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06-22-2012, 07:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by -db-
That bit in the book about the 2.5" barrel, Lew Horton models aside, not being introduced until 1990 is incorrect. Product code 104231 is a factory 2.5" model available in 1987. I have one of these, a -1, the serial AWT5XXX dating it to 1987.
one eye joe's gun, with a prefix ALV-, dates to '85-'86, according to the book. That would be later than a LH model.
From what I understand, the best way (serials alone aren't definitive) to determine a LH 686 2.5" is whether or not the gun has a white outline rear sight. The LHs had this while regular production models available shortly after did not.
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-db-, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT ! ! ! Ol' one eye had a senior moment. When I posed the DOB question on this forum, Revolver King advised me that ALV- was of 1986 vintage. It DOES NOT have a white outline rear sight, so it is NOT an LH. I confused this snubby no dash with my 8 3/8" no dash which WAS manufactured in 1984............
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06-22-2012, 08:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by -db-
That bit in the book about the 2.5" barrel, Lew Horton models aside, not being introduced until 1990 is incorrect. Product code 104231 is a factory 2.5" model available in 1987. I have one of these, a -1, the serial AWT5XXX dating it to 1987.
one eye joe's gun, with a prefix ALV-, dates to '85-'86, according to the book. That would be later than a LH model.
From what I understand, the best way (serials alone aren't definitive) to determine a LH 686 2.5" is whether or not the gun has a white outline rear sight. The LHs had this while regular production models available shortly after did not.
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I was wondering about those other 2.5" product codes. Unfortunately, in a moment of idiocy, I threw away all of my old S&W catalogs a few years back so I can't check and confirm.
My gun dates to November 1984 and does ~not~ have the white outline rear sight blade. Unfortunately, my gun didn't come with the factory box.
Did all of the no dash 2.5" guns come with wood combat grips?
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06-22-2012, 08:34 PM
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2.5" 686 Product Code FYI:
104212 1984 Lew Horton
104231 1987 to 2001
104192 1996 to 1998 seven shot
164192 2002 to current, internal lock, seven shot
164231 2002 to current, internal lock, six shot
686 (1980)
686-1 (1986)
686-2 (1987)
686-3 (1988)
686-4 (1993)
686-5 (1997)
686-6 (2001)
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06-22-2012, 08:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Photoman44
I was wondering about those other 2.5" product codes. Unfortunately, in a moment of idiocy, I threw away all of my old S&W catalogs a few years back so I can't check and confirm.
My gun dates to November 1984 and does ~not~ have the white outline rear sight blade. Unfortunately, my gun didn't come with the factory box.
Did all of the no dash 2.5" guns come with wood combat grips?
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Every Lew Horton 2.5" 686 I've seen has had combats on it but I don't know if every one S&W made sold with them.
As for the white outline sight, I'd have to look again but I'm pretty sure the book specifies WO for the 1984 LH guns.
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06-22-2012, 09:22 PM
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The book does list the white outline rear blade. Serial number AFB0195 was the sample for the book. My gun is AFAxxxx and does not have the white outline blade but does have the red ramp insert.
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06-22-2012, 10:13 PM
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Here is my 686-3 and my 586 no dash.
Last edited by ogilvyspecial; 09-26-2012 at 01:21 AM.
Reason: Photo stacking
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06-23-2012, 07:18 AM
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[QUOTE=Photoman44;136576777]I was wondering about those other 2.5" product codes. Unfortunately, in a moment of idiocy, I threw away all of my old S&W catalogs a few years back so I can't check and confirm.
My gun dates to November 1984 and does ~not~ have the white outline rear sight blade. Unfortunately, my gun didn't come with the factory box.
Did all of the no dash 2.5" guns come with Combats ?
Mine did, Photoman. I love their tacticool appearance, but no brand of finger grooves have ever fit my hand. I sold the ones that came on my 686 (pictured below) and replaced them with Magna PC grips and a Tyler-T adapter. This works better for me. While the no dash was away for the M recall, I had S&W swap the cylinder for a 7 shot. IMHO, it's a great carry weapon now...
.
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Last edited by one eye joe; 06-23-2012 at 03:05 PM.
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06-23-2012, 08:52 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by one eye joe
Mine did, Photoman. I love their tacticool appearance, but no brand of finger grooves have ever fit my hand. I sold the ones that came on my 686 (pictured below) and replaced them with Magna PC grips and a Tyler-T adapter. This works better for me. While the no dash was away for the M recall, I had S&W swap the cylinder for a 7 shot. It's a great carry weapon now...
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Very nice. I put some magnas on mine for the time being. Didn't want to beat up the factory combats any worse than they already are. I think I have a Tyler around here that will fit a round butt K frame...
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06-23-2012, 03:03 PM
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Thanks, Photoman.......
