686-3 Questions

[vjp]

Good morning friends. I traded for a 686-3 recently, it had a b-square scope mount on it that I quickly removed after getting it home. I want to put the proper rear sight assembly back on it so I took to the Internet in search of one. From the research I've done so far, I think the -3 had the leaf that was square on the front towards the barrel but my example is going to need the rounded leaf like a -4. Maybe I have a late -3 that was made during a -3 to -4 transition period? It's a head scratcher for me, flash chromed hammer / trigger, newer style rear sight and the frame is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. I'm assuming from research that the proper blade height for the 6" barrel is .146".

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[mnkdad]

I have 3 686-3 and checked all 3 and they all have the sight that is square on the front. Also have a 686-4 that the sight is round on the front so maybe like you said yours is close to the dash change. All the new sights are interchangeable as long as you get the right blade height. But your gun clearly takes the round sight.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

It's always amazed me that people put a scope on a revolver… if you are going to do that, just get a rifle with one. Never really understood that, so I'm glad you took it off and are trying to correct the previous owners mistake and make it right. Maybe I'm a purist but I wouldn't even like a red dot on mine. The 686 is fine just the way it is IMO, so good for you trying to restore it to its proper glory!

 

[verde]

Good morning,
Yes that is strange. Rounded front sight on a dash 3.
There are several of the -4 sights on a popular auction site. The ones I saw were rough.
Good luck.

 

[vjp]

Good morning,
Yes that is strange. Rounded front sight on a dash 3.
There are several of the -4 sights on a popular auction site. The ones I saw were rough.
Good luck.

I took the rear sight assembly off of a new 686 plus and fit it to the older -3. It will work so I ordered an assembly and leaf screw from MGW, about $46 all in. MGW didn't list the blade height for the assembly so I may need to order a new blade and screw unless I get lucky. We'll see once the assembly arrives. I looked at some used rear leaf assemblies listed on eBay but they looked rough and were expensive.

 

[vjp]

It's always amazed me that people put a scope on a revolver… if you are going to do that, just get a rifle with one. Never really understood that, so I'm glad you took it off and are trying to correct the previous owners mistake and make it right. Maybe I'm a purist but I wouldn't even like a red dot on mine. The 686 is fine just the way it is IMO, so good for you trying to restore it to its proper glory!

I'm not above trying a micro red dot and might look at the Allchin mount but I agree, I like scopes for my rifles.

 

[vjp]

Looks like this old girl is gonna clean up well!

 

[BabaBlueJay]

Looks like this old girl is gonna clean up well!

Find some original irons for that bad girl!!! Red Dot is not too bad, at least it's not a scope but if you could find original set up it would be so pretty, already is beautiful but that would make it natural beauty

 

[vjp]

Sight assembly is in. Turns out that the 686+ rear sight assembly from MGW fits nicely in the -3 but the blade looks a bit tall and measured out around .200". Got a .146" to go in if needed. Tried the Allchin red dot mount with a Fastfire II but didn't like the look and quickly removed it.