Anybody love 686's?
- Thread starter ACE10000D
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Wow, I guess you do like 686s! I've been primarily a vintage N-frame and K-frame guy, but recently ventured into the world of L-frames. I once owned a Model 386PD but I ended up trading it in due to its heavy recoil and my inability to master it. I now have a 3" Model 686-6 Plus that is one of my favorite OWB carry guns, and it's a fun shooter. I'm still on the hunt for a 3" 686 CS-1 and have a couple of leads, and hoping to get lucky sometime soon. Enjoy!
My all-time favorite S&W is a 686-3 snub with wood combats. Your collection is incredible and as a huge fan of the 686, it is cool to see such an amazing group of pre-locks!
I know it is hard to pick, but which is your favorite in the collection? I see you have a 686-3 snub like mine but I know some prefer the longer barrels 6"+ for the added velocity.
I know it is hard to pick, but which is your favorite in the collection? I see you have a 686-3 snub like mine but I know some prefer the longer barrels 6"+ for the added velocity.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
I'm a big fan of the 686 and the L Frame for 357 Magnum since 1981.
My Home Defense revolver is a 686-6 Plus four inch. For a Senior Citizen the RR/WO works for my vision and the trigger is easily managed with my arthritic hands.
My Home Defense revolver is a 686-6 Plus four inch. For a Senior Citizen the RR/WO works for my vision and the trigger is easily managed with my arthritic hands.
Rock185
US Veteran
Wow Ace, You really do like 686s! I started carrying a 686 soon after they were introduced, and have owned several since. At some point the 686s became my favorite .357 revolver. No rare ones, but currently have a no dash, -5 and one of the new 686-7 Mountain guns...
Tanners Owner
US Veteran
I really like my 686-4; one of my favorite revolvers. As it's a 7 shot, I don't shoot it as often as my 6shots due to the rules of the action pistol games in (ICORE, IDPA, USPSA)
Pizza Bob
Member
Here's a bit of an oddball. This is a 3", six-shot, 686-6 chambered in .38 Special.
Here's what Roy had to say about it:
Bob, product code 164388 is a Model 686 3 inch barrel, caliber .38 S&W Special and was shipped in April 2010. It was a special but I do not have much information on it. I found just two units in this serial range and they went to different distributors which lead me to believe the were made early as a special order and these over runs from that order and S&W was cleaning out their inventory. That is the best I can do. Roy
__________________
Roy G. Jinks
Historian, Smith & Wesson
Adios,
Pizza Bob
Here's what Roy had to say about it:
Bob, product code 164388 is a Model 686 3 inch barrel, caliber .38 S&W Special and was shipped in April 2010. It was a special but I do not have much information on it. I found just two units in this serial range and they went to different distributors which lead me to believe the were made early as a special order and these over runs from that order and S&W was cleaning out their inventory. That is the best I can do. Roy
__________________
Roy G. Jinks
Historian, Smith & Wesson
Adios,
Pizza Bob
Nice collection.
I would post pics of my 686 collection, but it's only one gun.
I would post pics of my 686 collection, but it's only one gun.
Lonestar57
Member
Last edited:
- Joined
- May 21, 2020
- Messages
- 16
- Reaction score
- 25
I like the 686/586 line, but I love the 681/581! Never had. Need for adjustable sights. And mine shoot like lasers with the fixed sights.
BillyKframe
Member
I also only have one 686 but it has the best single action trigger of any Smith I've got. I is a 686 no dash with the "M" and a silhouette front sight.
Mine is my pride and joy. Trigger like silk and just about breaks like a glass rod.
Lt.Donn
Member
- Joined
- May 21, 2025
- Messages
- 175
- Reaction score
- 250
WOW...I am so not worthy...I only own one
Attachments
Very nice collection, I have a 4" and a 6.5"
NOPE..........Don't like look/profile/underlug.
BUT!!!!!!!..........I do love my old 686 Mtn gun from the first run.
BUT!!!!!!!..........I do love my old 686 Mtn gun from the first run.
I'm late to the L Frame Club. Started Law Enforcement with a model 28 then 65. Collected mostly K and J frames over the years. Came across a 2.5 inch 686-4 that needed some work (had to replace badly bobbed hammer and thinned trigger). A year later a beautiful 4 inch. What great revolvers. Would have gladly carried one as a duty gun.
Attachments
MoparTrooper
Member
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2018
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 22
My dad carried the black-gripped 686 with the Colorado State Patrol until they switched to 5906's and he purchased his duty gun back from S&W. The CSP was one of the first agencies in the country to issue the 686 when it was introduced in 1981. He gave it to me when I became a Police Officer in 1993 and I carried it for a year or so until I moved to a .40 Beretta. Still one of my favorite guns. I even bought another very early no-dash for my GF and she loves hers too. Note: The S&W seal moved from the right side of the gun to the left side in 1982 as I recall, the second year of 686 production. 
Here's my 3 CS-1
Tom
Tom
This 686-3 is so good it is the only S&W I own. Any other gun would just be compared unfavorably to this one. As someone noted, trigger smooth as silk and breaks like a glass rod. Whoever said that was dead on like this revolver. God forbid I ever have to use a gun in self defense, I hope this is the one I have in that moment. 
Lt.Donn
Member
- Joined
- May 21, 2025
- Messages
- 175
- Reaction score
- 250
And, for those who may wonder...those grips are Safariland/Rogers...they were Very popular in the late 70's-80's and are still sought after today. I met BR years ago and asked about the grips...he sold the entire lot to a fellow who lives in GA not too far from me. I contacted him and was able to purchase some round butt models. They are phenomenal for their fit and feel on a "working" Smith...not for show, however I don't think they look bad.
You can PM me if you want the contact info for the man who owns the remainder of them
