Black 686

[SteveJewels]

I went to the Ohio Gun Collectors Assoc show over the weekend. Finally a gun show in Ohio worth the effort!

I saw a lot of nice pieces, lots of S&W's in very nice condition. One thing I saw intrigued me, a black 686. When I saw it on the table my initial thought was a 586 but the color was not quite right. I asked the guy and he assured me it was a 686 that was made by S&W, a police/duty issue piece. He said there was also a stainless 586.

Does anyone here know of these?

 

[s&wchad]

S&W did a run of 686's (-3?) in the late 80's with a finish they called "Midnight Black Stainless".

I don't know what it was (Melonie?) and I don't know if they were associated with a LE order.

 

[WCCPHD]

This thread needs photos.

 

[stansdds]

I remember when S&W introduced the Midnight Black finish. It was sort of a satin black finish that proved to not be particularly durable.

 

[CH4]

Looking at the midnight black 686, convinced me to throw my polished 2.5” 686-3 into my next batch of guns and parts to be black nitrided by H&M.

 

[Venom6]

SCSW says (p. 271) that "black stainless" was introduced in 1988. No details. 1,559 made in 4", no production number for 6". Knew a guy who had one about ten years ago; he thought it was an aftermarket finish so laboriously buffed it all off. Yes he did.

 

[H Richard]

I had a 36-6, 3" with a similar finish from the same time frame. The finish was not durable and marred easily. I always wanted to trade it for a 60-4, the same gun in stainless.