My Dad's 686

UTBMXCruiser · #1 06-29-2017, 09:07 PM

Hello,

Asking for information on my Dad's 686 that I have finally taken possession of after he passed away a few years ago. He bought it used from a private individual around 15 years ago as far as I know.

Just wondering about when it was manufactured. I can supply the last 2 digits if needed.

It is in pretty good shape other than some minor drop damage on the left side edge of the muzzle. No apparent damage to muzzle itself. More like very shallow scratching. What is the best way to buff or polish this out?

Please see attached pictures.

rwsmith · #2 06-29-2017, 09:14 PM

You have come into a heck of a nice gun. I have a 686 'no dash' and I think that puts it around 1980, but somebody can probably tell you more definitively. I see it has the 'M' recall modification to fix possible cylinder lock up. And you are lucky that the 686 is stainless steel. They can be buffed with a series of Scotchbrite pads to restore the original finish. I can't see the damage you are talking about. I can't see much of anything.

Someone will be along that can tell you about the grades of Scotch brite to use in succession.

vytoland · #3 06-29-2017, 09:17 PM

S&W model 686 no dash made about 1986.......the recall repairs have been completed at the S&W factory...noted by the "M" below the serial number.

UTBMXCruiser · #4 06-30-2017, 01:08 AM

Pictures of the damage.

UTBMXCruiser · #5 06-30-2017, 01:31 AM

Also while I have your attention maybe. What do you guys think of the little Charter Arms 357? Please don't be mad at me!

Tyrod · #6 06-30-2017, 03:54 AM

I like Charters also. Had a few over the years. Prolly not quite in the same league as a Smith, but quite adequate at a reasonable price.

rwsmith · #7 06-30-2017, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTBMXCruiser

Pictures of the damage.

...but it doesn't look like anything that can't be buffed out.

Invictus357 · #8 06-30-2017, 07:06 AM

Buff or polish out the scratches on the gun my Dad owned?

I'd leave the character his gun has as is.

Voyager28 · #9 06-30-2017, 07:29 AM

Sir, what you have there is a VERY nice piece.

I have one of its siblings and would not part with it for any amount.

Bob

loeman · #10 06-30-2017, 08:11 AM

You got a great gun! I think the 4 inch 686/681 are just about the best all-around, all purpose revolver ever.

Two other products for scratch removal or polishing are Mother's Mag Polish and Flitz. But be careful, both of these products are capable of making a stainless gun look like nickel, a look that you might not like.

BAM-BAM · #11 06-30-2017, 08:36 AM

It you know how the scratches happened ........ it's called a family story..... a really good story is called............. a family legend!

IMO if you can have only one revolver it would be a 4" 686

Kenneth07ex · #12 06-30-2017, 08:52 AM

I have taken out rust spots, and scratches on a stainless gun. And I'm going to agree with the folks that say not to mess with it. Unless it's really bad, all you'll likely get for your effort, is a spot with no scratch, but has an uneven shine. But it can be done, and it isn't hard, it's the blending that's tough. YouTube has lots of information for just about everything that concerns cleaning/ refinishing. I think you should do nothing, but enjoy your father's legacy, complete with any marks that he left on the gun. Cherish that thing as is, and never, ever part with it.

longshanx · #13 06-30-2017, 10:33 AM

686 began regular production in 1980. -1 in 1986. Nice gun and well sought after.

UTBMXCruiser · #14 06-30-2017, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAM-BAM

It you know how the scratches happened ........ it's called a family story..... a really good story is called............. a family legend!

IMO if you can have only one revolver it would be a 4" 686

I'm pretty sure I do know how those scratches got there....... Not a pretty picture by any stretch. You're right, I should just leave well enough alone. And I will just leave it. You have to look for it anyway.

S&W Fan · #15 06-30-2017, 11:04 AM

You do indeed have a wonderful piece to remember your dad. I also inherited my late father's no dash 686 he bought new in Sept. 1981, serial number prefix of AAB. I have his receipt as well as the box and everything else it came with. It rode on his hip virtually daily for almost 10 years and I cherish the small scratches and wear on the grips. I've posted it here before.

Unfortunately with the current photobucket issues I lost my pics here and can't post it again.

rwsmith · #16 06-30-2017, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTBMXCruiser

I'm pretty sure I do know how those scratches got there....... Not a pretty picture by any stretch. You're right, I should just leave well enough alone. And I will just leave it. You have to look for it anyway.

....but that's nothing unusual. My third gen semi has a small ding on the part of the frame supporting the barrel. It doesn't bother me.

My folks did have a hand mirror around the house for many, many years that was broken because my Mom whacked my Dad with it. I think that they MAY have gotten rid of it when they retired and moved.

CharlieDelta · #17 06-30-2017, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTBMXCruiser

Just wondering about when it was manufactured. I can supply the last 2 digits if needed.

Just call S&W Customer Service and ask them. You will need to give them the serial number. I've done it for both my 868's and they were happy to help.

(USA) 1-800-331-0852
Mon-Fri 8:00AM-8:00PM Eastern Time

UTBMXCruiser · #18 06-30-2017, 11:48 AM

I want to go shoot it at the range this weekend. Finding cheap plinking 357 ammo seems to an issue. I'm not sure I want to run 38s through it cause of that extra jump. That can't be good for it in the long run. How much of an issue is that in your opinions???

MygunisaS&Wrevolver · #19 06-30-2017, 12:05 PM

Use gray Scotch Brite with a little oil and an hour or two will take most of that out. Make sure to go with the grain of the existing polish. You can also place 400 grit sand paper over the sandblasted areas that are worn and carefully tap the back of the paper without moving it. That process will restore most of the sandblasted area.

gwpercle · #20 06-30-2017, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTBMXCruiser

I want to go shoot it at the range this weekend. Finding cheap plinking 357 ammo seems to an issue. I'm not sure I want to run 38s through it cause of that extra jump. That can't be good for it in the long run. How much of an issue is that in your opinions???

Shoot some 38's , it's NOT a big issue. A bore brush and solvent will take care of any residue.
I shoot 98% 38 special in mine , since 1971 and it cleans out every time , just like it cleans out the barrel.
Shooting magnums all the time gets expensive and it's not necessary for fun target shooting.
I don't know why some people make such a big deal of it....
that's the versatility of a 357...you can shoot 38 specials.
Get a little pistol cleaning kit with a rod and brass brush , clean the chambers and bore after shooting and you will be just fine.

Very nice revolver, shoot it and think about your dad...he would like that. That's what I do with the model 58 pictured in my avatar.
I wouldn't be concerned withremoving the ding....clean it up a little but it's a reminder of your dad.
Gary

Kenneth07ex · #21 06-30-2017, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTBMXCruiser

I want to go shoot it at the range this weekend. Finding cheap plinking 357 ammo seems to an issue. I'm not sure I want to run 38s through it cause of that extra jump. That can't be good for it in the long run. How much of an issue is that in your opinions???

No problem at all, in fact the 357 can be harder on the gun. Stay away from 357 with 125 grain bullet, they can be linked to fire cutting issues. Otherwise the 38 or 357, it's all preference. I like the 38+P ammo, and Wal-Mart has a great rollback price on their Remington 100 pack of 38+P for $32.00. Be sure to clean the cylinders good after. Cleaning those carbon rings can be tough, and is essential if you fire both the 38, and 357.