Looking for input concerning 7 and 8 shot

[dolefee]

Hello folks, it's been awhile since I've posted, took a break from wheelguns and firearms in general. Now that I'm back, trying to scratch a snub nose itch (2-3" barrel). What I'm searching for is a pre-lock, 7 or 8 shot, preferably unfluted cylinder. Couple questions:

-is there a such thing as a prelock 686 7 shot w/2-3" barrel and unfluted cylinder?

-anything other model i'm missing that would fit the bill? If i were to drop one of the requirements, I guess I could live w/o the unfluted cylinder. But would rather not, lol.

Is what I'm looking for unobtainium status? Any input would be much appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[Smith_586]

They made a 3 inch unfluted 686 carry comp model, but those guns command a premium.

 

[dolefee]

thanks for the response brother! was trying to avoid the 627 route, spendy as well.

 

[Smith_586]

thanks for the response brother! was trying to avoid the 627 route, spendy as well.

I'm actually the one you messaged on addicts about my 627. The 686 I mentioned was only 1 of 56. I believe there's a member or two here with them.

 

[SmithNut]

If you decide to go the N frame route, the M627 Bloodwork model by the PC would be the model you would go for.

As for spendy, these definitely fall into this category, they were going for $3k plus ~20 years back.

 

[dolefee]

yessir, reason why i mentioned the 627 almost relieved youre not local to me, would be tempted to check out the 627.

 

[Smith_586]

If you decide to go the N frame route, the M627 Bloodwork model by the PC would be the model you would go for.

As for spendy, these definitely fall into this category, they were going for $3k plus ~20 years back.

Like this one. Haha.

 

[dolefee]

had considered the N frame, specifically that 627, but that price tag is definitely out of my price range. might have to "settle" for the 686 7 shot snubby

If you decide to go the N frame route, the M627 Bloodwork model by the PC would be the model you would go for.

As for spendy, these definitely fall into this category, they were going for $3k plus ~20 years back.

 

[dolefee]

nice! everytime i see that piece i tell ya…

Like this one. Haha.

 

[lihpster]

If you can stomach the lock, you can save a bit of money as what you describe is a current production gun in the 3" 3-5-7 series. 7 shot, 3" barrel and an unfluted cylinder. I love mine.

 

[dolefee]

I'm trying! lol. So with the internal lock inserts, should be no worries with malfunctions? And which ILS insert do you recommend I go with?

If you can stomach the lock, you can save a bit of money as what you describe is a current production gun in the 3" 3-5-7 series. 7 shot, 3" barrel and an unfluted cylinder. I love mine.

 

[lihpster]

I'm trying! lol. So with the internal lock inserts, should be no worries with malfunctions? And which ILS insert do you recommend I go with?

Should be no issues. I forget his handle, but there is a forum member who makes the inserts. Someone will post it, I'm sure.



Edit: By the way, I don't have the insert in mine. I just shoot it as is and have had no problems at all. The inserts do make it look better, though.

 

[dolefee]

appreciate your input, may have to consider that option.

Should be no issues. I forget his handle, but there is a forum member who makes the inserts. Someone will post it, I'm sure.



Edit: By the way, I don't have the insert in mine. I just shoot it as is and have had no problems at all. The inserts do make it look better, though.

 

[lihpster]

The company name is Original Precision out of AZ. Still can't remember his handle here.

 

[Rock185]

I had a 3" 686-4 7-shooter. It had the regular fluted cylinder though.

ETA, My mistake; mine actually had a 2 1/2" barrel..

 

[PatriotX]

An unfluted cylinder could be added to the 686 if you so chose.

I see them from time to time for under $150

 

[dolefee]

thanks! i'm located in AZ , will have to look them up.

The company name is Original Precision out of AZ. Still can't remember his handle here.

 

[dolefee]

had thought about that option, but would have to find a good gunsmith locally, unless it's as easy as swapping cylinders on the single action only firearms, like on my vaquero

An unfluted cylinder could be added to the 686 if you so chose.

I see them from time to time for under $150

 

[dolefee]

i'm on a mssion, looking fwd to the next local gunshow here in AZ. let the good times roll

 

[Hapworth]

S&W did make a pre-lock, 7-shot 686 with a 2.5" barrel; cylinder's fluted, however.

There's one currently for sale on the same forum where you chatted with Smith_586.

 

[ColumbusJBR]

I'm trying! lol. So with the internal lock inserts, should be no worries with malfunctions? And which ILS insert do you recommend I go with?

