686 Dash Numbers

[WoodsCustom]

Hey guys, I did a search but it is just too VAST. What 686 Dash numbers are the most desireable? 686 no dash? 686-4? Which one is the most sought after?

Thanks,
WoodsCustom

 

[WoodsCustom]

Hey guys, I did a search but it is just too VAST. What 686 Dash numbers are the most desireable? 686 no dash? 686-4? Which one is the most sought after?

Thanks,
WoodsCustom

 

[Firehouse]

I have a dash 5, which I think is the last series before the locks came along. It has the MIM parts, but other than aesthetics it doesn't bother me. I like the old school target hammers and triggers better because of looks but MIM parts seem okay to me. It shoots great, I have the 2.5" barrel and I keep it close by all the time.

 

[Pistol Toter]

Probably a -3

 

[likestoshoot2]

I have a 686-7 with lock and 850+ full load rounds thru it with no problems, if that helps you.

 

[LOBO]

I have a 4" 686-5 & my Dad has a 686-4 2.5". Both shoot great with no edge given to one over the other.

 

[stmry]

i have the 2 1/2" 686-5 and it is my favorite. seems like the workmanship was the best. i also have a 4" 686 no dash. it shoots equally as well. my 6" 686-6 is also a great piece, but it has the lock, which has not been a problem. i actually like all the 686's i've come across. hope this helps

 

[stevieboy]

I have 2 686-6's and they shoot like a dream. I've put thousands of rounds through them without a hitch. They are amazingly accurate and seem to handle just about anything, ammunition-wise.

 

[m657]

well of course the -4s are the most desirable....that's what I've got!!!

 

[WJR]

Originally posted by m657:
well of course the -4s are the most desirable....that's what I've got!!!

I also have two -4s and think they are the best as well.

WJR

 

[flop-shank]

Woods, I'd say the -4. That was the first revision that was CNC machined, IIRC, made as seven shooters as well as six, and the last revision with forged lockwork. That's the high point of service sized .357 revolver evolution IMO. I have a 6" -4 six shooter and it's truly a dream gun. The -3 has a "floating hand" if I remember right, but haven't messed with one so I have no opinion on the -3. -5s are good guns, I just personally hate the "nike latch". Truth be told, excepting the fugly latch, MIM parts don't bother me that much really.

I refuse to buy a 686 with an internal lock.

 

[jonboyidaho]

I have a 6" no dash, just because that is what I found. The seller thought it was a big deal to have no dash. I am thinking the same thing. Big deal. I do like the gun, nice handling, nice shooting, etc. Just like your guys. I would buy another 686 for sure, with any dash configuation.

 

[Guest]

If you have a choice, go with a -4. The last of the overally good ones.
The have the firing pin on the hammer, forged hammer/trigger, and the latest rear sight assembly which (to me) looks infinately better finished than the earlier style.

 

[Firehouse]

Originally posted by flop-shank:
Woods, I'd say the -4. That was the first revision that was CNC machined, IIRC, made as seven shooters as well as six, and the last revision with forged lockwork. That's the high point of service sized .357 revolver evolution IMO. I have a 6" -4 six shooter and it's truly a dream gun. The -3 has a "floating hand" if I remember right, but haven't messed with one so I have no opinion on the -3. -5s are good guns, I just personally hate the "nike latch". Truth be told, excepting the fugly latch, MIM parts don't bother me that much really.

I refuse to buy a 686 with an internal lock.

Okay, I'll bite. What's a Nike latch? I'm still learning here.....

 

[mokuloa]

The 686-4 is the way to go if you are seeking something special. As mentioned above this model is built on the old frame and retains the hammer nose firing pin. Which in my opinion makes it of special interest to collectors. It is available in 6-shot and 7-shot and numerous barrels and lengths, so it could well serve as a collection in itself.

Here is mine:

Yeah, I know it is not for everyone. Has anyone ever seen a 627 in this configuration?

 

[mod57]

Is the -4 the last dash number with the square butt?
regards,
Ralph

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by mod57:
Is the -4 the last dash number with the square butt?
regards,
Ralph

The SB was dropped within the -4 engineering change, so you'll find both versions in the -4, but thereafter (-5 and later) they should all be RB. The other thing to keep in mind is the model, i.e., the Mountain Gun was always a RB as well as (generally) the 2.5" and 3" models, so don't just go by the engineering change when looking to buy based on frame configuration (RB vrs. SB).

 

[Denver Dick]

Yep, the 686-4 Distinguished Combat Magnum Plus (seven shot) is hard to beat. I highly recommend it.

 

[2000Z-71]

I'll equate this to the age old answer of boxers or briefs with my standard answer of "Depends".

For me the -4 is probably the pianncle of the various revisions to the 686. The last with forged parts and serrated backstraps. It was also the first made on CNC maching. I have a 7 shot 4" -4 that I have the intention of putting a "Mountain Gun" barrel on, changing the sights, and having an action job to complete what in my mind will be the ultimate .357 revolver.

That said I have a 4" -5 that is probably my most accurate revolver (or at least the one I shoot the most accurately). I also have a -3 Classic Hunter that I think looks the best with the flash chromed hammer and trigger along with an unfluted cylinder. The -1 introduced the floating hand. Not a big deal to me, but it is to others.

the 686 is just a great gun and one of those that you can't just have one of.

 

[mod57]

SmithNut,
Thanks for that bit of information. I prefer the square butt configuration and its nice to know what one is looking for. BTW what, exactly, is a "floating" hand? How do they differ from the standard type?
Thanks,
Ralph