686 dash numbers, best ones?

[zeeew]

Hello all

Can someone tell me some of the differences in dash numbers for the 686? What mods the factory did to change the dash numbers? I have a 8 3/8 no dash target version (TT,RR,WO,TS), just wondering what dash number to look for if I decide it needs a friend, that will most likely shoot as well as this one does.

Eric

 

[zeeew]

Hello all

Can someone tell me some of the differences in dash numbers for the 686? What mods the factory did to change the dash numbers? I have a 8 3/8 no dash target version (TT,RR,WO,TS), just wondering what dash number to look for if I decide it needs a friend, that will most likely shoot as well as this one does.

Eric

 

[ladder13]

Dash 4 is generally recognized as the best version, though the differnce from dash 3, I think is minor. Others with more knowledge will advise.

 

[SmithNut]

My preference is the -4 for the following reasons:

Last to have all forged parts (hammers and trhiggers) - yes you may find the occasional -4 wit a MIM trigger, but it would be a late one (and easily changed back to forged).

Last to have the firing pin on the hammer, where it belongs

Transition from RB/SB versions to all RM during this engineering change, means you can find them both ways..... bonus

The newer styled rear sight assembly is inset into the topstrap, really looks well finished, and the screw is more robust than the earlier style.

Old style frame lug, looks more traditional.

This model still had the hammers that "fit" the looks, i.e., they were larger than later hammers where they went to a one-size fits all scenario (even on the 500 - yuck).

Give me some more time and I'll come up with some more reasons.....

 

[SmithNut]

Because of the above, the -4 will be the basis for all my projects going forward, all I need to do is find the right RB or SB for the mission.

I've got a nice new 7" barrel, gotta find a clean -4 with SB for that next project....

 

[MTAustin]

Here I thought I was the only one with a no dash 8 3/8" 686.

 

[Gordo1]

Hey, I have a 686 no dash. Does it qualify?

 

[zeeew]

So, is a no dash still good? Do they have all forged parts?
Were no dashes made before the dashes started? I know nothing about the dash system.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

No dash through -4 are all good. I've got two -4's and like smithnut, I feel they are the apex of the evolvoultion-but that doesn't mean I would turn down a no dash, ,-1,-2 or-3

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, FWIW, I've had only one 686, a 6-inch no-dash. It grouped better at 100 yards than my Mini-14. Not hard, I know, but that still impressed me.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[Revolver King]

Everyone left out a very important difference, it is the 1st 686-4 that was drilled and tapped from the factory for a weaver base for a scope or red dot. I love my dash 4s. Also the birth of the 7 shot came in with the dash 4.

 

[624 Fan]

I've had a -1, -3 and -4. The -1 had (by far) the worst polish job on the frame. The -3 and -4 both had terrific fit and finish. My -4 was a 7 shot, but it had the round butt, which I'm just not crazy about. I think an early -4, with wood grips, square butt and new style rear sight would be the absolute pinnacle of the 686 series. Any -4 or earlier 686 is a-o.k. in my book! I've owned lots of .357s including Pythons and I think the 686 was (pre -5) the best general use .357 ever made.

 

[18DAI]

686-4........7-shot!

 

[ladder13]

Originally posted by 18DAI:
686-4........7-shot!

I'm definitely looking for one of those. Almost got one in the Classifieds here, about a year ago, but was in another section at the time.

 

[Revolver King]

686-4 7shot

686-4 7 shot

686-4 7 shot

242 7 shot

 

[Seven For Sure]

Never seen a 242 before, thanks. Seems strange it's got a humback but SA only? Why not make it like a big 638 or 642 I wonder? How many were made?

 

[Revolver King]

They were only made for 1 year. don't know how many.

 

[deepocean]

Originally posted by 18DAI:
686-4........7-shot!

How do these compare with the 6 shot 686s?

Is there any difference in the loads you can shoot with a 7 shot versus a 6 shot? Is the diameter of the 7 shot cylinder thicker than that of a 6 shot? I'm wondering if there are any differences in the thickness of the area between each cylinder due to the extra round, and if this means, for example, that you cannot shoot certain rounds in the 7 shot version for safety reasons.

Anyone have a 686-4 7 shot with the 2.5" barrel? I'm wondering whether the recoil with one of those is manageable, if it is a good carry gun, and what I might expect to pay for one with Hogue combat grips?

 

[Revolver King]

The 7 shot doesn't shoot any different then the 6 shot except it has one more round. There is no restrictions on any ammo. They both shoot the same. I own 4 686-4s and they are all 7 shooters. I like them a lot as you can tell.