L Frame changes - sights, backstrap

[-BTM-]

Anyone know when -

All frames went round butt

The 3 threaded holes for sights started to show up;hopefully pre-lock

The grooved backstrap went away

Shrouded barrels started

 

[413Maxwedge]

Here's a list of 686/586 engineering / production changes that I keep for reference. Not sure about other L frame models.

686 (no dash), 1981 Introduction model
686-1, 1986 radius stud package, floating hand
686-2, 1987 changed hammer nose, bushing and associated parts
686-3, 1988 new yoke retention system
686-4, 1993 change rear sight leaf, drill and tap frame, change extractor, Hogue grips
686-5, 1997 change frame design to eliminate cylinder stop stud, eliminate serrated tangs, MIM hammer and trigger, change internal lock.
686-6, 2001 internal lock
686-7, 2003 Performance Center .38 Super, 6-Shot unfluted cylinder, 4" barrel, Stainless Steel, 250 made.

 

[murphydog]

The D & T top strap and the transition to RB frames occurred with the -4.

I do not have a later 686 but generally all Target sighted guns have “serrated tangs”.

And I am unsure “when the shrouded barrel started” means in reference to the 686? They all have some form of underlugged barrel so the extractor rod is enclosed. If you are referring to guns without the full lug, there are a few - the Mountain Guns and SSR among them.

 

[-BTM-]

The D & T top strap and the transition to RB frames occurred with the -4.

I do not have a later 686 but generally all Target sighted guns have “serrated tangs”.

And I am unsure “when the shrouded barrel started” means in reference to the 686? They all have some form of underlugged barrel so the extractor rod is enclosed. If you are referring to guns without the full lug, there are a few - the Mountain Guns and SSR among them.

Sorry, I was referring to the two-piece barrel setup. Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

I think to this day the 686s have one-piece barrels. Many later L frames (520, 619, 620) have the multi piece barrels.