New to S&W, just bought a 686 6" Stainless

[SS686]

Hello everyone. This is my first Smith and I just got it today. I tried to research what I wanted in a wheel gun and came up with the 686. I understand the internal lock and the debates, but what's the deal with older guns and people saying "no dash". I take it this refers to the actual dash on model numbers, but I don't know what this all means as far as differences in pistols. Also, if there are any things to look out for or anything you'd like to add about this gun, I would appreciate it. I just plan on target shooting with it since I already have a small .40 I use for personal defense. Thanks!

Curtis

 

[SS686]

Hello everyone. This is my first Smith and I just got it today. I tried to research what I wanted in a wheel gun and came up with the 686. I understand the internal lock and the debates, but what's the deal with older guns and people saying "no dash". I take it this refers to the actual dash on model numbers, but I don't know what this all means as far as differences in pistols. Also, if there are any things to look out for or anything you'd like to add about this gun, I would appreciate it. I just plan on target shooting with it since I already have a small .40 I use for personal defense. Thanks!

Curtis

 

[Wheelgunner840]

Congrats SS686! Welcome to the Forum!

I think the L-Frames are the best when it comes to the .357 cartridge. You are going to love that gun, I guarantee! Did you by an older one or a brand new piece?

The dash followed by a number means that a modification has been done by the factory to the model. Internal mods, sight mods, a change in materials used, etc. Each time they modify something, it gets a new model number ( 29-2, 29-3, etc.)

It is just a tracking number of changes made.

Again, welcome, and good luck with your new 686!

WG840

 

[JD 500]

If you open the cylinder, you should see the serial number of your 686, and the model # with which dash yours may be. Members here who know far more than I can tell you, based on your exact model " 686-3" for instance, which modifications or enhancements your 686 has.

Welcome to the forum. I have found a great deal of information from the members here that I don't think I could have acquired elsewhere.
-

 

[SS686]

Thanks Wheelgunner. The gun is pretty new. The date of the cartridge firing is 12-06-08, so I take it they finished building it not long before this date. I was looking into getting a used 686, but my dad talked me into getting a new one. I generally prefer new stuff so I break it in my way and I know nothing has been done to it. Also, I just don't know enough about revolvers to take a chance picking a used one, even though most would probably be ok. I'm looking forward to shooting it. Hopefully tomorrow, if it doesn't rain like it did today.

Curtis

 

[JnBy]

Welcome, Curtis! That's a great gun, and a great cartridge for target shooting. The dashes refer to "revisions", kind of like software upgrades. A no dash model is the first edition, and then the dashes start in. For instance, a model 29 (no dash) predates a model 29-2, and so on. The years associated with the dash numbers are specific to the model, however. So a 29-4 is not necessarily in the same date range as a 629-4.

There are a lot of S&W model variations. Some of the folks on this forum are true experts and have loads of valuable information to share. You can search up most any model here for great info and pics.

So...when are you going to start reloading .357's? Save your brass (one of the benefits of revolver shooting is easy brass collection), invest a few dollars in a simple press and some dies, and start making your own target loads. You'll really save some money on ammo and you'll have some fun when you're not shooting.

Be well, shoot safe, and enjoy yourself...

John

 

[SS686]

Thanks JD. I originally figured the 686-6 on my gun meant 6 inch barrel. I'll try and read more on here.

Curtis

Originally posted by JD 500:
If you open the cylinder, you should see the serial number of your 686, and the model # with which dash yours may be. Members here who know far more than I can tell you, based on your exact model " 686-3" for instance, which modifications or enhancements your 686 has.

Welcome to the forum. I have found a great deal of information from the members here that I don't think I could have acquired elsewhere.
-

 

[Shorty4T]

Welcome SS686 to the forum. I predict that this will be your first of many S&W fine revolvers. After all it is an illness that there is no cure for. I have 4 686s and still need more. You did your research well, the 686 is the one that everyone wants. It will serve you for many years to come. Post some pics of it when you get a chance, we all love pictures

Cheers,
Sam

 

[SS686]

John,

I've never reloaded before but shoot the .270, .223, .40 and now .357/.38/.38+ and ammo is not only getting scarce from time to time, but it's not cheap either. The cheap stuff can be pretty crummy too. I have been looking at the Hornday LNL Auto, or named something like that. The kit seems like a good start for someone like me, who doesn't know too much about reloading. Thanks for the reply!

