New 686 (No Dash)

[GJH77]

I was not really looking for one, but after reading such good comments on it here, I could not pass this up. So after a couple of weeks of waiting on the mail, tonight I finally picked up the 686 I found on GB . I thought I was getting a good deal, and I think I did. It turned out it was clean, no scratches, and grips in great shape. I'm looking forward to getting it out to the range this weekend.

 

[steamloco76]

Nice find. The 586 & 686 are among the finest .357 Magnum revolvers made. My recently acquired 686 4 inch no dash is a real shooter, as I'm certain yours will be.

 

[MJB]

Congrats on a great revolver!

 

[fyimo]

I really like the Model 686 and I'm my favorite is the no dash for no other reason then pne was my first S&W revolver. I've owned two and they are great shooters.

 

[Retired W4]

GJH77, your camera sure makes your 686 look blue (586). I guess I'm not one to be talking about picture taking. My skills in that department are lacking, at best. That said, my 6" 586 (M) is an incredible revolver: very accurate and very tight. It is my first and only "New Era" Smith and it is impressive. Enjoy your new acquisition.

 

[GJH77]

GJH77, your camera sure makes your 686 look blue (586). I guess I'm not one to be talking about picture taking. My skills in that department are lacking, at best. That said, my 6" 586 (M) is an incredible revolver: very accurate and very tight. It is my first and only "New Era" Smith and it is impressive. Enjoy your new acquisition.

Actually not from my camera, which is not in service at the moment. This is my only SS gun, and I guess it is similar to the problem with nickel guns, hard to take a good photo of them without the right camera and lights. This is a 1982 model from a fellow's large collection which looks like it had only been shot a few times and put away. Can't wait to shoot it this weekend.

 

[illgtncarb]

My Model 66 4"bbl, since sold (sniff), and my 686 2"bbl are two of the finest shooters I've ever owned. Astoudingly accurate and a pleasure to shoot. The only quibble I've ever had with them was the stock "target" grip. Hated the feel. Went with Hogue and both were perfected.

 

[billd13]

You'll really like it, unfortunately they can become addictive.
Bottom to top: 1985 686 no dash, no M, 1990 617 no dash, 1985 586 no dash -M.

The 686 has the best trigger I have ever shot on a revolver, smooth as glass 8lb 0 oz in double action,with the 586 not very far behind and the 617 not very far behind it.

They are all extremely accurate and great fun to shoot. You will really enjoy yours, I am sure. Good luck this weekend!

 

[redbos]

nice find, she looks very pretty. I have several 6 inch 686's some I shoot, some I dont, but I love them all!

 

[C/O]

I am sure you will love it. I have a 4 inch 686 that is my favorite gun.

 

[kennyb]

ya found yourself a good one!

 

[Sparrowbird]

You will love it.

 

[Andy the Aussie]

I can only echo what the others have said. Very nice revolver mate..!!

 

[GJH77]

Thanks for all the comments. I did take it out last weekend, and it was the best shooting on the first day with any gun I have I think. It was very accurate at 25 yards. Now I wonder if I should be looking for a 4"!

 

[williamlayton]

What a silly question-----OF COURSE.
I am suprised that you have not started.
Do it now.
Blessings

 

[Engine49guy]

I have been looking around for an early 4" 686 as well to complete this L frame trio, .... for now the K frame 617 will have to do.

They are out there but definately addictive.

My guess is after you see how awesome the L frames 357's are to shot you will be looking for a blue and nickel version as well.

Congrats and good luck in your quest.

 

[586L-Frame]

Hi GJH77,
Congrats on your purchase of a 6 inch 686 L-Frame on GB.

This month I just purchased two 686-4 6 inchers to go with my 4 inch no dash. I'm now a happy camper.

They are very accurate shooters, well balanced and easy on the eyes as well.
Enjoy your 686.
586L-Frame

 

[snubbiefan]

Might have been mentioned in here some place, but I have had a 686 ND in my safe for years and years and ran across a post concerning the "m" here in the forum. I think some folks have elected not to return theirs to S&W for an upgrade, but I did. It's a well known fact among the experts, but for us that have not kept up with things over the years....S&W will pay shipping both ways and upgrade the gun and stamp an "m" in the SN area. I guess it was what one might term as a silent recall.

 

[V996]

Hello to all. Just joined and wanted to share. I have a 638 and a 686. My 686 was purchased for me by my father over 25 years ago when I was 10 years old. It stayed in the safe until he passed away when I was age 19 and I've just recently taken it to the range to get some use of it.
I'm curious as to what "No Dash" means?
Thanks
Edit: After lookig at a few other pics, it seems the no dash has to do with the model #. What are the differences in model #'s? Mine is -3
Thanks

 

[snubbiefan]

ND=first production run of the particular model. Dashes indicate changes made in succeeding model years. I cannot tell you much more than that, but there are many other folks on here who can. They will show-up soon to help you out, or point you to a thread/post that details the information.

Happy Shooting!