product Code: 104231
Serial No.: CBZ4xxx
Spec. Ord.: 7125

Can anyone tell me what the product code and Spec. Order “7125” designates for this 686?

PatriotX · May 20, 2025

Excellent score on what many consider to be the high-water mark for these guns.

The Spec.Order code is a Julian date, the 125th day of 1997; Monday, May 5th. It is the ‘ready to ship day’ and usually pretty close to actual shipped date, but not always.

The product code is that of a 2.5” barrel 686.

CHARLIE699 · May 20, 2025

Anything "L",,,,,, gets my attention. Not that J's, K's, & N's don't have a place here. Great catch on a fine revolver!
My only 2.5" 686. It was adopted from a Gander Mountain store some years back. IIRC, it was priced like a well-worn M&P.
It's a Lew Horton and yes,,, I have the Combats too. The Ahrends fit me better.

WCCPHD · May 20, 2025

I found one earlier this year at a LGS on consignment. It was listed at $800 and I offered $700 and the owner accepted it. It was $750 otd with tax. No box and "rubber" grips. I put these round butt targets on it.

1Celticfozzie · May 20, 2025

Sweet pick up. Went to a gun show about a month ago and still kick myself. The seller and I were at a $100 difference. I would have forgotten about that extra $100 by now. Lol

hardknocks · May 20, 2025

I'm looking at a 686-5 2.5"
Aftermarket wood grips.
Great condition. No box.
Does the dash 5 have the same or similar value?
Thanks

jdlii · May 24, 2025

One of my favorites. Small enough to carry and solid enough to handle .357 rounds with ease.

Finally found the needle in the haystack…

Claims Rep.

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