My first and only L frame

[target tech]

I never saw a need for an L frame in my collection. To me, they seemed….. clunky. They couldn’t do anything a well cared for K frame would do. A dealer at a local show tried pushing a like new 681 with the box on me, and I just couldn’t do it, L frames just didn’t do anything for me.
Then I got an itch for a 696 after I got my first .44 special, a 5” second model built on a 520 frame with a 24 cylinder.
I finally picked up my first L frame, a S&W 696. I put a half a box of some mild .44 specials through it, 5.5 grains of Am Select under a 240 swc. The gun shot wonderfully. I’m almost sorry it took me this long to get one.
I ordered a DeSantis thumb break for it and actually got it before the gun. Thanks USPS, $10 priority envelope five days from Pittsburgh to Jacksonville. Must be very low priority.
I just really love the 5 big holes. It makes a nice set with one of my 60-4s. I wish one of my 60s had the CH hammer & trigger.

 

[Farmer17]

That Pachmayer on it is probably the best rubber grip ever made for revolver concealed carry.

 

[Venom6]

Nice! Great guns, and an excellent holster. Do be advised, however, that a bunch of us are planning on descending upon you with torches and pitchforks for passing up a boxed 681.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I had a 681 and its a great revolver for 357 Magnum.

L Frames are meant for 357 Magnum and K Frames are 38 caliber and smaller. N Frames for 41 caliber and larger. JMHO and I left the torch and pitchfork at the Ranch.

 

[sodacan]

I passed on "L" frames for a long time because I have an affinity for older "N" frames. I've owned eight of various types, but sold all except three. The pictured 581,681 and 586 are all early no dash guns. IMO, three of the prettiest guns to have ever come out of the factory. That 44 is a beauty, enjoy it.

 

[target tech]

That Pachmayer on it is probably the best rubber grip ever made for revolver concealed carry.

Yes, I really like them on this gun, they make a good handful for the L frame. These came off of my 3” 13. They were on it when I bought it. It ended up with magnas and Tyler. Always thought the K compacts were a little bulky for a K frame. I like the professional compacts better on my 65 LS. The original uncle Mikes got put away in the box.

 

[target tech]

I was just reading my bible and found out that the 696 no dash was only made for one year. The -1s were made for like 5 years. That explains why they seem a little rare when you’re looking for a really nice no dash. I just figured people who liked them, didn’t want to let them go. I didn’t realize they started so close to the end of the hammer forged hammers and triggers.

 

[LEO918]

Here is my Model 696.

 

[JonE406]

L frames will grow on you.

Mod 586-3

Mod 586 no dash

Replacing my Rugers one at a time.

 

[Bill In Texas]

That's a great buy! Congratulations!

 

[target tech]

Here is my Model 696.

Love Keith Brown RB targets on 3” guns. I’m just not patient enough.

 

[saemetric]

My only L frame from 1998. Had a couple others but kept the blue one

 

[bdGreen]

Yep, five very large holes in a somewhat compact package.

Enjoy,

bdGreen

Tap on image to enlarge.

 

[biku324]

To me the 4" 586/686/581/681 is perfect for 357 carry and use. They sure stand up to duty ammo better than M13/65/19/66 revolvers when your agency requires all qualifications with duty ammo. My daily carry as a geezer civilian is a Shield 45 or 40, but on mountain hikes the 686 in 357 or slightly larger near-twin 625-8 in 45 ACP/AR feel best.

 

[Baxter6551]

I really didn’t look at L frames. Collected K frames for years. Came across a 2.5 inch 686-4 a couple years ago that needed a refurbish which my gunsmith did over similar to the factory “combat revolver package”. Liked it so much when I came across a 686-4 4 inch I had to have that also. Great shooters.

 

[Bald1]

Op a 681 in box would be hard to pass up if the price was right.

 

[Grayfox]

I think the L-frame is the perfect gun for the .357 Magnum round. Hefty enough for a steady diet of full power ammo with enough weight to control recoil. Yet not as heavy or bulky as an N-frame. I currently have three. Two 586s and a 686.
However I dearly love my 696 no dash. An absolutely wonderful revolver and a great for either self defense or as a woods gun.
The 696 no dash was one of the last old time S&W revolvers. Starting with the -1 model S&W added the MIM parts and the -2 added the internal lock. The 696 No Dash is highly sought after and often brings a considerable premium over -1 & -2 models.

 

[bananaman]

My 1st L frame was a 4" 586 no dash. Then bought a 6"686 -3, Like a fool traded it off. So, when I saw the 686-6, 5" had to have it. Nice shoootin gun! Bob

 

[boykinlp]

Like you target tech, I have never felt the need for a “L” frame. But, I have thought about it before. I personally like the blued revolvers with wood grips the best.
Larry

 

[Rat458]

I only have owned one L frame.
Currently shoot a M69.
Keep it sighted in with medium velocity 44 Mag loads.
Don't want to beat it up with Full power loads.
Nice shooter with the right grips.
Wearing Pachmeyer Diamond pro round butt grips.
Its very accurate and has a good trigger.