586/686 Compendium

[BabaBlueJay]

My first S&W revolver was a 4" 686-1 and I immediately became a fan. I wanted to make a one stop thread for all things 586/686 related as I see this as the high water mark of service revolvers.

Engineering Changes:M686 Engineering Changes.

Originally Posted by valkyriekl View Post
The 686 was introduced in the 1980 as the S&W Model 686 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless. It featured flash-chromed, forged hammer and trigger, and had a 6-shot cylinder.

-1 (1986): radius stud package, introduction of the floating hand.

The "M" recall (1987) for the no-dash and -1 guns was to fit a new hammer nose and firing pin bushing to deal with certain brands of ammo causing (potentially fatal) binding when fired.

-2 (1987) incorporated the "M" recall features as standard production.

-3 (1988) floating hand deleted, new yoke retention system

-4 (1993, apparently the most desirable) included a drilled-and-tapped frame, the introduction of the "+" model with 7 shots, flash-chromed hammer/trigger deleted (case-hardened only), new extractor, start shipping with round-butt frame only (no square-butt)

-5 (1997) change to MIM hammer and trigger and frame-mounted firing pin, as well as the frame lug being machined as part of the frame (prior to this it was a separate part, fitted to and pressed into the frame).

-6 (2001, current production) has The Lock

-7 (2002, Performance Center) chambers .38 Super instead of .357 Magnum

(One addition I would like to add to this excellent contribution by Valkyriekl is that the 686 had a flash chromed trigger/hammer through the -3. The -4 and beyond were/are case hardened. Source: Flash Chromed vs. Case Hardened)

US Customs Service 686 CS-1 Thread: https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-r...customs-service-686-cs-1-a.html#post136724643

Apache 586 Thread: My Apache 586s

Prices: 686 prices

(This Section is subject to change based on market fluctuations in supply and demand/inflation/rarity/condition/model/special editions)

New Factory: High 900's to 1300's depending on features.

Used: Roughly 600-1300+ depending on a variety of factors. 3" pre-locks up to -4 tend to command a premium due to rarity and can go for 2000 and beyond.

Picture Thread: 686 picture thread

(You are welcome to post any 586/686 photos in this thread or the one linked)

Barrel Length Threads:

1. https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-r...ch-vs-6-inch.html?highlight=686+barrel+length

2. https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-r...arrel-length.html?highlight=686+barrel+length

The 586/686 are offered in the following barrel lengths:

2.5"
3"
4"
5"
6"
7"
8"

Generally the most popular tend to be the 4" for balance, the 6" for velocity, and the 3" for rarity/carry. The least popular tend to be my favorite 2.5" and those longer than 6" Though this is conjecture on my part and each barrel length has its advocates.

Finishes:
686: The 686 has only two finishes as far as I am aware. That being stainless and midnight black (limited run)

586: The 586 has only two finishes as far as I am aware. That being blued and nickel. Some people (myself included) have mistaken nickel 586's for 686's but it is in fact a 586 if nickel.

Lore/History:

The 686 was introduced in the 1980 as the S&W Model 686 Distinguished Combat Magnum

1. https://revolverguy.com/perfect-revolver-smith-wesson-686/

2. https://www.guns.com/news/reviews/smith-wesson-model-586-revolver-review

3. Navy Seals use of Model 66s or 686s?

4. https://gunmagwarehouse.com/blog/guns-of-the-1986-fbi-miami-shootout/

While many departments used 38 special in their issued guns, a forum member who is former law enforcement spoke of cases where agencies would opt for the power of 357 magnum in the countryside.

Special Editions:

1. Golden Bear 686-6: 686 Golden Bear limited edition

2. Midnight Black: Midnight black 686-3 4" value?

3. 686-7 38 Super: 686-7 .38 Super....

Videos:
1. [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9AR3EBieA0[/ame]

2. [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN02xdLry4U[/ame]

3. [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHal6o3mQN4[/ame]

4. [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KHrp-mpjHA[/ame]

5. [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf7xzpS7VPk[/ame]

 

[gnappi]

I liked your comment:

"high water mark of service revolvers"

And I agree.

