686 2 1/2 " or 3"

[mississippi revolverman]

I have a 686 P (seven shot) I always refer to it as a 2 1/2" I see alot of others refer to theirs as a 3"

When I check Wilkapedia on the 686 models they say

686 2.5 " 1988
685 CS-1 3" and 4" 1088 U.S Customs
686 National Security 3" 1992 black finish
686P 2.5 " 1996 lockable

Can someone shed some light on this. I don't want to be incorrect

 

[mississippi revolverman]

I have a 686 P (seven shot) I always refer to it as a 2 1/2" I see alot of others refer to theirs as a 3"

When I check Wilkapedia on the 686 models they say

686 2.5 " 1988
685 CS-1 3" and 4" 1088 U.S Customs
686 National Security 3" 1992 black finish
686P 2.5 " 1996 lockable

Can someone shed some light on this. I don't want to be incorrect

 

[SmithNut]

mississippi,
They made both lengths. They also had some Stocking Dealer specials with a 3.2" barrel. Just measure from the front of the cylinder to the end of the barrel to get the correct measurement of your gun. The 3" and longer versions have a longer ejector rod stroke, which (in addition to looks) is something folks like.

Also, don't use wikipedia as a reference for S&W variations, I'm sure they will whet your appetite, but they will not have all the wierd/special/unique variations noted.

 

[Wayne M]

S&W currently makes both the 2.5 and 3 inch 686s'.

 

[Shorty4T]

Here is a pic of my 686 2 1/2" & 3" you can see the differences that SmithNut makes reference to.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Sam