I'm headed to the Tulsa gun show in a coupla weeks and will be looking for a 686 with a 4 inch barrel. The appeal of having a wheel gun that can shoot several different 38 rounds has a certain attraction for a number of reasons. I've noticed on several of the 686 threads here some distinctions that I'm not familiar with. If I may indulge you kind members to educate me, I'd like to know what the various dash models mean, which year models are pre-lock/post lock and any other general information that will allow me to make an educated decision. Thanks in advance for the assistance.

The 686 was introduced in the 1980 as the S&W Model 686 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless. It featured flash-chromed, forged hammer and trigger, and had a 6-shot cylinder.

-1 (1986): radius stud package, introduction of the floating hand.

The "M" recall (1987) for the no-dash and -1 guns was to fit a new hammer nose and firing pin bushing to deal with certain brands of ammo causing (potentially fatal) binding when fired.

-2 (1987) incorporated the "M" recall features as standard production.

-3 (1988) floating hand deleted, new yoke retention system

-4 (1993, apparently the most desirable) included a drilled-and-tapped frame, the introduction of the "+" model with 7 shots, flash-chromed hammer/trigger deleted (case-hardened only), new extractor

-5 (1997) change to MIM hammer and trigger and frame-mounted firing pin, as well as the frame lug being machined as part of the frame (prior to this it was a separate part, fitted to and pressed into the frame).

-6 (2001, current production) has The Lock

-7 (2002, Performance Center) chambers .38 Super instead of .357 Magnum

Edit: updated with information from the magic book.

Wow. That's what I call a quick and comprehensive answer. Thanks valkyriekl! I'm thinking I'll look for a -3 or a -4. Is this designation stamped on the gun?

Yup; it'll be stamped on the frame inside the yoke area when you open the cylinder. The guns that have been sent back for the "M" recall will have an "M" stamped near (or over) the model number there.

Thanks again. One other question, please. I know the 686 will eat the 38 special and 357 mag. What's the scoop on the 38 special plus? Any problems shooting it vs the 357?

No problems shooting +P; it's rated chamber pressure is between standard SAAMI-spec .38 SPL and standard SAAMI-spec .357 Magnum.

Be careful when shooting .38 +P+ -- there is no SAAMI spec for it, so its chamber pressure can be anything, though you probably won't find it anywhere in this day and age.

Also, when shooting .38s, be mindful of the carbon ring that can/will build up forward of the casing in the chamber when switching to .357 Magnum. The carbon ring can bind the longer .357 casings and make ejection (and chambering) difficult. The easiest way to deal with it is to bring along a bore brush to brush out the chambers before shooting the Magnums.

Again, thanks for the information. I'll keep you posted on what I find in Tulsa.

Good luck! Nice town, Tulsa -- my grandparents live out there.

I have had several 686,s and am well pleased, very accurate, and will shoot anything without much recoil.
The 4" weighs 2.5 lbs, and is built like a truck.
The 586 is identical, except it is blued steel instead of stainless

updated my post with information from the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition.

Thanks for the update and the testimonial from DUNTOV. I'll look for the 586 version as well.