I know this has been discussed some in the past but I would like to hear from anyone who has actually done this.

How did you do it? Can you show pics?

I am seriously considering doing this to my 4" 686 as I really do not like the full underlug. If it goes well I might just do it to my 5" 629 also.

Any and all input is welcome. But please no name calling.

John

It would be a lot easier to find yourself a 4" 19 or 66.

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I'm with the banned ...

I had it done to a 586 & a Ruger GP, but I wouldn't attempt it myself.
Like the results on both.
Denis

Unless he wants an L frame that is not as sensitive to .357 ammo. A half lug L frame would be a huge hit, not that S&W listens to their customers.

The urge to tinker with guns (rational or irrational is immaterial) seems to be mankind's strongest inherent biological drive--stronger even than sex drive or the overwhelming compulsion to censor others' speech.

Look at this thread, post #30. The fella that did the work tells how he did it and what he would do differently the next time.

586 lug cut down

Thanks for the replys. I am going to do this myself. I am a machinist,(not anymore), so I do have an apptitude for this kind of work.

Thanks for the link to past posts. It is informative. Any other input is still welcome.

John

John ... Good luck with the project. Please post some pics when you're through. Do you plan on maintaining a rounded "pencil-type" barrel once the lug is off, or possibly keeping a flat section for some type of rail mount?

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I'm with the banned ...

After looking at that other thread, I say go for it! If you can get the results that Doug Add got, I think you'll be pleased. Looks like an oversize Model 19. Don't forget pictures!

The factory did produce the 620/619 combo and also the 686 Mountain Gun special run. Unfortunately they were available when I had no money or time for guns.

I think the gun in the post Duke426 refers too looks better than either of the factory options. The 620's barrel looks a little strange and the Mountain Gun version's barrel is too light. The pre-lock frame is better looking too.

jspick, I say go for it. It should come out very nice. If you mess up or don't like it you can always make it a 3" which is cool too.

The S&W Performance Center has routinely produced both 686's and 627's with a modfied undelug and somnetimes a slab sided barrel. I own several: S&W 646 in 40 S&W, S&W 686 in 38 Super, a 625PC and S&W 627. There is also the 686 with 5 inch barrel and HiViz sight which also comes without an underlug but with a somewhat heavier barrel.

Sell or the trade the gun for 4" model 27 or 28. You won't regret it. Good luck.

I am planning on having the barrel rounded. I want a "traditional" looking barrel. I know, I know, a underlug is now traditional. But I do want a somewhat better looking, (to me), less heavy, "full frame" 357.

I have a 66 and like it. I want my 686 to look like the 66. I have had several N frame 357's and they are great guns. They just seem too heavy and big for me. Nothing wrong with the gun itself. Just my taste.

I will start another thread when I start this project. BUT Sat. is opening day of hunting season and I do have my priorities!

John

I say go for it...I had a 6'' 586 that I wanted to de-lug but the hard chrome plating it had made the job impractical cost-wise. Give us a pictoral on your success.

Now I want to buy another 586 and cut it.

I too like the cut underlug's style but didn't want the weaker K frame and I'm not the biggest fan of the look of it on the 4" 27, at least in comparison to how it looks on the K frame.
But this? Just like how the L frame is the perfect combo of the two frames, it also has the best look with the half/cut-underlug

I saw a 686 mountain gun barrel on gun broker a night or two ago. Don't remember the price but it would probably be worth it. IMO.

If the picture looked like this and its listed by Magnum Mark forget it:


Speculation is that the seller really doesnt have one for sale and just enjoys watching people bid on it to see how high they will go , Pretty sure it has gone up to like $350 or $400 bucks a couple times
but the "Undisclosed" reserve price is probably 1 Million buck$ ..undisclosed reserve auctions suck.

How about finding a 686SSR? It has the tapered half underlug and would give you an excuse for a new gun. And no, the gun is not loaded, those are snap caps.

Attached Images

SSR.jpg (184.3 KB, 104 views)

I don't know if you guys are having trouble but I have not recieved one email notice from this thread. I have to come to the forum and find it and read it. And yes I have the "instant email notification" option picked.

But anyway, the gunbroker auction is at $300 for the 686 Mountain barrel. I think a file and bandsaw is a lot cheaper.

I need to figure out how I am going to hold the frame while I file on it. I'm thinking rubber pads in a vise.

John

Totally different style

"I need to figure out how I am going to hold the frame while I file on it. I'm thinking rubber pads in a vise."


How about bolting the grip frame between two pieces of 1/2 in plywood. Then, you can use a vice or clamps to attach to bench. Something like how guns are held by a Ransom Rest.

Rick

I have often contemplated doing the same surgery on my 6" M586 but I keep recalling why I bought it in the first place - kinda of Python-esque and that was when I wanted a Python but could not afford one.

Now that I can afford a Python I lost my lust for them. Still like 'em, but I'd rather put money in to Colt SAA'a, 1911's and traditional vintage Smith's.

Since yours is stainless you wont have the big expense of re-bluing it. Good luck with your project and don't forget to post the final photo's.

Chief38