 

[hdfinder47]

I just came here to see what a "compendium " was - glad I did. I hope this becomes a sticky for future reference. Thanks for sharing!
Ed

 

[stansdds]

The L-frame really did mark the peak of S&W revolvers, at least in the 6-shot 357 Magnum class.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

The L-frame really did mark the peak of S&W revolvers, at least in the 6-shot 357 Magnum class.

I believe the 686 in particular was the last police issue revolver before the switch to high capacity semis, though I could be wrong on that. I know the Miami shootout article I posted talks about that. The irony being that they replaced revolvers with semis, yet it was ultimately a 686 revolver that ended the threat from the two assailants. Below I posted what they said about that particular incident and the role of the 686.

"This is where we contradict a bit of what was just said about revolvers. The man who ultimately ended the firefight was Special Agent Edmundo Mireles, and one of the guns he did that with was a revolver. Mireles had a Smith & Wesson Model 686 chambered in 357 Magnum that he used to end it, once and for all. As the two murderers began to exit their vehicle, which they’d been using as makeshift cover with mixed results, Mireles fired six shots from his Model 686. Those shots severed the spinal cord of one criminal, killing him, and delivered the final blow to the other killer (the one who’d been shot right off by Special Agent Dove with a single round of 9mm to his lung).

A revolver in the right hands, meaning someone who is properly trained, can be effective. Aside from proper training, there is always an element of luck in a fight for your life. These final shots were taken at close range. It goes to show that a revolver is a legitimate defensive tool, but yes, it might require an extra bit of luck when it comes to capacity. Edmundo Mireles proved it can be done but it’s ultimately your choice what you use as your daily carry. Whatever you use, take the time to train with it, and be capable of speedy reloads regardless of platform."

 

[StrawHat]

I am not a fan of either the L nor the H frame.

I used both a 4” (-1) and a 6” (no dash) in PPC competition. Both were good revolvers. As heavy as my N frames. When I stopped competing, they were sold.

Kevin

 

[stansdds]

I believe the 686 in particular was the last police issue revolver before the switch to high capacity semis, though I could be wrong on that."

You are correct, the L-frame 357 was the last new revolver to be issued to law enforcement officers. Colt also "updated" their Trooper Mk V to create the King Cobra and Ruger introduced their GP-100, but I do not think that either of these ever entered widespread issue with law enforcement agencies. The switch to high capacity semi-automatic pistols was well underway and that was a tide that would not change.

 

[Darkenfast]

I believe the 686 in particular was the last police issue revolver before the switch to high capacity semis, though I could be wrong on that. I know the Miami shootout article I posted talks about that. The irony being that they replaced revolvers with semis, yet it was ultimately a 686 revolver that ended the threat from the two assailants. Below I posted what they said about that particular incident and the role of the 686.

"This is where we contradict a bit of what was just said about revolvers. The man who ultimately ended the firefight was Special Agent Edmundo Mireles, and one of the guns he did that with was a revolver. Mireles had a Smith & Wesson Model 686 chambered in 357 Magnum that he used to end it, once and for all. As the two murderers began to exit their vehicle, which they’d been using as makeshift cover with mixed results, Mireles fired six shots from his Model 686. Those shots severed the spinal cord of one criminal, killing him, and delivered the final blow to the other killer (the one who’d been shot right off by Special Agent Dove with a single round of 9mm to his lung).

A revolver in the right hands, meaning someone who is properly trained, can be effective. Aside from proper training, there is always an element of luck in a fight for your life. These final shots were taken at close range. It goes to show that a revolver is a legitimate defensive tool, but yes, it might require an extra bit of luck when it comes to capacity. Edmundo Mireles proved it can be done but it’s ultimately your choice what you use as your daily carry. Whatever you use, take the time to train with it, and be capable of speedy reloads regardless of platform."

