686+ Question

[jkd88]

Is there such as thing as a 686+ that is pre-lock?

If not, can a 7 shot 686 cylinder be fitted to a pre lock L frame?

Thanks!

 

[armorer951]

The key lock was introduced in 2001/2002. The 7 shot variant was made for several years prior, starting in 1995, so there are many "no lock" versions of the 686+.

(according to the Standard Catalog, 3rd Edition)

Carter

 

[larondo]

I have not seen a 686+ w/out the trigger lock.
Wiki data/info shows, last year for the 6-shot 686 w/ out key lock was the -5 in 1997.
Edit: -5 ran up to 2001 according to the time table in the link, after that all lock frames.
686 Plus 7-shot is indicated with lock since 1996.
Edit: I wonder if the time table for those is correct.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson_Model_686

 

[larondo]

Is there such as thing as a 686+ that is pre-lock?

If not, can a 7 shot 686 cylinder be fitted to a pre lock L frame?

Thanks!

I'll go out on a limb and say, no and no.
So, it should read: yes and I don't know.

 

[jrc1]

There is one for sale in the classifieds now


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[g27racing]

There are definitely 7 shot 686 revolvers that are pre lock. I owned a 686-4 with a 6" barrel for a while.

 

[larondo]

I stand corrected, which is always great.
Apparently -4 must have been an early edition. I would not think there's an awful lot of them out there.

I'm firmly in the 'no-lock' camp, which is based on personal preference.
My first S&W revolver was a 686+ which I bought in the early 2000s.
At first I thought the lock wouldn't bother me, only to find out I couldn't get over it. So, I had to sell it.

 

[Belgian686]

686-5 Mountain Gun

There surely were 686-5 Mountain Guns, with 7-shot cylinders, no lock

Here's mine with Nill grips...

 

[larondo]

There surely were 686-5 Mountain Guns, with 7-shot cylinders, no lock

Here's mine with Nill grips...

I love 'Mountain Gun' models. Those are few & far between, esp. for us in CA because of 'off roster' status.
Would prefer a 625 though in .45 ACP.

 

[Bald1]

I stand corrected, which is always great.
Apparently -4 must have been an early edition. I would not think there's an awful lot of them out there.

I'm firmly in the 'no-lock' camp, which is based on personal preference.
My first S&W revolver was a 686+ which I bought in the early 2000s.
At first I thought the lock wouldn't bother me, only to find out I couldn't get over it. So, I had to sell it.

The lock to me is like dating a super hot chick with a weird mole or bad teeth. You think it won't bother you but then you take her out and it's all you can think about. That's when you have the " it's me not you talk" and you gotta let'em go.

 

[pbramlett]

Yes, the 686-4 Plus is a prelock 2.5 inch 7 shot gun. Check the classifieds here.

 

[borntxn]

My 4" 686-4 Plus pre-lock circa 1997.

 

[larondo]

This is a cool thread, with all those pre-lock 7-shooters coming out.

I like to think of myself as a purist without getting obsessed over it.
Traditions are appealing as long as they aren't stale.
Some modern features are cool, why not.

In other words, I only look for pre-lock Smiths when visiting GSs in my area. Revolvers have been 6-shooters since the early days, I like to keep it this way. A 686 PC Pro Series SSR looks great to me with its sleek barrel design. If it wasn't for that ugly feature I would have gotten one a long time ago.

 

[Rock185]

Yes, I've had standard 686+ and 686 Mountain gun, both dash 5s, that were 7-shot prelock. S&W can fit a 7-shot cylinder into a 6-shot 686, or vice versa. Whether they still will, I don't know.

My current 686 started as a 7-shot gun. I had a new 6-shot cylinder fitted by Vito at S&W several years ago, and the 7-shot cylinder later rechambered to 9mm....

 

[RRH]

Yes. I currently own an unfired new in box 6 in. 686+. Purchased it new many years ago.

 

[CH4]

Yep, they sure did, the 686-4. Here's my 2.5", it's the only 686 7 shooter I have. You'll never see it in the classifieds as long as I am breathing.

 

[BillBro]

Yes there is, I own one. Very nice gun.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I have one - 4" inch barrel.

 

[Mehutch]

Yes yes yes!
I have a few 7 shooters 686-4.





Now the Holy Grail of 686-4 is the 4" pre-lock seven shooter.

This 686-4 is a six shooter 4" is close but no cigar.



Of course there is this 586-7 seven shooter, kinda rare. (with the plug)



Love your 686, they are getting rare and expensive. Buy now or forever hold your coins.

 

[Old Wheel Man]

I have a 681-5 (NO LOCK) with 7 shot cylinder cut for moon clips and a Quad Port 3 inch barrel shipped in January 2001. It is a Camfour Special from the Performance Center. Page 458 in SCSW 4th ed.