My brother who passed away a few years ago owned a beautiful 686 when we were much younger. I have been looking for one for a while and found one today in amazing shape for a fair price. Found this forum and thought I would learn a little more about my new purchase.
Just bought a 686-4
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flgolfer29
Member
Congratulations, and this forum loves photos to go along with the story. Also, lots to learn amongst the forum.
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Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk
Did you get a 4" barrel?
If you provide the SN prefix (ABC format) we can give you a rough shipping date. Did it come with box/papers? Wooden stocks or rubber grips?
Welcome to the Forum!
Todd
Welcome to the Forum!
Todd
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Welcome to the forum.
Most of us here can be quite nosey when someone posts getting a new boom stick, particularly if a S&W revolver. Instructions can be found regarding posting pics, etc. And if have a question, especially about Smiths, just post it.
Most of us here can be quite nosey when someone posts getting a new boom stick, particularly if a S&W revolver. Instructions can be found regarding posting pics, etc. And if have a question, especially about Smiths, just post it.
swagmeister
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A lot of gun collectors, including myself, consider the dash 4 models of the 686 one of the best revolvers ever manufactured by S&W. Enjoy it in good health.
LittleAugieMo
Member
Sorry for the loss of your Brother. Congrats in the 686-4 as stated prevously we like info&photos....bbl length?
Welcome to the Forum! Lots of Model 586/686 and L-frame revolver fans to be found here, as well as a wealth of information. I was hoping to buy a 3" Customs Service (CS-1) Model 686 from a friend, but he's not willing to sell it just yet. So in the meantime I found this 3" Model 686-6 Plus (7-shot), and I'm quite happy with it. Post some pics and some more information about your new acquisition and I'm sure that you'll get plenty of feedback. Enjoy!
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As swagmeister said above, the 686 is regarded as one of the best .357 Magnum revolvers S&W has made, especially if you like stainless guns.
The 686-4 is regarded as the best version of the 686: Revisions -1, -2, -3, -4 were mechanical improvements over the years. -5 & -6 were cost-cutting and built-in safety lock revisions (IL or internal lock). The -5,-6 are still great guns but your was the peak where looks and mechanics were perfect.
I own a -5 and -6 with some mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. Congrats on your acquisition.
The 686-4 is regarded as the best version of the 686: Revisions -1, -2, -3, -4 were mechanical improvements over the years. -5 & -6 were cost-cutting and built-in safety lock revisions (IL or internal lock). The -5,-6 are still great guns but your was the peak where looks and mechanics were perfect.
I own a -5 and -6 with some mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. Congrats on your acquisition.
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Welcome to the Forum. You have acquired an excellent revolver! Sorry for your loss. Shoot the heck out of it in his memory!
I just joined the L frame fan club in the last couple of years and unknowingly stumbled into acquiring two -4s. I had no idea they were regarded as best of breed. 1st a 2.5 inch that had to go for an overhaul due to prior bubba handling and then a mint 4inch. They are great shooters.
I'll take advantage of the offer above for rough ship dates - serial numbers:
2.5 inch BRD25xx
4 inch BUH39xx
Thanks.
I just joined the L frame fan club in the last couple of years and unknowingly stumbled into acquiring two -4s. I had no idea they were regarded as best of breed. 1st a 2.5 inch that had to go for an overhaul due to prior bubba handling and then a mint 4inch. They are great shooters.
I'll take advantage of the offer above for rough ship dates - serial numbers:
2.5 inch BRD25xx
4 inch BUH39xx
Thanks.
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OP
It is a 4" barrel with factory wood grips with almost no signs of being fired. The Serial number is BRJ74xx It has the letter S in the under rib here the ejector rod lies and the number 002 on the swing out arm in front of the cylinder. I will read about proper identification of parts and posting photos today and post some pics later.
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OP
That's a beauty!
^^ DITTO ^^ !!!
bananaman
Member
Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson 4th edition shows the -4 introduction in 1993. The BRJ prefix isnt specifically mentioned but some BRF and BRK prefix guns were known to have shipped in 1994. FWIW, examples of the BRM prefix shipped in 1993, so go figure; no guarantee that they shipped in alphanumerical sequence. The factory will give you an exact shipping date, month and year at least. Just give them a call as they get those requests regularly.
Also if you carefully remove the stocks the RH one often has the grip's manufactured date rubber stamped inside. They weren't specifically matched to the gun at the factory and can get swapped around later so don't fret if it doesnt match the gun's factory supplied shipping date.
She looks like a winner! Great pickup.
Todd
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OP
Was really just wanting to know approximate age of the gun. My Brothers was from the late eighties or very early 90s.This gun is as I remember his and what I wanted. I removed the grips marking was 8 and a little space between 80. I am really happy with this gun and will be shooting Tuesday.
