I just acquired a 686-no dash and I'm surprised to see that this 4" S&W revolver doesn't come with a white outline. When did S&W start including the white outline on the blade sight? I've seen other 686's that have the white outline. Now, it does have the red ramp. Is it possible to buy a white outline blade? Other than OEM, who would make these? Thanks guys.

I believe that if it has a red ramp, it likely had a white outline rear sight. It’s a common practice to blacken the white outline with a sharpie or paint or replace with a black blade. I color in the rear white dots with black paint and a toothpick.

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213th FBINA

Or install a different blade. I want no white on any of my rear sights.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

I bought a new 686 no dash in the 1980's that had a black rear site from the factory. I prefer it the white outline that came out later.

The factory white outline rear sight ("slide") dates to the 1950s, but other companies made them before WW II. You can find them on some Registered Magnums.

The blades can be bought with or without the white. Personally the outline doesn't bother me.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

My no dash 686 that my late dad bought new in Sept. 1981 came with only the red ramp, I have the original box too and is marked accordingly. I added the white outline rear sight blade to it.

I acquired a new 6" 586 in the mid-80s. It showed up with a red ramp, and plain no-outline rear sights. I think it was $212, which was pretty cheap, even back then!