686 round butt and MIM...

[Andy the Aussie]

G?Day Again,

In my quest for a "new" 686 I am off to look at one over the weekend that is "used" but has literally fired less than 20 rounds. I am however trying to determine (before he and I waste time meeting up as it is an hour drive for each and he really knows nothing about what he has) when Smith went over to exclusively round butts and introduced the MIM parts into 686s.

Thanks

Andy

 

[bamabiker]

I don't know about the butt question but the SCSW says the MIM parts started in the M686-5 in 1997. Someone else should know about the butts.

Well I read a little more and it says square butts deleted in 1996.

 

[Wheelgunner840]

You wouldn't know the dash number would you?


WG840

 

[Andy the Aussie]

Thanks mate, it is around 10yrs old and I was hoping it was pre the changes as I want a 6 inch mate to my old 4 inch version.

Thanks.

Andy

 

[dla]

G?Day Again,

In my quest for a "new" 686 I am off to look at one over the weekend that is "used" but has literally fired less than 20 rounds. I am however trying to determine (before he and I waste time meeting up as it is an hour drive for each and he really knows nothing about what he has) when Smith went over to exclusively round butts and introduced the MIM parts into 686s.

Thanks

Andy

What do you think is wrong with MIM?

 

[Andy the Aussie]

You wouldn't know the dash number would you?


WG840

.... no, the owner has it in storage at the moment and has to collect it so I can take a look. I don't want to screw him around if it is not what I want as he is only selling it due to serious illness.

 

[Andy the Aussie]

What do you think is wrong with MIM?

...a debate that has been had over and over I am sure. In this case however it is that I want a 6 inch version of what I have already, call me anal if you will, but it is what will make *me* happy and that is what counts here

 

[stantheman86]

If it was made in 2001 or so it will be a frame mounted firing pin, MIM hammer and trigger and a round butt. It may or may not have the IL.....I am not an L frame expert, but if it helps any my 64-7 made in May 2002 is MIM and has the IL, with RB.

 

[Andy the Aussie]

Thanks for that mate, I appreciate the help, there is also a gun show this weekend I can go and roam around as there are normally more than a few L Frames available.

Andy

 

[RGPM1A]

G'day Andy. This link may help:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/165551-686-dash-history-question.html

BTW spent a lot of time down your way in years past. Beautiful country.

 

[dallascj]

My 686-4 has a forged, case-hardened hammer and trigger and round butt frame. It is about a 96 vintage IIRC, which is the first year of the 'Plus'. You could get a 7-rounder or the power port, but not both. I opted for the ported, 6-inch barrel. Hope this helps.

 

[stantheman86]

Even if it's a MIM 686, if the price is right I would say go for it.......at one time I was hesitant about the "new" S&W's, but now, out of my dozen+ S&W revolvers, my 64-7, 10-14 and 617-7 are my "go to" shooters, and I use the 64-7 as a CCW gun.

 

[remat457]

Smooth Rum Cola????????? (in the pic)

 

[Dregg]

Andy,

What did you end up looking at this weekend?

 

[Andy the Aussie]

Smooth Rum Cola????????? (in the pic)

Rum and Cola...

 

[Andy the Aussie]

Andy,

What did you end up looking at this weekend?

...a couple at a Gunshow (see my thread titled "BUTCHERS") but my friends forgot to bring the other to the range yesterday. I will take a look at it later in the week. Guy in the line next to me yesterday had EXACTLY what I was after but was not at all interested in selling it ...

 

[Andy the Aussie]

Bugger...the one I was to look at is a 686-6 #CFM 4### , I have told him not to bother bringing it over to me but I have steered another I know toward him.

I will keep on looking ..

 

[Andy the Aussie]

Well it only took a couple of months but I just laid down a hand full of cash on a 6 inch 686-3 with the adjustable front sight. BFH 02## serial range. It has been a range toy with a bit of use with 38 target loads, very very little flame cutting on the top strap and all else seems in order. The finish is a little so so but I tented to have it bead blasted like my 4 inch so all is good...