Curtis

Originally posted by JnBy:
Welcome, Curtis! That's a great gun, and a great cartridge for target shooting. The dashes refer to "revisions", kind of like software upgrades. A no dash model is the first edition, and then the dashes start in. For instance, a model 29 (no dash) predates a model 29-2, and so on. The years associated with the dash numbers are specific to the model, however. So a 29-4 is not necessarily in the same date range as a 629-4.

There are a lot of S&W model variations. Some of the folks on this forum are true experts and have loads of valuable information to share. You can search up most any model here for great info and pics.

So...when are you going to start reloading .357's? Save your brass (one of the benefits of revolver shooting is easy brass collection), invest a few dollars in a simple press and some dies, and start making your own target loads. You'll really save some money on ammo and you'll have some fun when you're not shooting.

Be well, shoot safe, and enjoy yourself...

John

 

[SS686]

Thanks Sam. I'll try and post some pics when I get back in later tonight or tomorrow. I have to go and celebrate a late valentine's dinner soon. I'd like several other revolvers already, but I have too many hobbies as it is and most of them are the expensive kind and my job is the poor kind...

Curtis

Originally posted by Shorty4T:
Welcome SS686 to the forum. I predict that this will be your first of many S&W fine revolvers. After all it is an illness that there is no cure for. I have 4 686s and still need more. You did your research well, the 686 is the one that everyone wants. It will serve you for many years to come. Post some pics of it when you get a chance, we all love pictures

Cheers,
Sam

 

[kennyb]

congrats on your new 686....i have three in various configurations and they all shoot great!
welcome to the forum and by all means...look into reloading...its safe,easy,and you will save a LOT of money!

 

[swamp creature]

Originally posted by SS686:
Thanks JD. I originally figured the 686-6 on my gun meant 6 inch barrel. I'll try and read more on here.

Curtis
------------------------------------------
Welcome to your new obsession Curtis.
The 3rd Edition Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson lists the 686-6 as beginning production in 2001 with the modifications of internal lock and trigger key lock. You said you purchased new, if so check your shipping box end label. At the bottom of the label you will find your product code followed by your serial number, after the SN# you will see a four digit Julian date of manufacture with the year first and the day of the year after. An example would be 8305, meaning the 305th day of 2008. That is the final born on date and should be within a few days of the first test fire.

Swampy

 

[RobO]

Welcome to the forum. Several years ago, a 686 6" was the first S&W wheelgun for me, too!

 

[RedBerens]

Welcome to the Forum, Curtis. Honestly, I don't think you could have bought a better model for your first revolver.

I will warn you though - these are addictive. Pretty soon, you'll realize that you need a .22 revolver. After that, you'll probably be able to talk yourself into an N frame - .44 Magnum is a good start. And from there, you'll be as hopelessly hooked as the rest of us.

Congratulations on your new gun. Remember to shoot safe, shoot often, and share your sport.

 

[Ohio guy]

Curtis, i think you bought a keeper. Mine is a 686 2 1 1/2 i bought in 06 and i love the feel and looks. Still havent fired it yet though. From what ive been hearing there great guns.

 

[BigBoreShooter]

Welcome....and congrats on a GREAT gun!!!

Here's mine.

 

[Ohio guy]

sorry ment 686 guy.

 

[canoesota]

SS686,
Welcome to the forum! You purchased a great gun for target, hunting, home defense, and just plain plinking! It is also my first Smith & Wesson, except mine is a 586-1 6". Same gun just blued instead of stainless steel. Get some 38 special 130 grain full metal jacket cartridges, and do some target shooting to get familiar with your new revolver. 375 magnum and reloads can come later when you decide what you like to shoot! Enjoy!

 

[Bullseye Smith]

By the reply's you know you have a winner, enjoy and remember - there is no dumb questions - but you will get some smartA-- answers.

Here are three of my 686's.

 

[stevieboy]

Hey Curtis, you've gotten yourself in with a bunch of dangerous characters! We're all Smith junkies here and I'll bet you that if you keep reading you soon will be too. That means a lifetime of buying and shooting Smith revolvers. After you've seen a few of the picture threads on this forum you'll find yourself itching to get another gun, something like one of those pictured. Then, you'll discover the joy of ferreting out great examples at gun shows and pawn shops, and by then, you'll definitely be hooked!

Btw, I, myself got addicted only three years ago. Like you, my first purchase was a 686-6 6" gun which I truly love. But I also have five other Smith revolvers and a semiauto. That makes me and addict -- and a very minor addict compared to many on this forum

Welcome, and good luck with your addiction.