686-4 7 shot, 4" barrel

[jughed440]

I've been wanting a shooter grade pre-lock 7 shot 686 or 681 for a project gun and ended up with a 686-4 + with a 4" barrel that was listed on Guns International. The asking price was reasonable for its condition. It had light surface rust on the hammer and trigger, and also has minor pitting from moisture trapped under the original Hogue rubber grips. Also has a ding or two, but the action is perfect and it appears that it wasn't fired much. Too bad the box is long gone. I like these newer style S&W grips for shooting.
Through some research i've discovered that this particular Model 686 was made for only one year and is very hard to come by.
Anyone have a clue the production number??

 

[swagmeister]

Sorry, can't help with a production number, but I like that gun!!!

 

[THEmodelof1989]

Product code 104194 for the 4"

... now give it to me. ��

 

[thechoochlyman]

Funny, I was just researching pre-lock 686+ models this morning to see what was available. Very nice!

 

[rm06]

I've been wanting a shooter grade pre-lock 7 shot 686 or 681 for a project gun

Nice blaster, what kind of project are you planning?

 

[jughed440]

Nice blaster, what kind of project are you planning?

A barrel swap ..and maybe rear sight change. But that may be saved for something else. I was hoping that someone had a 6" version that they would let go. Wouldn't make much sense to change the barrel on this one.

 

[Engine49guy]

IMO the four inch 686-4 + is the high water mark in the L frame 357 evolution.

I would leave it alone unless you can track down a Mountain gun barrel.

 

[jughed440]

IMO the four inch 686-4 + is the high water mark in the L frame 357 evolution.

I would leave it alone unless you can track down a Mountain gun barrel.

The price was good for any -4 7 shot, but after finding out that the 4"are kinda scarce I've decided to leave it as is.

 

[357 shooter]

Yeah I would leave it as is! I came close to buying a new one just like yours at a gun show some years ago but they would not give me squat on my 617 for trade.

I have a 24 year old 686-4 6" and another 686-4 plus 2.5". A four inch would really complete the collection although my new 586 4" will fill in for now.

 

[Bob L]

Very nice looking revolver. One that I would love to own. Now for the range report Please.

 

[Tanners Owner]

IMO the four inch 686-4 + is the high water mark in the L frame 357 evolution.

I would leave it alone unless you can track down a Mountain gun barrel.

That’s exactly what I have. I didn’t do it, I traded for it about 10-15 years ago. My favorite wheelgun among favorites

 

[jughed440]

Nice blaster, what kind of project are you planning?

To be more specific I've always wanted a PC 681, un-ported preferred...3" over 4". The cost of owning an original means that I'll be going the cheaper route. I plan on shooting it, and carrying it on the property anyway. I have a surplus 4" un-ported PC 681 barrel from Numrich for the project.

Someone else has done it with a 681 frame and a 3" barrel. I like the look of the 681 without the rear sight. This one of course is a standard frame which was converted to round butt.

 

[rubiranch]

This is my 6" 686 no dash. My best shooter.




This is my 5" 686-6. When did the 686 go to 7 rounds?

I have the opportunity to pick up a 4" 686. Not sure what dash but its a six shooter.

I swore I done but this 4" will be hard to pass up.

 

[Mehutch]

My Holy Grail. After many years of searching for the pre-lock model, I have come close with a 686-4 4 inch 6 shooter, and a 686-5 4 inch 7 shooter, but no banana's today. I should be happy, and I am. But I will have to let this one go, however the hole remains, I will drift into the rules of the night.

See the hole that begs to be filled...






and the hole remains.



I count myself very fortunate indeed.

 

[rubiranch]

So dash 4 were either 6 or 7 shooters??

When or were they ever all 7 shooters?

 

[357 shooter]

So dash 4 were either 6 or 7 shooters??

When or were they ever all 7 shooters?

I have two 686-4s , one is a 6" 6 shot and one a 2.5" 7 shot. Almost bought a 7 round 4" some years ago. I don't remember them all being 7 shooters at any time.

Mehutch , very nice collection you have!

 

[Shark Bait]

The first 7 shot 686's started with the -4 iteration and S&W was made in both 6 and 7 shot versions since then. I have been trying to track the -4+ production and so far the earliest is from October of 1995 and the latest is a Lew Horton (product code 107103) in March 1998.

Here's a 2.5", 4", and a 6" -4+.

 

[rubiranch]

The first 7 shot 686's started with the -4 iteration and S&W has made both 6 and 7 shot versions since then. I have been trying to track the -4+ production and so far the earliest is from October of 1995 and the latest is a Lew Horton (product code 107103) in March 1998.

Here's a 2.5", 4", and a 6" -4+.

Thanks Shark Bait. I appreciate the info.

 

[Barrie]

Design wise I can see some of the model 627 in this model as well. If it fires close to the 627 then it is a good buy for the price.

 

[Mehutch]

I was lucky to see this 586-7 4 inch 357 Mag 7 shooter, put my coins down and installed the 'Plug'. Damn fine shooter. Seems they are on the rare side, oh well this one will never be on the market again. It is an elegant weapon to be sure.