new purchase, new to the forum

[ramjet326]

hey all,
just picked up my own 686, 6 shot revolver with the 4in. barrel. I was originally looking at a BUG (airweight bodyguard) but while perusing the local shop, found a M686-1 with # AVZ39.. There used to be a what looks like a dept. issue code on the lower frame but was etched out before resale. The GS employee stated that the gun might have been local (as in the area or statewide) but couldn't remember who or what agency etched out their numbers. I used to have a M64 with a 4in bbl. that had a utah corrections id to it. any clue on the 686? I will try to get a phone pic and see if I can download it for ya'll. Been lurking for awhile on this site, reading up and making sure this is the steel pardner I wanted. So, thanks in advance for the help and welcome. As for Smith products, this will be my 3rd. installment in the firearm catagory. Though right now, I'm wearing some S&W boots, alpha I think...Anyways....

 

[ColdBlueSteel]

Welcome to the forum, and congrats on the 686, love em'
The 4'' is an especially nice shooter IMO.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM, BEST ON THE NET.

The 686 is a good one, it will last a life time + one or two . Treat her good and she will do the same to you.

 

[ramjet326]

now she does need some cleaning going on but overall, great shape. I do miss my mod. 64 terribly, (new baby, no funds) but hopefully this will take to me better if not the same. I do like the .357 shell also the ability to use cheap .38s to dump down range. I ended up with the L frame because of its versatility and fun factor. the bodyguard would be nice to throw in the pocket while going to the store or what not, but.... I already have a slim little 9mm for that function anyway. I may ccw this one later, but for right now, shes sitting in a tex shoemaker holster. its brand new and reaaallly tight, so the little 686 is sleeping with the leather on so to speak. lol. Wanna now what left the safe for this beauty? HK USP .40sw! It just didnt fit that well and the "tacticool" factor wore off. The L frame fits ohhh so nice!

 

[.357magger]

Welcome to the forum, congrats on both new additions .

L's are cool imo. Not too big, not so small, but L's, like all Smiths, are like Lay's potato chips. Nobody can keep just one.

Good luck with the baby, and the new baby.

 

[Screendmon]

Congrats on 686!

 

[fyimo]

Congratulations on the purchase

 

[kennyb]

welcome to the forum!

 

[handgunner356]

There were plenty of LE that used the 686, you could call S&W customer service with the seriel number and they might be able to tell you if it was shipped to a local agency or dealer.

 

[ramjet326]

my thoughts exactly handgunner! I am very interested in seeing who had this and what stories this little guy has! Since I live out in the middle of nowhere, I've been wearing it around and getting the holster loosened up. Feels great. I also like that it seems to sit and feel on my side like my 1911s. cool. I was able to pick up some speedstrips and currently carrying some old 110gr. HP (winchester). Not the 1st. choice but it'll do. thanks again. gonna go dump some ammo after the weekend out here in the hills and really get a good feel for it.

 

[PMRet]

Welcome to the forum. IMO, the 4" 686 is one of the most versatile handguns ever made. But as someone else suggested, if you hang around here too much it will multiply!

 

[frbeall]

Welcome to the forum, congrats on both new additions .

L's are cool imo. Not too big, not so small, but L's, like all Smiths, are like Lay's potato chips. Nobody can keep just one.

Good luck with the baby, and the new baby.

My feelings exactly.

 

[C/O]

Welcome, I also recently came into a 686.

 

[rjgnwdc]

Congrats on your 686

Where are the PICS?

 

[whit42]

Again, congrats on the find. I also came across one a few weeks ago and really love it. It's a 686 no dash ADVXXX. Believe it to be from 1984.
I found out (from someone on this forum) that there was a recall from back in the 80's on the 686 no dash and the 686-1. after that they corrected the problem. I called Smith and Wesson and they confirmed this and sent me a Fed-Ex label to return it for a no charge modification. Took a little over a week to get it back. You may want to call and chech this out. Enjoy the gun, I sure do mine. (4" also)

 

[RossMatt]

welcome. sweet gun... on my wishlist!