I just bought a real nice 686-6 w/ 4" barrel through a friend for a real good price. It came with Uncle Mikes boot stocks. I had an extra set of Ahrend combat boot stocks that I installed last night. Trying to decide if I like the shorter grips on this 4" revolver.

What I am looking for is some opinions on putting boot stocks on 4" or longer barreled revolvers. I actually like the feel of the boot stocks, but think the "assembly" doesn't look balanced. I haven't shot it yet, but hope to do so real soon.

Anyone here ever tried boot stocks on their "non-snubbie" revolvers? Thoughts? Pictures?

This is a picture I received from the last owner. It shows the Uncle Mike's stocks. I will try to show an updated pic with the Ahrends as soon as I get a chance to take it...


**Update** Here are a couple I took tonight. These are the Ahrends Combat Boot stocks. I installed the silver S&W medallions..




THANKS!!

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Mark

Mark, nice looking M686! I do not have a L frame with "boots" on it, but, I have shot a M581, that one of my friend's has, with Ahrends boot on them. Felt fine, actually felt good in the hand. The longer barrel with the short grips makes it look out of balance, but from a shooting standpoint they worked fine. Good luck on your decision

Interesting, I might try that on my 696.
As to the "look" I'd stay at four inch or shorter, but that's just me.

Thanks! It has been shot very little. Hardly any turn ring on the cylinder. Was pretty dirty though, so I did a MAJOR cleaning and rubbed a little Mother's on it last night and it looks almost brand new now.

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Mark

Updated the original post with new pictures. Let me know what you think.

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Mark

Looks wise, it looks out of balance to me also. But if it feels good to shoot and fits your hand, go for it.

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Independent Field Tester/R&D

Nice looking stocks.

I like the S&W targets a lot, and shoot well with them, but they slow my draw and reload times, so my 4" no dash 686 wears Pachmayr's. Not so pleasing to the eye, but they feel good in my hand. Same set I had on a 686 that I carried on duty years back.

I think they look very good - a little out of balance. Bet they would look better balanced on my 3" model.

Pete

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Don't tread on me

Mark, OK, I like them. Yeah they make the Smith look nose heavy, but I like the look. Just my opinion, obviously, but I really like them. So they are the square butt boots, right?

I really like the job you did putting the medallions in.
Did you have to destroy some other stocks to get the medallions?
Been pondering doing the same on my 3" 624 W/Ahrends:

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

You mean like this:

Recent 696-2 Find and new wood.

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Is it safe?

Thanks! I bought the pair of medallions off of eBay. I checked and the guy I bought them from isn't selling them anymore. But I remember finding a few sets when I was searching for them.

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Mark

I would agree. The shorter the barrel the better the boots would look. The 4" barrel is definitely at the limit for this type of stock!

Thanks! Theses are round butt boots.

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Mark

Just got an offer (I couldn't refuse!) to buy this gun locally and have decided to sell. Easy Come - Easy Go!

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Mark