I've plugged a few of my new Smiths. I've used kits from both Original Precision, and TK Custom. I've been happy with both.

Anyone with a least a little mechanical skills and access to YouTube can install the kit quite easily. Of course some basic gunsmithing tools are needed too. I've had zero issues post-install with either.

 

[dolefee]

yessir, chatted with that member late dec, local to me as well. was hoping for the unfluted option, but that's not looking good. appreciate the lead though

S&W did make a pre-lock, 7-shot 686 with a 2.5" barrel; cylinder's fluted, however.

There's one currently for sale on the same forum where you chatted with Smith_586.

 

[dolefee]

definitely taking a closer look at this option…is the performance center version worth the add'l $200? i know it's a 2.5" barrel vs the 3" on the 3-5-7, and the grips look similar aside from color. Any input would be much appreciated, thanks again

If you can stomach the lock, you can save a bit of money as what you describe is a current production gun in the 3" 3-5-7 series. 7 shot, 3" barrel and an unfluted cylinder. I love mine.

 

[BillyMagg]

I bid on one

yessir, chatted with that member late dec, local to me as well. was hoping for the unfluted option, but that's not looking good. appreciate the lead though

there is a 627 that scratches all your itch currently? so no link as per forum rules,, currently under 2 grand, I was out at just under 1700 bucks, very pretty gun, but I would rather have the fluted cylinder.. I do have the 627-0, and it gets shot at the farm quite a bit,, a nice gun, but I sold the first one I owned 30 years ago, lol

 

[dolefee]

yeah i cant justify paying that much for a firearm just because it was shown being held by a hollywood actor. not looking to collect, wanting to shoot and carry. not like i can afford that anyways, especially after the recent holiday expenses.

there is a 627 that scratches all your itch currently? so no link as per forum rules,, currently under 2 grand, I was out at just under 1700 bucks, very pretty gun, but I would rather have the fluted cylinder.. I do have the 627-0, and it gets shot at the farm quite a bit,, a nice gun, but I sold the first one I owned 30 years ago, lol

 

[Smith_586]

yeah i cant justify paying that much for a firearm just because it was shown being held by a hollywood actor. not looking to collect, wanting to shoot and carry. not like i can afford that anyways, especially after the recent holiday expenses.

Technically they came out before the movie was made, reason why they are worth what they are was the limited run of only 444 made. It's honestly the best snub carry revolver made in my opinion, the performance center back then actually cared about hand fitting parts and making sure they were top notch.

 

[ladder13]

I wanted a 3" 681 so bad but didn't want to pay the piper. So I sacrificed one of my 681's.

Cut down to 3", slabsided, round butted, 7 shot fluted cylinder, FO sight. Work done by Mark Hartshorne.

 

[ruger 22]

I believe that the 7 shot guns have the cylinder notches over the thick metal areas versus on the 8 shot guns the notches are over the chambers. That makes me prefer the 7. Just my personal nutties.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Let's all get back to dolefee's original question...yes, there are 7-shot (L-frame) 686s with 3" bbls and unfluted cylinders. There are also slightly larger (N-frame) 8-shot PC 627s with 2-5/8" bbl. and unfluted cylinders. I have both, and they are some of my favorite snubbies! Mine both have the Internal Lock, but I tend to just ignore the hole. I may someday buy and install plugs, but it's not high on my list. The newer 686-6 Plus revolvers in the 3-5-7 series have those features, as do the PC 627s. The 686s are just a few ounces lighter than the 627s so there's not much difference if you intend to CCW. Both are a lot of fun to shoot and recoil is very manageable. Enjoy!

 

[dolefee]

Appreciate the pics and everyones input so far…Hawg Rider, if i go the lock route, would it be worth spending a couple hundo more to go with the performance center 686 vs the "3-5-7" 686 model? i have narrowed it down to those 2 models, IF i can get past the ILS bit. Thanks again

Let's all get back to dolefee's original question...yes, there are 7-shot (L-frame) 686s with 3" bbls and unfluted cylinders. There are also slightly larger (N-frame) 8-shot PC 627s with 2-5/8" bbl. and unfluted cylinders. I have both, and they are some of my favorite snubbies! Mine both have the Internal Lock, but I tend to just ignore the hole. I may someday buy and install plugs, but it's not high on my list. The newer 686-6 Plus revolvers in the 3-5-7 series have those features, as do the PC 627s. The 686s are just a few ounces lighter than the 627s so there's not much difference if you intend to CCW. Both are a lot of fun to shoot and recoil is very manageable. Enjoy!