I came across a pre-lock 7-shot 686-4 the other day. I don't think I've seen one without a lock before.

How rare are these? Do they typically command more money that the 6-shot version? Are they as reliable and un-finnicky as the regular sixguns?

Thinking about picking it up.

Thanks!

I have seen one in the last two years. It was a 4” and priced at about $800 if I remember correctly. If it had been a 2.5 or 3” it would have cost me a divorce. I’m not sure if I saw one previous to that one because I normally didn’t give L frames a second look.

I would bet they had the cylinder replaced.

I wouldn’t say they’re rare just very desirable. Dash 4 in general I see a lot less than the earlier models.

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-Matt

Not sure how rare they are, but I know the - 4 plus is very desirable. I stumbled upon my minty 2.5” 686-4 at a local show. Bought it thinking it was a 6 shot. Already had 3, but for $650 I wasn’t going to let someone else snag it. Once home I removed the cylinder to clean it and noticed something was different. It had 7 holes. Don’t see myself getting rid of it.

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Since buying a 7 shot 686-4 I've learned that they were made for only one year before the -5s came along. No idea on how many were produced, but they are hard to find and desirable.

Which barrel length, and how much??

I wouldn’t call them rare, but they are desirable.

Many consider the 686-4 to be the best iterations produced. They still have a forged trigger and hammer with a hammer nose, use the old style cylinder stop stud, the frames are drilled and tapped for optics mounting and they feature the new style rear sight with a rounded front.

The 686-4 was definitely made in both standard (6 shot) and Plus (7 shot) models. I have one standard 686-4 4” and two of the 7 shot versions, a 2-1/2” Magnaported Lew Horton “Limited Edition” and a 6”. The cylinder stop notches and offset from the chambers on the Plus version, so the cylinders are theoretically stronger.

The standard -4’s came out in 1993 and were replaced by the -5 in 1997, but the Plus version of the -4 wasn’t introduced until 1995. I have no idea on quantities, but they were built for a shorter period of time.

Edit to add:
There are a couple of downsides that you should be aware of.
Formed/boned holsters are different for 6 and 7 shot cylinders, because of the flutes. Some will interchange just fine, but others like the Kramers are stiff don’t easily accept the wrong gun. If you have both versions of the gun with the same barrel length, order a holster for an unfluted cylinder.
Another challenge is counting your shots and knowing when your gun is empty. I’m accustomed to shooting 5 and 6 shot revolvers and don’t have to think about round count, but I struggle when shooting a 7 or 8 shot revolver. Old habits are hard to break!

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"I also cook."

I'll take that bet, and I'll PM you where to send the money.

That’s is a good looking snub, CH4! Beautiful grips! Do you know what kind of grips these are?

Cheers,
686PC


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Thanks!

They are walnut combats from Altamont. Not sure if they are standard production or a special run. Picked them up at this year’s NRA conference.

My 686-5 5" 7-shot is no lock as well.

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Exactly what Chad mentioned above. I would Also add that the 7 shots also command much higher premium. Also if talking rare the performance center 686-4 7 shots are Rare and command even bigger premium. As mentioned the dash 4 686s are considered to be the best dash number by many.

Eric

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I have production dates that cover about a 2 year period for the -4 plus. They were the first of the 7 shot 686 models. I tried selling a 6 inch -4 plus here recently. Very little interest shown. Slow market. But they are excellent guns.

Thanks for all the input, everybody. I went ahead and bought the gun. It came with a nice Galco leather holster, and the price seemed fair. Well under $600.

Are those Altamont stocks factory on this model?

Well done. What a beauty

Very well done sir! I have a 7 shot 686 as well. However with the rubber hogue grips, it is not nearly as pretty as that one.

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Regards,
Russell

Excellent price on a great gun! You scored! The original grips would have been Hogue Monogrips with the S&W emblem, as shown below.

Very nice 686. How about a range report as it has to shoot at least as nicw as it looks. Congrats!!

Just goes to show that S&W quality control is loopy !! haha

That is a great price! Looks very well taken care of too!

I have a 686-4 plus in the 2.5". For range use I'd be just as satisfied with a 6 shot. I guess if I ever sell it I'll be glad its a 7 shot!

It has pained me for years that I don't have the big three in -4 seven shot. It is my holy grail gun. I've never handled one or seen one in the shops, or it would be mine. I have the coins but not the 4" 7 shooter pre-lock 686-4.
I have 8 of the 686's and two 586's. But I am a happy owner of a 686-4 4" six shooter... I said happy didn't I.

Not sure how many were made but I'm happy with mine. -4+ magnaported