Revolver 686-3 Performance Center ported barrel 6

Marco Gore · Nov 26, 2023

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum, my name is Marco and I need some advice. I was thinking of buying this Revolver 686-3 performance center with ported barrel.
Can you tell me something about this model? Is this a good buy for my collection?
I would also like to know why the third series of Smith & Wesson revolvers is the most appreciated and sought after.
Thank you!

Browns fan · Nov 26, 2023

The dash 3 IMO is the best version of the 686 series
1. Still sq butt
2. flash chromed hammer and trigger
3. Goncalo Alves checkered grips
4. New yolk retention
4. All updates from the -1 and -2

most Folks say the -4 is the best 686
-4 vs -3 the 4 is drilled and tapped for optics
Other than that ??????
Yes some early 4s SOME have the sq butt flash chromed GA grips

Marco Gore · Nov 28, 2023

Browns fan said:
The dash 3 IMO is the best version of the 686 series
1. Still sq butt
2. flash chromed hammer and trigger
3. Goncalo Alves checkered grips
4. New yolk retention
4. All updates from the -1 and -2

most Folks say the -4 is the best 686
-4 vs -3 the 4 is drilled and tapped for optics
Other than that ??????
Yes some early 4s SOME have the sq butt flash chromed GA grips

Thank you for your answer.
Can you explain to me what kind of improvements the performance center makes?

Jeep 1 · Nov 28, 2023

How do you know this gun came out of the performance center?
I have yet to see it on my full-size computer screen, but I don’t see any difference that stand out of a standard power port gun
Tom

Beemerguy53 · Nov 29, 2023

Jeep 1 said:
How do you know this gun came out of the performance center?
I have yet to see it on my full-size computer screen, but I don’t see any difference that stand out of a standard power port gun
Tom

The Performance Center stamp is clearly visible in the photos, underneath the cylinder release on the left side of the revolver.

Nightowl · Nov 29, 2023

The sights are not the standard ones we see in the states. The rear is much taller and the front red sight is also taller than here and the red ramp is dovetailed in the base. Most 686s of that vintage here the red ramp is forged integral with the base and barrel. The stocks are either modified or after market, looks like a brass base has been added as well. It appears to be in very good shape. It looks somewhat pricey for here, but I have no idea what the market is where you are.

686PC · Nov 30, 2023

That's a great find, Marco. I agree with Browns Fan. The dash-3s 686s are the best 686 version you can get.

I have the 3" version of this gun myself and love it. These particularly special because they were made right before S&W begun using MIM parts, so all parts are forged steel. Also at that time the Performance Center was at its infancy and the best S&W gunsmiths built these guns with a lot of attention given to how these were assembled.

You will probably have a hard time finding another one of these again in Italy, which is where I gather you are located from the price sticker on the gun.

Ciao,
686PC

Revolver 686-3 Performance Center ported barrel 6

Marco Gore

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Browns fan

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Marco Gore

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Jeep 1

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Beemerguy53

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Nightowl

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686PC

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