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06-23-2012, 05:25 PM
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Absent Comrade
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6"
Here's my 686, no dash. It's with my grandson in Kennewick, WA, now!
Dick
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06-23-2012, 05:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Reddog
Here's my 686, no dash. It's with my grandson in Kennewick, WA, now!
Dick
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Did you swap the Red Ramp for the Patridge, or did it come that way ? ? I have never seen a 686 w/ a Patridge from the factory.....
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06-23-2012, 06:21 PM
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Love the 686 and that is a great box!!
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06-23-2012, 10:59 PM
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Way late for the party, but, both are 686-3's. The 6" has been good for one deer and numerous ground hogs. The 4" was polished up, was not much of a shooter, so it became trading fodder. Bought the 6" new in the mid eighties, so its the keeper.
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06-24-2012, 10:58 AM
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Absent Comrade
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Joe,
I may have painted that? The gun is with my grandson in Washington state now, so I can't look at it. I'll try to remember to ask him.
Dick
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07-11-2012, 05:59 PM
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I just saw both versions of the 3" Talo locally. I'm leaning toward the one with the unfluted cylinder.
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09-24-2012, 05:10 PM
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686+
First of what I hope to be many.
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09-26-2012, 12:19 AM
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New to me 686-1 M-Mfg 1988
Just traded for this one, sweet!
"Always Keep The Sun at your Back!"
jebo125
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09-26-2012, 12:27 AM
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686-1 4" Value?
What do you the value on the 686-1 M 4" would, Ijust got one in trade!
jeb0125
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kcode
Way late for the party, but, both are 686-3's. The 6" has been good for one deer and numerous ground hogs. The 4" was polished up, was not much of a shooter, so it became trading fodder. Bought the 6" new in the mid eighties, so its the keeper.
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09-29-2012, 12:04 PM
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You're all probably sick to death of this one....Wanted to add it to a 686 specific thread for the newer guys here....Zebulon
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9mmsubgun-m11, Dave Morris, DEERE G, Helderberg, Invictus357, John wilson, klind45, loveaffair#686, Mehutch, remat457, Sarge45, scruffy, wheelyfun66, wproct |
09-30-2012, 07:53 PM
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Some one say something about a "L" Frame:
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9mmsubgun-m11, Dave Morris, DEERE G, gordie57, Helderberg, Invictus357, John wilson, KFrameFan, klind45, loveaffair#686, Mehutch, Reddog, Rocky20, Sarge45, SmithFan651, Snake Plissken, srings, The Assembler |
10-04-2012, 10:58 AM
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686's are pretty much the sweetest looking revolvers around!
More pics please!!
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686-1 2.5"
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10-04-2012, 09:13 PM
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Nothing too special, just my first 686, a 1986 no dash.
Shot and dirty.
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10-05-2012, 11:32 AM
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Here is my addition to the thread. Took me over a year to get it, but man am I glad I did.
Ryan Z
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10-09-2012, 10:36 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bocajbarney
Hi. I'm new to this site. I was looking for information for the S&W 686-3 I just inherited. I was told it was a Distinguished Combat Magnum. It came from my uncle who my mother said bought it 20-25 years ago. As the story goes, it hasn't been shot more than a handful of times. The gun store I took it to in Utah said that looks to be accurate. Problem is, I can't seem to find a lot of info about this gun. I'm new to the handgun arena, having owned a few rifles most of my life. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Yes, I own a 4" I bought new April 5, 1985 at a police equipment shop. It is called the Distinguished Combat Magnum Revolver Model No. 686. There was one for sale on Guns America a while back for $595, same sku as mine 104202. M-686 4" .357 Distinguished Combat Magnum Older Model Smith & Wesson Revolvers > Full Frame Revolver for sale, gun classifieds or gun auction from CJS10. Buy or bid on this M-686 4" .357 Distinguished Combat Magnum Older Model in the category Smith & A picture of it can be found here, along with a partial view of the original S&W paperwork and box. I retained all of mine as well.
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10-10-2012, 09:42 AM
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mostly finished 686-6 carry gun
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10-11-2012, 06:46 PM
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My factory black 686 with Nill Classics
Here is my 6" 686 in factory black with a set of Nill Classic grips. Though not very accurate with any 38 Special ammo that I can find, it's very accurate with Winchester Silver Tip ammo.
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10-11-2012, 10:38 PM
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S&W model 686-4PP.....product code 104272
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10-12-2012, 12:09 AM
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686 3" carry comp
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01-01-2013, 09:24 PM
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What are you guys using to polish out the swirl marks?
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01-09-2013, 08:39 AM
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Let's keep this thread going. I just paid for a 686 last Monday and am dying to see it.
