New Barrel for 686-4

DexterGSP · Mar 24, 2025

I recently purchased a 686-4 with a 4” barrel. Unbeknownst to me, the prior owner destroyed the bore by causing multiple deep gouges running down 90% of the bore. This is what I get buying a revolver on Gun Broker with the seller listing it in “excellent” condition. I contacted the seller, sent him pictures taken through my bore scope, and he refunded me the entire amount and allowed me to keep the revolver. This could have ended differently. Beware of Gun Broker!!!

Anyway, I would like to change the barrel. I found a local smith that can do it for $150, but I need to come up with the barrel. I found one from Midway. Do you guys think it will fit properly?

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murphydog · Mar 24, 2025

Yes, this barrel will fit your 686 but the rollmarks are incorrect for a -4. You can probably find a correctly stamped used barrel if that matters to you.

Nick B · Mar 24, 2025

I’d like to see pics of the inside of the original barrel .

-BTM- · Mar 24, 2025

murphydog said:
Yes, this barrel will fit your 686 but the rollmarks are incorrect for a -4. You can probably find a correctly stamped used barrel if that matters to you.

This is why I love this forum right here. Never would have caught that myself.

WR Moore · Mar 24, 2025

If when you say "fit properly", you mean it's going to screw right in, clock correctly and have good B/C clearance, the odds aren't good. That's why the smith is charging $150. Fitting may well be involved.

gwpercle · Mar 24, 2025

The other question is ...
is your "gunsmith" up to the job ... does he posess the skill , knowledge and equiptment to do a proper and correct job .
I live in Louisiana and would take it to Clark Custom Guns ...
Them boys know their way around a S&W Revolver ... I would also get them to do a trigger job ... they do triggers that put a Smile on your face and a Song in your heart ... they are more than capable .
Gary

Yendor357 · Mar 24, 2025

Ooooh, great excuse to create a Smython.
The 686 threads are the same as on the new Pythons.

DexterGSP · Mar 24, 2025

WR Moore said:
If when you say "fit properly", you mean it's going to screw right in, clock correctly and have good B/C clearance, the odds aren't good. That's why the smith is charging $150. Fitting may well be involved.

I was thinking more about the locking bolt on the barrel. I know that S&W made some changes on these models throughout the years and I didn't know if that was changed or not.

DexterGSP · Mar 24, 2025

murphydog said:
Yes, this barrel will fit your 686 but the rollmarks are incorrect for a -4. You can probably find a correctly stamped used barrel if that matters to you.

It does matter to an extent. I've looked on ebay and found a couple used -4 barrels, but they were all pretty beat up.

DexterGSP · Mar 24, 2025

gwpercle said:
The other question is ...
is your "gunsmith" up to the job ... does he posess the skill , knowledge and equiptment to do a proper and correct job .
I live in Louisiana and would take it to Clark Custom Guns ...
Them boys know their way around a S&W Revolver ... I would also get them to do a trigger job ... they do triggers that put a Smile on your face and a Song in your heart ... they are more than capable .
Gary

My local smith does. His name is Frank Glenn.

Frank Glenn-Glenn Custom Complete Gunsmithing Service Glendale AZ

Nomadmax · Mar 24, 2025

I'd say that Gunbroker seller was a good one. Maybe they missed the condition of the bore but for SURE they did the right thing by refunding the money and allowing the OP to keep the revolver.

I'd do business with that guy every day of the week.

M29since14 · Mar 24, 2025

If your revolver is otherwise in good shape, please keep looking until you find the correct barrel. One will come along in due time. Mismatched markings are something I doubt you’ll be happy with.

I’d give a little credit to the GB seller. That full refund is more than generous. He could have demanded that you send the revolver back, or worse. Lots of sellers are neither experts about all types of weapons, nor do they thoroughly inspect them and test fire them. He did more than the right thing, IMO, for what that’s worth. I’d be happy.

-BTM- · Mar 24, 2025

Nomadmax said:
I'd say that Gunbroker seller was a good one. Maybe they missed the condition of the bore but for SURE they did the right thing by refunding the money and allowing the OP to keep the revolver.

I'd do business with that guy every day of the week.

Same here. Who was the seller?

Protocall_Design · Mar 24, 2025

I have some take off barrels. They are from the older time frame, but I'm not an expert on what markings would be on what dash number. PM me if interested.

H Richard · Mar 24, 2025

That seller probably got it cheap at a gunshow and never looked down the barrel. He was outstanding how he stood tall for refunding and not wanting the gun back.

stang1911 · Mar 24, 2025

Are you sure the multiple deep gouges aren't lands and grooves.

murphydog · Mar 24, 2025

Protocall_Design said:
I have some take off barrels. They are from the older time frame, but I'm not an expert on what markings would be on what dash number. PM me if interested.

Any with Smith & Wesson on the left side will be for a -5 or earlier. Nice of you to offer!

CH4 · Mar 24, 2025

Yendor357 said:
Ooooh, great excuse to create a Smython.
The 686 threads are the same as on the new Pythons.

Yep, very true, but you can only use barrels made from 1991 forward. Same diameter, but different pitch. You can tell by the single pin front sight; pre 1991 had two pins.

-BTM- · Mar 24, 2025

stang1911 said:
Are you sure the multiple deep gouges aren't lands and grooves.

Wow wouldn’t that be funny

murphydog · Mar 24, 2025

stang1911 said:
Are you sure the multiple deep gouges aren't lands and grooves.

I suspect someone who owns a borescope recognizes rifling.

New Barrel for 686-4

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