I'm in the market for a Smith and Wesson 686 Plus. Was wondering if there is any difference between the S&W plus and the Talo edition. It appears to me that wood grips are the only difference. Can anybody confirm the differences.
Retail is about $125 more on the Talo and since I plan to change the grips anyway seems to me the Talo isn't such a great buy. Am I wrong....thanks...

If its the Talo version I know of the "686 3-5-7" it has a unfluted cylinder,the wood grips and a 5in barrel.

I am looking at the S&W 686 plus 3 inch barrel. They all have the fluted cylinders, regular version and Talo.

I think at the time when the 3” 686+ Talo was first released, S&W was only offering the seven-shot in 4” and 6”. Their 3” was a six-shot revolver with rubber grips. Talo had also initially only made a run of 2,000. I remember seeing those ads back around 08-09. They were suppose to be limited. Not sure what happened as they later changed it to an unlimited run (it continues to be sold.) I think this was a bad move on Talo’s part because the collectors who bought the first run thought they were getting a limited gun.

The only differences I’ve noticed in that 3” model is the combat grips with checkering and the S&W engraved logo. They are beautifully made, but I’m not sure if worth the extra $100. I’ve also compared one of those Talo’s to an older 686 and it seems like the finish is smoother. Also I've never run into a Talo with a canted barrel. This is an issue that has recurred with a lot of recent 686 revolvers that have come from the factory.

The 3-5-7 Talo which was mentioned above is a different offering with different grips and unfluted cylinders. I see them show up more than the combat grips version you saw.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

This thread is about what you asked.

Just brought her home tonight > New 686


From that thread:

"The pic he is showing is the TALO exclusive(or one with the special Talo grips) different SKU 150713 - has forged hammer and trigger not MIM - Davidson lists them - My Darling Bride of 40 years just bought me one last week"

I looked at Davidsons aka galleryofguns.com
This is what they show.

FEATURES:Round Butt, Forged Hammer And Trigger
FEATURES: Drilled and Tapped, Talo Edition

Breechloader thanks for sharing that thread. I had no idea the hammer and trigger were forged. Now that I think about it they did feel more solid.

And I still find those Talo grips to be some of the most beautiful currently offered. They have that almost reddish orange color. It’s a unique looking 686 and I’ve only seen/handled one in the past few years.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

Folks,
I just bought the below from a dealer in Nebraska who is a wholesaler:
Model: 686|686 Plus
Caliber: 357
Action: Double Action
Capacity: 7
Finish: Satin Stainless Finish
Stock: Checkered Hardwood Laminate With Logo
Sights: Front: Red Ramp Rear: White Outline
Barrel: 3"
Features: Round Butt/ Forged Hammer And Trigger

It validates a lot of what has been said on this thread; in that, the forged hammer and trigger are not dirty and the trigger is all solid.

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Ronan24, FL

I would pay that price.
In fact I did pay that exact price for a 686, 3" plus!

It's good to see S&W going back to forged hammers and triggers on certain models.

We have a TALO 637 yet at this point I am not exactly sure what TALO is. Is it a company , style , private lable or what?

Your advice/opinion is much appreciated...

I think your fixed for a lifetime of good shooting. It seems like when I checked recently that was the average price I found after looking at a few wholesalers. CORRECTION: I was looking at the 686 plus 3" but not the Talo Edition, You got some nice upgrades on your model.

I'm also in the market for a 3" Talo 686. The ones I have seen at LGS have the unfluted cylinder and black wood grips. I am hoping to visit another LGS tomorrow to see another 3" model. The first one that I inspected had frame blemishes. Hope the one tomorrow has a straight barrel and no scratches. Asking price is $799.99. I really want to buy one of these this year, just need to find one with a straight barrel and no scratched frame.

I have looked at 12 model 686 revolvers in the past 3 months and 9 of the 12 had canted barrels. Although the one Talo version that I saw did have a straight barrel, but a scratched frame.

TALO stands for Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

See their website:

About Talo ? TALO Distributors Inc

Best,
Rick

That is so ironic & funny at the same time!!

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Ronan24, FL

Raylan,
It truly shoots like a dream! I didn't even have to make any adjustments to the rear sight!! Best money I've ever spent on a firearm. I'm sure you know the feeling!

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Ronan24, FL

If you want to see a good video of one in action, go to YouTube and pull up the review by Hickok45 of the 686. He is shooting the 7 shot Talo version. Made me want one bad. According to him, the Talo version has a better trigger and some other refinements in addition to the wood grips. If you're going to keep it forever, I would pay extra for the Talo version if you can find one. I couldn't so I got a deal on a S&W 686+ Pro 5" 7 shot which I purchased. Regards, Jim

Actually, I don't think there are any upgrades on the TALO models, other than the wood grips, in this case.
They are production line guns, not PC or Pro models.
Some have expressed the opinion that it is less likely to get a canted barrel, etc, with a TALO model. This is because of possible after shipping inspection by TALO. I don't know if there is any truth to that notion.

Best,
Rick

I own the 3" TALO model with the fluted cylinder and wooden grips. Frankly, I don't see any refinements over a standard production gun. My Pro Series 686 SSR, that's a horse of a different color!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I have owned a 686+ for years and have shot thousands of rounds (mostly reloads) through it, it's a great gun, a great shooter!

I have had a 686P - 6" and a 686P - 2 1/2". Have shot thousands of rounds through them since I purchased them in 2003. Never a problem with either. I shoot mostly 38SP to save my 68 year old hands from the wear and tear, but always finish a shoot with a cylinder of 357's. They clean up nicely and look new if I spend enough time on them. I have friends that have the 6" and hunt with them, something I have not done. The 2 1/2" was originally bought for carry but I was unable to obtain a license in NJ - something not many can get. I would recommend the 686P to anyone interested in a reliable, durable, accurate and fun gun to shoot at the range.

There is also the Model 686+ Mountain Gun.

Jerry

Thank you for the clarification on "TALO"
I have long wondered what it ment or stood for.

About 2 decades ago now I bought a 6 inch 686 Classic hunter. Best gun I have ever owned. I think it was around 1989. Paid 375 for it, brand new. Does anyone know if those triggers and hammers were forged back then for this model? Or how I can tell?