686-4 2.5” find

[revho]

Listed as a 3” barrel I thought I would find a black ramp sight and full length extractor. Upon visual it turned out to be a red ramp, 2.5” barrel, & RB. Either way, Couldn’t pass it up for $800. I do not like the grips and am on the look out for K/L RB Shooter grade checkered walnut Target or Magnas. I just prefer the classic look of stainless and walnut or blued with walnut.

On to the pics!

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[SLT223]

Nice find! I really like the 2" 686's. I got 2" 686-3 last year with the same grips. Ugly in my opinion, but man do they fit my hand well! I've slapped on a set of Culina's, but kept the Hogues...at least I think they're Hogues.

 

[rbmac52]

Nice score!

As for the grips, I am not a fan of laminated woods, especially unusual colors. That said, Hogue hardwood grips like those are very utilitarian and ,in the right wood, very good looking.

I'm with you, though, in preferring original factory stocks on classics like that one!

 

[jdlii]

I hope you like it as much as I do mine. Great shooters and the accuracy will surprise you!

Nice find!

 

[MrMoose]

Great revolver you have there - congratulations. I lucked into one in amazing condition last month without the box. I believe my AEZ was produced between 11/84-01/85. I read that these short-barrel L frames were ordered as a custom configuration for Lew Horton and that S&W did not make a 2.5” version before that.

I learned mine is part of a product warning for “reports of cylinder binding with some types of standard .357 Magnum ammunition.” Mine did not have the M stamp indicating the improved hammer nose (firing pin) & hammer nose bushing work was performed. It is in the good hands of our friends at S&W right now for inspection and modifications, if needed. When I get “the call,” I plan on asking about action tune and possibly high bright polish treatment from the Performance Center.

Really curious to hear from others about grips and holsters that work well? Anyone replace rear sight with a combat-style sight? What ammo do you plan to use? If you plan on firing yours and get it out to the range, please let us know how it performs.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congratulations! That's a nice snubbie. I'm with you on the grips.

 

[cremaley]

Very nice find.

 

[Fide686]

Excellent IWB Holster

MK-Tek makes my favorite 686 2&1-2” holster. Kydex with an offset belt clip that will work with even the thickest belt. You can order with out the end pinched for 3” guns. Conceals amazingly well. ‘Wish they made K frame holsters.

 

[Spokes]

Great find. I have shot those short barrel 686's. They balance and shoot great..

 

[CH4]

Congrats on finding such a desirable piece. I sure appreciate my two remaining examples.

-4+
no dash LH

 

[NavySCPO]

Great revolver you have there - congratulations. I lucked into one in amazing condition last month without the box. I believe my AEZ was produced between 11/84-01/85. I read that these short-barrel L frames were ordered as a custom configuration for Lew Horton and that S&W did not make a 2.5” version before that.

I learned mine is part of a product warning for “reports of cylinder binding with some types of standard .357 Magnum ammunition.” Mine did not have the M stamp indicating the improved hammer nose (firing pin) & hammer nose bushing work was performed. It is in the good hands of our friends at S&W right now for inspection and modifications, if needed. When I get “the call,” I plan on asking about action tune and possibly high bright polish treatment from the Performance Center.

Really curious to hear from others about grips and holsters that work well? Anyone replace rear sight with a combat-style sight? What ammo do you plan to use? If you plan on firing yours and get it out to the range, please let us know how it performs.

My -1 has been up there for the same fix for a couple of months now, actually the receipt letter came on March 3rd...All quiet on the Western Front, not a peep out of Springfield yet, but then who knows if they have even been working?

OP, as you can see, not much better looking grips than the Snubby with Combats, just fits this gun perfect IMHO.

 

[llowry61]

Those are all really nice, been looking for one for awhile. Won't pay the full freight on the ones I have seen where folks are asking 1k plus. Love the 686's in all barrel lengths. Need these to cover all the lengths, oh well that is the fun right.

I love the original combats and I am ok with the laminated stocks as well.

 

[revho]

My -1 has been up there for the same fix for a couple of months now, actually the receipt letter came on March 3rd...All quiet on the Western Front, not a peep out of Springfield yet, but then who knows if they have even been working?

OP, as you can see, not much better looking grips than the Snubby with Combats, just fits this gun perfect IMHO.

I wouldn’t kick the combat stocks out of bed!


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[2sharp2]

I would buy that all day long for 8 bills, without blinking...

 

[Mehutch]

I love my S&W 686+ with a 2.5" barrel. Would like to get a 3" but for $800 bucks I can do without the extra .5" barrel. Besides mind is very stylish.

 

[357 shooter]

Nice find on the 686-4 2.5"! The -4s are my favorite L-Frames. Yeah I would get new grips too.

Owned a 686 2.5" in the late 1980s that came with the factory combats which looked fantastic but hurt my hand from round one. The edge at the speed loader cut is where the discomfort for me was at the base of my thumb. I bought new grips for the next range session. I did eventually trade that one.

Some years later I picked up a 2.5" 686-4+ . Seem to be a pretty good shooter. I am glad to see they are going up in price as it would be the first of my L-Frames I would part with.

 

[MrMoose]

My -1 has been up there for the same fix for a couple of months now, actually the receipt letter came on March 3rd...All quiet on the Western Front, not a peep out of Springfield yet, but then who knows if they have even been working?

My receipt came via e-mail on 5/15. Mine will probably take a bit longer because I’m going to have them do (at least) an action tune while they have it in the shop. Great “little” revolver. I’m thinking some Gold Dot Short Barrel rounds will be fun in this one. Anybody have a pet load for their 686 snub?

 

[NavySCPO]

My receipt came via e-mail on 5/15. Mine will probably take a bit longer because I’m going to have them do (at least) an action tune while they have it in the shop. Great “little” revolver. I’m thinking some Gold Dot Short Barrel rounds will be fun in this one. Anybody have a pet load for their 686 snub?

I’m sure some would disagree, but after hours of reading, and literally hundreds of ballistic test videos, I can’t imagine much better for self defense than the Speer Gold Dot. I used to carry only Hornady, but Speer has become my round of choice in whatever I’m carrying. Heck they even make the little 380 look good for expansion (3” or above of course).

 

[Redlegvzv]

Beautiful gun, OP. I just bought a new 686+ 3" myself. I love 686s in all lengths. I like your grips but if you don't, there are plenty to choose from. Liking grips is a very personal thing. I know I've changed my mind about what I like more than once. You might take a look at the Hogue Rosewood grips. They are very, very nice. Have a set on my 4" 686+.

 

[MrMoose]

I have been shopping for some new grips for my revolver as I wait for my 686 to return from S&W wearing an “M” tattoo. I like the original combat grips, but wanted to dial the appearance up a notch or two. I decided on my set of new grips by first reading applicable posts here on the forums, then reaching out for Jennifer Culina at www.culinagrips.com. Jennifer provided expert advice and helped me pick out a nice set of new K/L round “Tiger Eye” wood combat stocks. I must say, the Culina’s have terrific customer service. My new grips are in the mail and I am eager to see John’s craftsmanship up close in person. I have a feeling this will lead to a Culina grip habit

Taking a close look at that Tucker Gun Leather OP referenced also...