686+ frame size and round or Square butt

Maddawg46 · Aug 20, 2020

Bought my wife the 686+. Its a 7 shot but nowhere does it say “+”, or L frame or round or square but. Not on the frame or manual or labels on the box.
But we all agree These new Smith rubber grips suck. She wants some Nice wood finger grove grips . Can you guys help me out With frame and what grip frame she has. I assume all the new 686 Are “L “ frame.
I was Looking at Hogue any other recomendations.

Fanner50 · Aug 20, 2020

"L" frame, round butt. Go to Midway.com and order some Hogue wood round to square frame conversion grips. That's what I did. They were the only ones in stock. They look really nice on the gun. They have finger grooves.

robertrwalsh · Aug 20, 2020

All 686 are by definition L-frames. I am not sure if they are all now made with round butts but it is easy enough to tell. The bottom corners on the square butts are relatively square and the bottom corners on the round butts are significantly rounded off. They use the same grips as K-frames.

bananaman · Aug 20, 2020

My 686-6, is a Pro Series. 5" barrel, 7 shot. Fine action. I changed factory rubber grips to Hogue round to square conversion. Works for me! Bob

vinnyd34 · Aug 20, 2020

Grips

Altamontco.com also makes some very nice grips for your 686, with many options of style and wood types. hth

kaaskop49 · Aug 21, 2020

Ultra-short strain screw

Has anybody noticed how short the strain screw is on the RB 686+ guns? I've bought 2 recently; I worried when I saw the length of these screws. Both were fully seated, so that is not an issue. Ignition of factory magnum loads has been 100%. I realize there are differences in 'geometry' between SB and RB guns re this screw, but, hey. Wish I had photo capacity. Any info appreciated!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Bumpus13 · Aug 21, 2020

Maddawg46 said:
Bought my wife the 686+. Its a 7 shot but nowhere does it say “+”, or L frame or round or square but. Not on the frame or manual or labels on the box.
But we all agree These new Smith rubber grips suck. She wants some Nice wood finger grove grips . Can you guys help me out With frame and what grip frame she has. I assume all the new 686 Are “L “ frame.
I was Looking at Hogue any other recomendations.

Altamont makes some nice ones at reasonable prices.

I’m a big fan of these on my 686+ ...

They’re made by Kim Ahrends - round to square conversion Retro Combat made from maple.

Unfortunately, he’s recently gone out of business. His business is being run by someone else now, so the originals have gone up in price if you can find them.

Pine_Worker · Aug 21, 2020

The square butt was dropped from the 686 in 1996. All 686+ are round butt. The 686+ 7 shot was introduced in 1996. Altamont grips are very good and have a wide selection. Robertson Trading Post has Herrett conversion grips for S&W K frame for sale at $33.00. K and L Smiths have the same grip size. These are what I have on my 686-6.

Invictus357 · Aug 21, 2020

Congrats on the 686+. It is one of the best revolvers ever made.

As others have said it's an L frame and is round butt.

If you want some nice round combats I would try Altamont. I love their target conversions on my 629.

If your beloved wants some super fancy pants grips, try Culina.

Their round combats are gorgeous.

Culina LLC | Custom Grips

Jason Demond · Aug 21, 2020

Pine_Worker said:
The square butt was dropped from the 686 in 1996. All 686+ are round butt. The 686+ 7 shot was introduced in 1996. Altamont grips are very good and have a wide selection. Robertson Trading Post has Herrett conversion grips for S&W K frame for sale at $33.00. K and L Smiths have the same grip size. These are what I have on my 686-6.

Pretty much this.

The grip frame on both the L and the K frame is exactly the same and will take the same size grips. Your gun is a round butt and will accept any K frame round butt grip you can buy.

I bought a pair of these grips listed above for an N frame. I have my doubts they are actually Herretts, but they aren't bad for the money. Mine had some finish issues with bubbling, but they buffed out. Grain is slight, but they are not unattractive.

686+ frame size and round or Square butt

Maddawg46

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Fanner50

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robertrwalsh

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bananaman

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vinnyd34

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kaaskop49

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Bumpus13

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Pine_Worker

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