686 mountain gun barrel

[mwr1]

I have a factory new 686 mountain gun barrel. These were intended for the 686+ 7 round guns. Can it be fitted to a 6 shot 686? I want to make light barrel 686 for carry. Also who does the group recommend to do the work? I had the factory re barrel another 686 and it was less than acceptable.

 

[Protocall_Design]

The barrels for 6 and 7 shot L frames are interchangeable.

 

[mwr1]

686 barrel

Thanks Now to find a Revolversmith.

 

[epj]

What was unacceptable about the factory rebarrel job?

 

[lefty_jake]

I am a little jealous of your plans, but I will still offer a couple of thoughts.

If I wanted a 6 shot 686 with a lighter profile, I would get a 686 SSR. I think the 686 SSR is ugly. But the balance is nice and is very similar to a mountain gun.

If I had the mountain gun barrel and was going to have the work done, I would have it installed on a 7-shot 686 frame. Since the SSR is only available as a 6 shot gun, 7 shot L-frames with a lighter profile are very hard to find.

Whichever choice you make, I wish you luck with finding a good revolversmith and finishing your project. A 686 mountain gun is one of the best looking and best handling revolvers Smith & Wesson has made. I have no idea why they are no longer made. You will have a great gun when this is finished.

 

[Goblin]

Try Frank Glenn or Cylinder & Slide.

 

[mwr1]

686 factory rebarrel

I had the factory install a 5 inch 686 barrel that I had purchased from the parts department. When I received the revolver back it had a 5 thousands gap between the barrel rib and the frame. I called the factory and was told this was in spec and not a problem. I have quite a few S&W revolvers and have never had a weapon with this type of unsightly gap.