I just always love a mystery and that's why I keep going back to the gunstore where you look through the glass all you want but if you need help - good luck.

Today I saw (through the glass) a 2 1/2" Bbl 686 RB facing right side up. Now after talking about pre-lock models previously and being educated that the frame is different, I can definitely tell this is a pre-lock specimen. However, without the never present help letting me look at it, I don't what dash it is. The hammer looks identical to my no dash so I can narrow it down between a no dash and a dash 4. The only other detail I have to work with is that it has a round butt and with my no dash a SB, where did the RB kick in or did they come either way depending?

I've never seen a square butt 2.5" L-frame. That is not to say such an animal doesn't exist, but I do believe even the earliest snub 686s (no-dashes or -1s) were round butts. Unfortunately, this doesn't help you nail down the gun you're looking at.

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SWHF #448

Ya, I should have been more specific that my SB no dash is a 4". So if I'm reading you correctly the the RB's were made in every dash series. Thanks for the info.

I can't help you with the dash number, but in my opinion, ANY pre-lock 686 snubbie in good condition and priced right would have made me stand there unil somebody came over.

I know a thing or two about bad gun shops as I'm surrounded by them, so here's my tip.

1. Call them on your cell phone from inside the store.
2. Tell them over the phone that you saw the gun earlier and want to know if its still there.
3. When the guy comes wandering over to look in the case, introduce yourself, hang up and commence the deal.

I have a 686-4 2 1/2 inch RB and it is one of the best balanced guns I own. L-frames are great guns and I heartily suggest adding one to your personal inventory. Go for it!