new to me 686-1

[holmegaard]

Fellow at the range I frequent let me try his 686 (not sure what dash, probably no dash since he said it was from mid-80s) for a few cylinders full one day this summer. It was one of those "where have you been all my life" moments, & the search was on to get one for myself. Have owned and/or shot maybe 12-15 different makes & models of revolvers (S&W, Colt, Ruger), but none of them spoke to me like that one.
Found this one local, wouldn't call it a steal but a helluva lot more reasonable than what similar guns are going for on that fever dream we call gunbroker. Was advertised as unfired outside the factory. Didn't matter much since I was going to shoot it; either way she's cherry.

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Locks up tight, no measurable endshake, and a great trigger. 8lbs 14 oz DA, 2lbs 12 oz SA. The DA feels even lighter than it is. Quite smooth- with an exaggerated slow pull, can feel the slightest bump when nearing hammer drop (floating hand, I presume?), but cannot feel it at all otherwise.

Also seems to like the standard, lightish load I make for my 357 Magnum rifle, which is a bonus. Also make a near max load for the rifle, didn't try those yet & don't foresee shooting many of those, if any, through the revolver.

Couple light strikes in the first few cylinders on DA, momentarily deflated. Then remembered reading about strain screw tightness on these forums... sure enough it was ~3/4 turn shy of tight. No problems at all after that, and it has stayed tight.

Couldn't tell you exactly why, but I shoot it better overall than any handgun I've owned or tried. Might do "as good" with my 1911A1 if comparing to DA with the 686.

I'm no Miculek, but this'll do just fine for me at 15 yards in DA.

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[Rod727]

Well done love it,

 

[PatriotX]

Gorgeous gun, nice shooting !

 

[Scott_HM1000X]

I picked up a 686-6 (yes, lock) and it is the sweetest 4" 357 out there. I was lucky that whoever owned it basically didn't shoot it because it is basically brand new. I have a 6" blued Colt Python from the late 80's I bought brand new and has seen maybe 100 rounds. If I had to choose one over the other it would be my 686-6

 

[schutz5]

Very fortunate local find!
Box and all!

 

[357 shooter]

Nice find and great shooting too! Bought a 4" 686 in the late 1980s and ended up selling it a few years later. Later bought two 686-4s a 6" and 2.5". Was able to finally pick up a 4" a few years ago but in the 586-4.

 

[holmegaard]

Thanks all!

It's quickly become my favorite gun... of any type.

 

[Sevens]

Since you have the original box, there is a born-on date on the end label, what is it?

Also... are you aware this revolver is subject to a still honored recall? Unless it has the "M" stamp on the frame flat behind the yoke, it still needs the work.

 

[ImDrRich]

. . . and just like that - you have a 686 addiction. Welcome to the club!

 

[hsmith9491]

Thanks for sharing.

 

[double-dipper]

I have a no dash 4" nickel 586 and the hunt is on for a no dash AAA ser# roll mark on the right side 686.

 

[just plain joe]

You are very fortunate to have come upon that revolver. My 686 was the last revolver that I carried prior to the switch to semi-automatic pistols. It had fine lines and was aesthetically pleasing, a real thoroughbred.

Mine digested a large amount of the Federal Cartridge Corporation 125 grain jacketed hollow points. It was our issue load for those officers carrying a .357. If I remember correctly, at the time this cartridge and similar offerings by Winchester and Remington, were having a deleterious effect on the "K" frame Smiths. This included flame-cutting to the top strap and a loosening of the revolver in general. The "L" frame seemed to be the answer. It was beefy enough to handle a steady diet of magnum ammunition but not so heavy when carried on a Sam Browne belt, provided you had a proper holster. Additionally, the grips that fit the "K" frame, also fit the "L". Mine is still "tight" and is a cherished part of my past.

Congrats!

JPJ

 

[holmegaard]

She was born in March 1987.

I'm aware of the recall & it's purpose, but not entirely sure whether or not this one has been back. As shown in the photo below, there is an "M" just in front of the 686-1. Googled "s&w 686 m stamp", & the photos it found all showed the M stamped right below or right above the serial #, not next to the model number... which in those photos is always preceded by MOD... but not on this one. Did they at some point shorten "MOD" to just "M", or is it the recall stamp? Only found a handful of good photos, but none of them showed an "M" (and only an M) in front of the model number.
If determined that this one hasn't been back, inclined to not do so any time soon. No troubles with the diet it's been fed so far, and it's unlikely to ever see any 125 grain screamers. Also leery of both our shipping industry and the firearm industry at this particular time. Both are being absolutely hammered by demand & that'll continue near term- making both areas ripe for mistakes that wouldn't happen in a less frenzied environment.
Know that sounds a bit paranoid, & if it were a more serious issue that could result in the gun blowing up, I'd not hesitate to send it.

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[Bill In Texas]

Nice pickup! Congratulations!

 

[wproct]

What a great find! Enjoy that beautiful Smith & Wesson revolver!

 

[mus]

Nice find, good shooting!

I don't think it has been 'modified' yet.

Here's a snap of my ex-686-1, it has the 'M' in front of the model number too but an additional rather carelessly stamped one above it.

 

[rubiranch]

I sold my 1984 LNIB 686 last year. I never did shoot it.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Enjoy it whenever you can. Time goes quickly.

 

[holmegaard]

@mus, thank you for the photo! That that pretty much confirms that mine hasn't been back. M686 vs MOD686 probably the whim of whoever was stamping that day (or multiple stamps floating around).

This one's at the top of my never sell/trade list.

Same fellow has a LNIB 629-1 *Lew Horton* 3" for sale, but well beyond my price range. Sure is a beauty though.