Model 686-4

[51ti]

Most likely the Hogue Grips are original:

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

 

[jdlii]

The 686, in my opinion, is one of the best S&W revolvers that a shooter can own.

 

[Rodfac]

Grip frame: "... the replaceable black with red insert front sight of the -5."

I think you're referring to the screw/spring (?) front sight that allows easy changing. I got to thinking about that, having never owned one of the Smiths that were set up that way...designed for the silhouette shooters IIRC...

I've had several revolvers over the years that I'd have preferred a different front sight...Patridge on one of my target only guns, versus on a field piece...or a regular Baughman ramped front on my M-63 .22 that's cursed with that fiber optic ***. And the beauty of an easily changeable front sight would be that I'd not have to drill the desired replacement prior to installation.

Even a pre-drilled replacement front sight would be an improvement...as I have no trouble tapping out any of the roll pins Smith uses currently. But short of a complicated gunsmith drill press rig, I'm hesitant to attempt the drilling operation due to its complexity and the possibility of damaging the ramp/bbl.

As to the fiber optic...in my use on a .22 lr revolver which has no earthly use as a defensive gun, the fiber type does not offer as precise a sight picture for trail, plinking or informal target use as say, a Baughman ramp.

YMMv but these are my thoughts....Best Regards, Rod

 

[Rodfac]

51ti...thanks for the dash modification/engineering changes list. As one respondent opined, I'd rather have had a square grip frame, but...this one looked good and there are a number of after market round to square grip offerings. With arthritis building in my right thumb joints (my strong hand), the rubber issue stocks do reduce felt recoil for me. Thanks again for the dash list. Rod

 

[grip frame]

The -5 has a pinned in black ramp with red insert. I like its because its replaceable if it gets damaged.

 

[Toter]

I picked up a 4" 686-3 a while back as a shooter so I could preserve the condition of my 27-2. I then stumbled onto this 2 1/2" 686-3 with combat grips. Although the combats look great, they beat the knuckle of my middle finger something fierce. I switched to some Hogue grips and they solve the issue. Surprisingly, I can shoot the 2 1/2" better than the 4". It is my new favorite shooter.