Finally scored one of my "grail" guns this week

[HorizontalMike]

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Keep in mind that the 686 no-dash has an active recall if you don't have the "M" stamp on the frame flat behind the closed yoke. If you don't have the "M", S&W still does the recall work.

When I bought my second 686-ND it did not have the "M" service stamp, so I sent it off to the mothership for the "M" and for some work on the trigger/cylinder. Everything came back in about a month.

• The trigger and advance was noticilbly smoother
• And they replace the firing pin and bushing. They returned the old set. BUT THERE WAS NO "M" STAMP!
• I know that they actually did the "M" service because I took before and after images.

In other words, my second 686-ND still looks like a virgin, even though it is not...
No worries, I had the C/B gap reduced from +0.009" --- down to just 0.003" and I also decided to do another trigger job/stoning to see if I could improve things further... It now shoots very smoothly. Happy camper here.

 

[mikeruns]

Kidfixer-
I bought one too, a 4" with my 1st check after joining the Marine Corps(1987)....this was was my 1st new gun purchase as well and I let it go a few years later....a 6" model 586 was had for awhile but didn't satisfy like the 4" 686 for me....then some decades went by and I found a n.o.s. like my original for $600 at a San Antonio gun show and am happy for it.....also I was able to gain a 6" like yours and a 4" 586. All new old stock guns with boxes and accoutrements, I have put 12 rounds through the 4" model and not sure if I will fire the other two L-frames....I also landed a pre-lock 6" .22 lr model 617, and wow they are nose heavy, the 4 inchers balance best for me
Congratulations on your search! I always say, a guy could have a worse hobby!

 

[ContinentalOp]

Nice looking gun. Congrats! I hope to someday experience what it's like to get my grail gun. *fingers crossed*

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congratulations! Nice looking 686!

 

[kennethg]

Getting a grail gun is always very special. Yours is a beauty. Love the grain in the stocks.

 

[Tytan01]

Congrats on the 686

Very nice revolver. It looks like you got a good one.

My brother had a 686 back in the late 80's or early 90's. It had Don't Tread On Me and the Gadston Flag etched on it. Not sure if that was factory or if the guy he bought it from had it done but it was a good shooting revolver that he still cries about selling it to this day. If I could find one like it...or that particular gun...I'd pay the $1000 for it too and give it back to him and to spite his ex-wife who made him sell it after they got married.