New to me Model 686 (no dash)

[Knightenforcer]

ETA: Thanks to the ppl here
I found out that per product code 104212 it is a " Lew Horton "(one of approx 2500 made)
I know its not really a big deal, but for me it was a great find. Esp in my area, not a lot
of pre-locks and no dash available nowadays.
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Hi all! I was looking for a model 66 at a local gun store
and I found this no lock 686 2.5" snubbie.
very good to excellent condition for it's age(1980's?)
serial number starts with ANA-XXXX.
looks to have very little round count (see pics )
forcing cone looks great as well as top strap.
It felt more "robust" compared to the model 66 and 19's
It's also heavier, almost as heavy as my 5946.
It's my first .357 and first impression is "I Love it!"
Range report to follow.
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Pics with my 5946 and 642 for comparison:
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[Ashlander]

Very nice looking gun. The Standard Catalog states that the 2 1/2" 686 was introduced in 1990.

 

[dma1]

FWIW I love it too!!!

 

[Knightenforcer]

Cool, thanks Ashlander and DMA-1
Forgot to mention its a 6 rd cyl, instead of the newer 7's.
ETA: cant wait to take her to the range tomorow!

 

[BigMike76]

Looks exactly like the 686 I just bought.

 

[627 city hunter]

Awesome. That 686 looks nearly unused!

 

[Knightenforcer]

Update: Range time today was Awesome!, I love this gun.
Here's how it went:

Magtech .38 special 158 gr=boom, boom, boom
Remington .357 158gr= KA-boom, KAboom, KABOOM!
person next to me had to double check to make sure it wasnt a hand cannon, lol (it sorta is )

 

[sodacan]

You should check the production code on the end label of the box. A 2.5" version was made for Lew Horton in 1984 ( production run of 2500). That code would 104212. It did become a regular catalog item in 1990 as Ashlander said. Enjoy it.

 

[BigMike76]

Update: Range time today was Awesome!, I love this gun.
Here's how it went:

Magtech .38 special 158 gr=boom, boom, boom
Remington .357 158gr= KA-boom, KAboom, KABOOM!
person next to me had to double check to make sure it wasnt a hand cannon, lol (it sorta is )

It's badass isn't it?

 

[Knightenforcer]

yes, yes it is

 

[sophie]

Very nice 686. Good pictures.

_______
James

 

[Knightenforcer]

You should check the production code on the end label of the box. A 2.5" version was made for Lew Horton in 1984 ( production run of 2500). That code would 104212. It did become a regular catalog item in 1990 as Ashlander said. Enjoy it.

Thanks sodacan, I did check it(see pic) it has that production code. This just added to my delight.
This makes it a 1984 Lew Horton, and that explains the orig higher asking price. I bought it because it was pre-lock, most of the S&W I saw at the local dealer had the dreaded locks on them.

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[stmry]

The 2 1/2 686 is, in my mind, one of the best models S&W made. It just feels right.
Those combats sure make it nice looking, as well as being comfortable.
Good choice!
Now what's next on the list?

 

[Knightenforcer]

Thanks guys,
Next on the list, hmmmn, tough one....my wife thinks I already have too much gun as it is. But she was with me when I bought this gun and she helped me pick it.
Maybe in the near future....a model 66 or 19 with a 4"-6" barrel.

 

[BigMike76]

Not to hijack your thread but i wanted to share a pic of mine with you. I'm in love with these combat grips.

 

[s3dcor]

It is a Lew Horton but the "Special Order" date shows it was made March 21, 1986. Unless I am reading it wrong.

Thanks sodacan, I did check it(see pic) it has that production code. This just added to my delight.
This makes it a 1984 Lew Horton, and that explains the orig higher asking price. I bought it because it was pre-lock, most of the S&W I saw at the local dealer had the dreaded locks on them.

 

[Knightenforcer]

It is a Lew Horton but the "Special Order" date shows it was made March 21, 1986. Unless I am reading it wrong.

Thanks sodacan, I did check it(see pic) it has that production code. This just added to my delight.
This makes it a 1984 Lew Horton, and that explains the orig higher asking price. I bought it because it was pre-lock, most of the S&W I saw at the local dealer had the dreaded locks on them.

cool, thanks for the info.

 

[Knightenforcer]

Not to hijack your thread but i wanted to share a pic of mine with you. I'm in love with these combat grips.

sweet gun!, the grip was the 1st thing my wife noticed too.

 

[Knightenforcer]

So anyway, After doing some research online I decided to order the pachmayr compact grip.
I love the combat grips but I find after shooting a few .357 magnum rds that I need a better grip.
I will keep the orig grips and maybe show it off once in a while and put the pachmayrs on for the range.

 

[BigMike76]

So anyway, After doing some research online I decided to order the pachmayr compact grip.
I love the combat grips but I find after shooting a few .357 magnum rds that I need a better grip.
I will keep the orig grips and maybe show it off once in a while and put the pachmayrs on for the range.

I put 50 .38's and 50 .357 158 grain federals through mine last Wednesday and didn't have any comfort issues with the wood combats.