Looking at buying the S&W 686 Plus Pro Series-Experience on how the satin finish holds up? I've had random luck on gun finishes and I'm hoping S&W's satin finish on this gun is quality-I couldn't find much about the finish and its durability-scratches/flaking/etc. Experiences welcome. Link to the firearm below.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/l-frame-178038

A M686 is Stainless Steel and will never peel or flake since it is not a coated or have an applied finish. They simply finish the raw metal to a satin, soft looking finish. Sometimes through constant holster carry the finish may get a bit shinny where the holster makes contact with the metal, however I doubt you are buying this model to carry so it would more than likely be a non issue.

I have no scientific evidence and have not kept official records, but from what I have seen & heard here on the Forum, many of the Pro Series revolvers are not put together in a proper manner and many seem to have QC issues. One would think just the opposite since the revolver is getting extra care and refined for a specific use, however this is simply what I have noticed over the last 10-15 years.

If you can personally inspect and check one out, that would be key! If this is something you would be ordering or buying online, I'd not buy it without the specific right to return and not accept it upon careful inspection. I would check for barrel alignment, lock up, timing, barrel/cylinder gap, fit and finish, yoke alignment, general function and action smoothness, and of course general overall quality. While a purchaser of a brand new gun should not have to worry about all of this, it's just the way things are now.

Personally, I'd opt for a standard model 686 and not a Pro Series as they seem to have less issues, higher QC and shoot quite well. Again, no scientific records kept, just my general consensus from being here for many years and reading many complaints about Pro Series guns. Good luck with your purchase however you proceed.

It shows on S&W website its stainless but the satin finish i thought was a bead blast finish?

So far so good! 2016 production. I am careful with all of my firearms. Bob

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I had a 686 SSR/Pro Series. It did have a very fine bead blast type finish. It was as chief38 describes. What you're looking at on this revolver is the stainless steel itself, there is no coating to flake, peel, discolor, etc. It can be scratched, just as any surface can be. If the surface gets shiny from holster wear, scratched, etc. it is easily restored. Since the finish is easily applied at the factory, S&W has used this finish more and more on their guns. Much quicker to apply than a polished, or even brushed finish, as on so many S&Ws in years past.

BTW, My early 686 pro series was fitted well, timed up, no excess end shake, overall a very nice evolver. But, shooting from a rest at 25 yards, shots were all over the paper. I thought I had checked everything, but neglected to look at the muzzle crown. It was VERY crude and uneven; think crazed monkey with a Dremel. Sent it back to S&W. They promptly recrowned the muzzle and returned it. Problem solved.

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The satin finish on my model 69 farm gun wears terribly . I would much prefer a brushed finish as that is easily restored with grey scotch brite pads . Mine shows multiple shiny spots from holster wear and no doubt dirt from my usage. It is with me on the tractor, feeding cows, building fence etc so I guess that’s hard use. But I did not get it as a show piece so who cares

I have that frosted finish on my 625JM and it is the most fragile firearms finish I have ever encountered. Rub it against anything and that rub mark will be there forever unless you decide to just polish the gun.

I shoot filthy wadcutters and the cylinder is getting just a little more polished from more effort cleaning.Never holstered the gun but i think its held up well with 10+ years of heavy use.Gunsmith said its easy to touch up with right size media if needed.