How about some photos of my new 686 3 incher?





In a Bianchi leather holster, meant for a longer 4" barrel.






The full size forcing, the reason I bought this gun instead of a Model 66.


Only partial extraction with Magnum cases. By the way, I measured the extraction of a 2.5" model, too, and it was only 2 mm (5/64") less than in this 3" model.


Size comparisons with a 1911 Commander size pistol.

That is a nice looking piece. Are you going to use it as a carry gun?


snakeman

Nice gun and great pictures.

What's the logo on the rear of the cylinder? I noticed it under barrel and under the address line too.

The lion head is the CIP inspection mark in Finland, Europe.

CIP is the European version of SAAMI. In Finland every gun released on the commercial market is checked for headspace, proper markings (serial number, caliber, manufacturer etc) and shot with a proof load. Then they stamp the main parts of the gun. It is a bloody nuisance, set up a hundred years ago when metallurgy and production methods were so poor that guns really needed testing. Today it is a total waste of time.

Nice pics. If you want to shed weight to get closer to a M-66, add a factory titanium cylinder.

That is a sweet one. Just picked my 686 4" the other evening, can't wait to bust a few off this weekend.

__________________
Get off my lawn.

Very nice! The S&W 3" Model 686 is one of my favorites too. IMHO, it's probably the best CCW revolver out there. The barrel is just "short enough" for easy concealment, but long enough to allow the .357 Magnum cartridge's powder to burn fully, it offers full length extraction, and a heavy enough barrel to reduce recoil significantly. Here's mine with Hogue grips (Goncalo Alves):

__________________
I'm not fluent in the language of violence, but I know enough to get around in places where it's spoken.

Sasu,

Can you describe your photo technique/equipment used to take your pictures?

Your close-ups are exceptionally very good.

I am not sure if stock digital cameras can take that quality of close-up pictures without a macro lens. I've never tried to take one that close.


Thanks!

Very nice gun, just like a new born, they all look pretty. Sell the auto and buy another revolver so it can have a room mate .

The camera is an old, cheap compact Nikon Coolpix 5600. It has a macro setting. What I can say, I would rather spend my money on guns and ammo.

Here are some of the techniques I use.

Use natural light because it floods the object from almost all directions; the flash makes for too bright lighting and very hard shadows.
Hold the camera steady; I use a small cardboard box for support; I can turn the cardboard box to different positions to vary the camera height.
Choose the right color balance for the lighting you are using (e.g. sunny, cloudy, ...).
Select a background that is close to the color of the gun.
Wipe the gun dry since oil on the surface makes it look blotchy.
Use photo editing software to crop the images to remove all that is unnecessary.

If I want to get really, really tight close ups I hold a 20x jeweler's magnifying loupe against the camera lense, see the 1911 extractor tip and the 45 ACP primer for a sample.

The 686 3 inch is my personal favorite, was my first revolver purchase, and is, in my opinion, the most versatile handgun a person could own.


The photos are fantastic...outstanding work!

Thanks for sharing your tips.
.

Very nice revolver sir and congrats! Have a 686 CS-1 on it's way. Can't wait for it to arrive. I'll take the 686 over that Kimber any day of the week.

__________________
V/R
Roger / SG

that 3" is very very nice. should look better with wooden grips like the ones on the 586 L-comp. Of course the woods are shorter but better to carry.

Here is my Md-686 PC gun.


There is a Md-686 3 incher in here some place.

__________________
Jim
SWCA #2246

Very nice collection Jim! Where is the 686 in the group photo? It's 0514 and I'm drooling on my computer desk looking at that collection. BTW the 686 PC is my favorite.

__________________
V/R
Roger / SG

Right side 2nd one up from the bottom is my Md-686 3 incher. Others there are Md29-3 Lew Horton gun,a Md66-3 3 inch, a Md 686 2 1/2",Md625-2 3 inch,2 Md 629 3 inch and a Md657 3 inch

__________________
Jim
SWCA #2246

Yes I like those 3" guns too.

__________________
May God Bless The USA

Is the unfluted 686+ something you did custom?

I'm not aware of an unfluted production gun.

.

It was a standard production that smith put out under the same product code as the one above it. I have only seen two others like it.

__________________
May God Bless The USA

Wow....thanks for the info.

I'm jealous.
.

Three inch 686 plus with Rogers grips.
Simply Rugged holster for 3 or 4 inch.


[IMG][/IMG]

Here's a good part of the family: 686-6, 65-3, 66-7, 60-14.

Attached Images

	photo (1).JPG (127.7 KB, 160 views)
	photo (2).JPG (126.9 KB, 116 views)
	photo (3).JPG (122.2 KB, 127 views)