686 conversion?

[GlenS]

I have a 6 shot M-686, can it be converted to a 7 shot 686?

 

[colt_saa]

Absolutly

You just need a competent gunsmith and a few parts

 

[Loyaljeeper]

It's getting harder and harder to find a gunsmith to touch a revolver. Smith and Wesson used to perform the service but are only doing warranty work currently. Unless your 686 is special to you, you will be better to sell and buy a 686+. Normally I would say just save and buy a second 686 but prices are up there nowadays.

 

[GlenS]

Absolutly

You just need a competent gunsmith and a few parts

Which parts? I have a competent gunsmith, I need to ask him also.

 

[ladder13]

I sent a 681 to Hartshorne for a chop to 3 inch, a round butt, and to fit a 7 shot cylinder. No word yet, he must be busy.

I think I bought the cylinder from Midway, it was on sale, about a year before sending the gun out.

7 shot cylinder comes with the extractor, from Brownells.

SMITH & WESSON CYLINDER ASSEMBLY, 7 SHOT, NEW STYLE | Brownells

 

[VikingDude]

Which parts? I have a competent gunsmith, I need to ask him also.

Cylinder, extractor and hand

 

[Grayfox]

The cost + time to gain one round? Why bother? Just buy a 686+ and be done with it.

 

[Pine_Worker]

Buy a 686 + and you would be time and money ahead.

 

[mikerjf]

Buy another 686 and have 6 more.

 

[StrawHat]

Cylinder, extractor and hand

You don't even need the hand.

Kevin

 

[Rock185]

Have to make sure B/C gap and headspace are correct with the replacement cylinder. Might need some fitting of ratchet, etc. But otherwise, lockwork is the same.

Some of us in this hobby do things that may not seem practical to others, just because we we can afford it and choose to do it

 

[keithhagan]

OP, ignore the responses telling you to "just buy a 686+" or questioning your motives.

Instead of supplying a response germane to your question, they prefer to tell you that your question was wrong. Many seem to be afflicted with this disorder.

 

[sndbggr1484]

Sounded like a good idea to me too!!!!

686-4,6 Shot & 7 Shot

 

[Gunhohulk]

Just dropped a p&r model 65-1 off with a pinned 4" model 66 barrel to be cut down to 3" and round butted. Why? I say why not?

 

[derek45auto]

My gunsmith did it, while I was having him cut the barrel from 6" to 5"

He needed a new hand also.

 

[ladder13]

Makes a big difference if it's a no lock gun. How many of those are 7 shot? Some -4 and -5's.
7 shot guns with the IL are available (maybe not tight now because of the panic) normally. No big deal.

 

[ladder13]

My gunsmith did it, while I was having him cut the barrel from 6" to 5"

He needed a new hand also.

Looks good with those Ahrends.