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01-09-2013, 11:30 AM
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686-4 3 inch,
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01-09-2013, 05:30 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alcanhg
What are you guys using to polish out the swirl marks?
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I prefer Flitz, others use Simichrome, Mother's Mag Polish etc.
Flitz
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01-09-2013, 05:42 PM
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Say hello to my little friend, we're new in the neighborhood...
She's a little 686-6, 4" and a real sweetie! She does have a little hole in her side but hey, no one's perfect (and I hear there's corrective surgery and an implant that'll fix that).
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01-09-2013, 11:18 PM
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Mine's so ugly its pretty, What it does is what matters, This is a couple years ago right after I had the hart barrel installed
Last edited by x10; 01-09-2013 at 11:21 PM.
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01-12-2013, 04:38 PM
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This is a great thread. Lots of nice 686s!
I can only contribute with my a pic of my boring looking stock 686-6+. Lock be darned, I really like it.
After seeing all the 3", I want one
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01-22-2013, 08:20 PM
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S&W 686-4 Target Champion
My latest purchase. Legally mine as of today
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S&W 686-4 Target Champion
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01-23-2013, 07:49 PM
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S&W 686-4 Target champion with rifle
My S&W 686-4 TC together with my Lee Enfield Nr4 Mk2 rifle...
This friday i'm gonna take the S&W to the range for the first time. Previously i have used a gunclub-owned 686-5 TC, and used .38 wadcutters for best result @ 25m (27Yd) range. With my own 686 in hand i'm willing to try different loads. Suggestions?
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01-23-2013, 09:36 PM
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Here's another 686+ Mountain Gun.
Jerry
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01-25-2013, 02:02 AM
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My (First One Hundred Compact)
Here are some pictures of my 686 first one hundred compact. I believe my dad and brother have one too. Where are the other 97?
IMG_2157.jpg
IMG_2146.jpg
IMG_2165.jpg
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01-25-2013, 04:13 AM
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01-25-2013, 09:37 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by one eye joe
Did you swap the Red Ramp for the Patridge, or did it come that way ? ? I have never seen a 686 w/ a Patridge from the factory.....
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They are not as common as ones with a red ramp but 6" 686s with another factory front sight are out there.
The upper one in the photo is a no-dash with a Patridge front sight and the lower one is a -3 Classic Hunter with a black ramp.
Ed
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01-26-2013, 07:37 AM
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Here is a 686 Effector
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01-26-2013, 09:59 AM
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Tis a plain Jane 686 4" with Ahrends, it had a lock, now it has a plug, but, I like it. One of my most comfortable shooting .357's. Trigger and action cleaned up really nicely, one of the best double action pulls.
Stu
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01-26-2013, 11:47 AM
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My 686-6 Plus with the three inch barrel.
The Pachmayr grips make this a very comfortable revolver to shoot, even with stout .357 Magnum cartridges.
The Eagle Secret Service grips look better and are more concealable, but are semi-brutal when shooting anything more powerful than .38 +P.
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01-26-2013, 07:09 PM
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I picked this up a couple of weeks ago in the LGS. I've not been out to test it yet so I don't know how it shoots.
686 no dash 2 1/2"
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02-04-2013, 03:47 PM
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686-3
Found a nice used 686-3 at LGS yesterday for a bargin price. Couldn't resist bringing it home with me. Stripped it down, cleaned, and put on a set of smooth rosewood target stocks. Going to try it out this afternoon!
Dave
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02-04-2013, 05:17 PM
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Here's my no dash lew Horton 686 compact.
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02-04-2013, 06:40 PM
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You fellas have some nice revolvers there. I just have the one 686-3, in 4"
Last edited by gm272gs; 08-04-2013 at 12:31 PM.
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02-04-2013, 07:46 PM
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If you look for it
Quote:
Originally Posted by M3Stuart
686-1 6" No Lock.
Do any of you find the 6" barrel-heavy? Mine is kind of new to me and sometimes I wish I'd found a 4" no lock...
Of course I don't feel that way when I'm hitting good patterns at 75'...
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It's front heavy also because of the full underlug if you are feeling the gun to test it's balance. But when I'm shooting, I don't notice it.
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02-04-2013, 11:29 PM
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Interesting how they have different shape cylinder releases...flat against the thumb versus angled.
Question: how many of you can tell the dash version by just looking at the pistol? What are the biggest distinguishing features?
Quote:
Originally Posted by ghitch75
added another...all -4's....
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Last edited by oysterhead; 02-04-2013 at 11:41 PM.
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Tags
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586, 617, 629, 686, ahrends, cocobolo, engraved, goncalo, hogue, idpa, lew horton, lock, military, model 686, nill, performance center, pinto, ppc, presentation, round butt, scsw, serrations, smith & wesson, spegel, weaver |
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