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Hello all
[could you tell me the differences that exist between a 686 "normal" and a 686 "target champion" and if this target version exists for each evolutions of mod 686? thank you

It looks nice! Have never seen 1 before. It could have been part of a special order by a distributor. A European Model? I have a standard 686-3. (1989) Do have a 686-6 Pro Series, which is different. Bob

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Could be a product code 104268... I would be willing to say the only real difference is that it is laser engraved with 686 Target Champion. And I may be wrong but product codes are only one dash number or another I dont think they extend into multiple dash numbers. If that makes sense. Is it a dash 1 or a dash 2?

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USAF AMMO

The "Target Champion 686" was a release for Europe, and had a bead blast finish and different stocks. The basic gun is no different than any other 686. It was Product Code # 104268.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Fuch, do you know the serial number or have any other details? More pictures? A web site?

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

thank you for your answers unfortunately I have no more details regarding the serial number I think it is a base of 686-2 or 3, according to you it would be a specific model for Europe ?? I am interested in this gun maybe for a purchase, because it is on sale in Holland, for the little that I learned it would seem that the relaxation was worked and the organs of sight are different ?? to confirm I expect more details of the gunsmith who sells the price is + - $ 600

$600 USD is not a bad price for 686. Be sure, however, that who ever tinkered with the trigger pull knew what he was doing. If not, there could be safety issues which would necessitate replacement of the hammer and/or trigger.

The case colored trigger and hammer are indicative of a -4. The front blade is called a Patridge sight, and S&W frequently uses it on dedicated target revolvers.

The Target Champion was a series of guns sold in the EU over many years. I've see Model 617's (a 6-inch .22LR J-frame) and Model 627's (a 6-inch .357 N-frame), as well as Model 586's (the blue version of the L-frame M686).

These guns were all marked Target Champion. Though they look a little different, they all came off the standard production line and received no "special" gunsmithing at the factory.

You never know, so check for proper function, but It's doubtful anyone has messed with the insides.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

If the function is proper then I'll bet that is one fine shooting 686. The patridge sight, in my opinion, is superior to the red ramp for target shooting and I prefer that style sight on any revolver barrel longer than 4 inches. Looks like a nice gun.

thank you for these technical details on this 686 "target champions" which ultimately is not so special !! if not the engraving lazer on the barrel, purely commercial attraction I imagine

thank you for this clarification, I await news of the gunsmith who sells it and if I take it, I will not fail to inform you about its possible shooting qualities.

I own a 686 -6 Target Champion. Deviations from the stock model are :
Nill grips, wide hammer and trigger, LPA rear sight and patridge front sight.

The story I've heard is that the TC's are "built" in Germany, meaning that the German importer gets a batch of 686's, takes them apart in order to pick'n'match parts, again in order to get a revolver with the tightest specs possible.
The remaining parts/revolvers they consider out of spec gets shipped back to S&W.
Sort of a German PC gun.

That's the story I've heard regarding Wischo imported revolvers, not sure now, with Waimex being the importer.

My -6 TC is without a doubt the tightest and smoothest S&W I own, no end shake, tight cylinder/barrel gap, perfect timing and a smooooth trigger. It seems very well put together.

Interesting.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

There has never been a 686 that is “not so special.” Buy it and you’ll see.

L frame is always a good choice.
I own a 586 and wouldn't part with it.
Great size. Great action. Great shooter.

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What would Jim Cirillo do?

The front sight is different from my 'red ramp' sight.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

My "story" seems to be the common consensus here in Norway.

Wether it is true or not, I can't tell, but most shooters over here seem to belive it to be.

All TC's I've seen wear European proof marks. Revolvers brougth in by the official importer don't have any proof marks at all, as they come directly from the US to Norway.
Target Champion have never been an "official" model in Norway, they're side-imported from Germany by individual gun stores.

We got a shipment of these 686 "Internationals" here in Australia.

http://www.rpgfirearms.com.au/HI%20RES/10125_vFinal.pdf

From my source, these were intended to go to Germany originally. For whatever reason, the order was cancelled and the Australian importer was offered a chance to purchase.

Do you know the serial number on these? Probably not, but if you ever do see one up close find out and make a post. I'll likely see it.

Obviously, it's a -6 of recent manufacture. Based on the features and small details, I'd guess within the last three years.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

I wish S&W would offer their main supporters the same guns that are going to Europe and other far flung parts of the world. There have been some I've caught a glimpse of here and there over the years that I'd really like to have, but they are hard to find out about and even harder to obtain.

Toolguy; you might not like the price tag that goes with some of these exclusives. A base 686 goes for about $1400AU here in Australia. You might miss out on some exclusives here and there, but you definitely have the better end with your prices. We also miss out on your Talo and Lipseys exclusives.

I suppose in the end, everything is a trade-off. Thanks for the info.