686 my first S&W

[zzzcici]

I have longed for nice example of a .357. I found this and it spoke to me. It shoots like a dream . I am not sure what I have here, so to the more knowlegable feel free to share .
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[Nframe357]

Congrats! One of the finest 357's to ever leave the S&W factory, beware they are addictive! I've got 4 now...

 

[roaddog28]

I have four 357 magnums. One of my very favorites is my 686-3 4inch. Its probably the best all around revolver made. You did well. Enjoy your purchase.

roaddog28

 

[shawn mccarver]

I have longed for nice example of a .357. I found this and it spoke to me. It shoots like a dream . I am not sure what I have here, so to the more knowlegable feel free to share .

I don't like raining on anyone's parade, but it looks like someone has decided to "improve" the revolver by a non-factory polish job, and certainly the cylinder face is too clean to be factory new as the usual evidence of test-firing (rings around the charge holes) has been removed and that is no easy feat. I hope the seller did not pass this off as a new gun.

 

[zzzcici]

I m very meticulous about keeping items clean. I purchased the gun used ,seller claimed 90-95%. the front sruface of the cylinder was very dirty as was the nose area around the muzzle. So with hops and a standard cleaning brush I gave it some elbow grease and it improved. I continued to clean using a terrycloth towel and non abrasive cleaner, finally I rubbed it extensively with a microfiber towel. I dont see how it could hurt the gun by a good cleaning.

 

[brucev]

Gorgeous! You have every right to be thrilled to own such a beautiful revolver. Sincerely. brucev.

 

[Armed012002]

I love unfluted cylinders.

I wish S&W would make more without fluting.

 

[rags]

Congrats! One of the finest 357's to ever leave the S&W factory!

What he said!! Nice...

 

[Neal]

I have longed for nice example of a .357. I found this and it spoke to me. It shoots like a dream . I am not sure what I have here, so to the more knowlegable feel free to share .

You have a 686 with unfluted cylinder, SDM front sight, and Hogue stocks(AKA grips). Although as someone else pointed out, the polish job doesn't look like factory original, it still looks like a very nice revolver.

 

[zzzcici]

Thanks everyone for your comments.

 

[tgwillard]

I too just got my first 686 (not my first S&W that would be a 6906), a no dash model without the modification. It is at the factory now for that plus a drill and tap. Looking forward to getting it back. Took it to the range twice before sending it off to S&W. Yours is a beautiful example and the finish looks great.

Not that I want to, but what is the best way to remove the powder burn marks from the front of the cylinder? When I cleaned it my normal routine with Hoppes #9 did not touch it. Is it best to leave well enough alone to keep the distance from the cylinder to the barrel at a minimum?

 

[zzzcici]

TG, as I was saying I took hops bore cleaner and a .22cal bore brush and started working it. Back and forth. At first nothing. But after 5-10 minutes the dark residue started loosening. I kept at it and about 80-90% of the burnt powder and lead was gone. I have a polish called Master Formula. the address on the container is:
Master Formulations
3924 E. Miraloma street suite G.
Anaheim, Ca. 92806
714-238-1129

I have had this stuff for years and used it on show chrome. It will not scratch.
Once I rubbed a little over the stain it dissappeared almost immediately.
I do not know it they are still selling it or not.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

Great first S&W. It is going to be hard to top the 686 for your second S&W.

 

[zzzcici]

Right you are S&W-Keeper, I have a soft spot for the .357 and the one I am fortunate to have will likely be NO.# 1 with me from now on. I have been wondering what I would get next if the opertunity arises. It just may be the 625 JM version. Then, . . . If the lotto numbers hit just right I like the model 27 any version. lol.

 

[tgwillard]

zzzcici: i will try your cleaning technique when I get my 686 back from the factory, which I guess might be a few more weeks.

 

[zzzcici]

TG,
I did a search and found the link for the polish I was talking about, it is:


Master Formula

 

[sniper47]

My very first gun was a 686, 4". My hands were sweating when I first picked it up at a local gunshop. I put around 2500 rounds through the gun before I sold it. I convinved myself that I had to many calibers in my safe and needed to get rid of guns I wasn't shooting. And I told myself .357 magnum ammo was too expensive. Of course, years later, I realized my mistake and while I didn't pick up another 686, I did find a very nice 586 that I intend to keep. It is a great shooter.

 

[fyimo]

My first revolver was a S&W model 686 no dash with 6 inch barrel and I shot the crap out of it for 4 years at an indoor range I belonged to. Then a friend begged me to sell it to him and I did because I was going through a semi auto stage of my life and 1911's were the king. I regretted it very soon after the sale and longed for another. I bought a 686 with 6 inch barrel no dash this spring and it will never leave me agin.

L frames are great guns and you will love yours. There are many members up here that polish their stainless revolvers with Mother's Mag Polish or Flitz. They do this to their shooters but not their collector guns as collectors want them all original

Polished 686 with 6 inch barrel

Polished Model 66

 

[586L-Frame]

Congratulations on your 686 L-Frame.
I love mine as well.
I gave my first one to my nephew.
Eventually I found a replacement 686 4" No Dash.
Now I'm one with the universe again.

586L-Frame


DLC's S&W 686 L-Frame – Polished.

 

[zzzcici]

Those are very nice pictures of some fine guns. I am gratefull to have mine, glad the polish on it is not considered to be detrimental. It just seemed natural to clean that stainless up.

I understand about keeping collectables as natural as possible hey,I watch the antique road show
__________________________
(QUOTE: 586-L frame
Congratulations on your 686 L-Frame.
I love mine as well.
I gave my first one to my nephew)
__________________________
I hope he held on to it , he has one cool uncle.