The 686 was owned by Special Agent Mireles, but was not an issued weapon. All the revolvers used by the agents were loaded with .38 Special +P. Issued gun was the S&W Model 13, nearly always carried with .38 ammunition. Most revolvers issued by law enforcement agencies right up to the end of the wheelgun's era were .38 Specials. Those that issued or allowed .357 revolvers usually mandated the carry of .38 Special ammunition.

 

[S&W Fan]

Two no dash

 

[Rock185]

I worked for a large PD that issued S&W model 64 revolvers all the way up until about '92/'93 when Glocks were phased in as the issued primary weapons. But since sometime in the mid to late '70s, we'd been authorized personally owned .357 revolvers, to be carried with department issued .357 ammunition. So I carried a S&W 66 until the L-Frames were introduced. And for me, the 686 revolver I carried for several years did end up being my last duty weapon before going to a semi-auto.

Much as I like the K and N frame S&Ws, Colts, Rugers, etc., the 686 has become my favorite .357..

 

[Birdhunter6]

Though I prefer the K frame for carry and on the range with .38s, when shooting .357s, the L frame is king.

 

[Vtgw938]

The 586 was my last duty revolver and I preferred it over the previous model 19. I think you will find that most rural agencies who had 357's carried magnum loads. We certainly did both with the 19's and the 586. State Police here carried magnum ammo as did about everyone as I recall.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

The 586 was my last duty revolver and I preferred it over the previous model 19. I think you will find that most rural agencies who had 357's carried magnum loads.

That's awesome! I'll have to add that, I always wondered if they always used 38 special or if some departments did in fact use magnums.

Added to the compendium! Thanks for the insight and your service in law enforcement!

 

[Rakkasan13F]

That's awesome! I'll have to add that, I always wondered if they always used 38 special or if some departments did in fact use magnums.

Added to the compendium! Thanks for the insight and your service in law enforcement!

My 4" 686-2 was my dad's personally owned duty gun when he worked for the York County Sheriff's Department in Maine. When his arthritis got too bad for him to qualify with the department's mandated .357 round, he went to work full time in the jail and I bought the gun off him.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

Two no dash

I'll admit I'm tempted to find a 585-3 snub to pair with my 686-3.

 

[bobsguns]

The 686 was owned by Special Agent Mireles, but was not an issued weapon. All the revolvers used by the agents were loaded with .38 Special +P. Issued gun was the S&W Model 13, nearly always carried with .38 ammunition. Most revolvers issued by law enforcement agencies right up to the end of the wheelgun's era were .38 Specials. Those that issued or allowed .357 revolvers usually mandated the carry of .38 Special ammunition.

The Railroad Police had an issue of (I think) the 681 but it came with a .38spl only cylinder. I'm guessing +P ammo is why the Model 10 wasn't issued instead? Who knows with the Fed Govt?

 

[bobsguns]

That's awesome! I'll have to add that, I always wondered if they always used 38 special or if some departments did in fact use magnums.

As I remember, it turned into a rural vs urban thing. Rural departments were mostly in pro-police areas. Urban departments had to deal with rabble rousers asking why the po-po were using "MAGNUM caliber rounds!" (Gasp!) We all know how semantics rule the world of rabble rousers.................

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

"The 686 was introduced in the 1980 as the S&W Model 686 Distinguished Combat Magnum".

The L Frame is perfect for .357 Magnum rounds.

 

[chief38]

When intent on buying a Colt Python back in 1983 I walked into my LGS, looked at, handled, and fell in love with it - up until they told me the price was $440.00. Back then that was about $150 more than I had to spend! I was just about to leave and the owner of the LGS (Louis Greenblatt) said to me he wanted to show me a fairly new S&W which was about the same configuration. OK, I bit. He brought out a 6" blued M586 that did have a full lug barrel but did not have the Pythonesque rib. While it wasn't exactly a Python, it did have a very smooth action, was impeccably finished, had great QC and came with Goncalo Alves target grips. For the price of $283 it went home with me that evening.

I still have it and while originally shot it much more than I do now, I am going to shoot it this Friday. I could have also gotten the M686 or Nickeled, but I much prefer blued guns for target shooting.

 

[SweetMK]

My sights never get knocked out of adjustment,,,,,,,,,,,