686 vs 686 Plus frame differences?

[mcb]

So it is my understand that when S&W made the 8-shot 627 and later the 929 the barrel location in the frame was moved up slightly (~.035 inch) compared to the original Model 27 and most other N-frames.

Did they do similar when they made the 686 plus. Did they have to move the barrel up to fit the seventh round in the cylinder?

 

[CH4]

Ive have never heard that. I know that the rear if the frame changed slightly to incorporate the internal lock, I don't think it was done to accommodate a larger cylinder. I know that there was no change in the L frame when Smith went from the 6 shot 686-3 to the 7 shot -4+.

 

[Protocall_Design]

The N frame 8 shot has the barrel .030 higher in the frame than a 6 shot N frame. You cannot use a 6 shot frame with an 8 shot cylinder or vise versa.

The L frame has the same frame for all cylinders, at least up to .40 cal., don't know about the .44s. The 6 and 7 shot cylinders work in the same frame. I have made 2 686s into .40 S&W, one 4 inch and one 6 inch. Also, have made 2 6 shots into 7 shots.

 

[mcb]

Thanks Toolguy!