Does a 686-4 4" (serial BUHxxxx) have any MIM parts?
Question about 686-4
- Thread starter wellthought1
- Start date
double-dipper
Member
If i'm not mistaken the MiM parts started with the -5's
I believe the only possible mim part is the new style cylinder release latch, which I believe is found only on the -4 plus 7 shot; the 6 shot has the old style latch. The -4 does have case color hammer and trigger instead of being flash chromed, but it is forged or tool steel.
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Personally I prefer the barrels on the -3's and earlier.
Dieseltech56
Member
It's possible some MIM triggers were installed at the end of the -4 run, you can tell by the hollow back and more rounded look, if you posted a pic we could tell you for sure
OP
Here is a picture of the back of the trigger. It's not hollowed out so I'm thinking it's NOT MIM?
Here's another picture that shows the hammer and cylinder latch. I'm thinking they're not MIM also?
RevolverJim
Member
The trigger appears to be MIM, the hammer appears to be forged since it has the hammer nose (firing pin).
snowman
Member
wellthought1,
The thumbpiece is not the newer MIM one. I don't believe the trigger is either, since I believe I see case coloring at the top, and since you said it wasn't hollow in back. The MIM triggers have a deep and pronounced groove in back of them which is unmistakeable. The picture of your trigger didn't have sufficient light on the back side to make it crystal clear.
Regards,
Andy
The thumbpiece is not the newer MIM one. I don't believe the trigger is either, since I believe I see case coloring at the top, and since you said it wasn't hollow in back. The MIM triggers have a deep and pronounced groove in back of them which is unmistakeable. The picture of your trigger didn't have sufficient light on the back side to make it crystal clear.
Regards,
Andy
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stansdds
Member
Here is a picture of the back of the trigger. It's not hollowed out so I'm thinking it's NOT MIM?
Here's another picture that shows the hammer and cylinder latch. I'm thinking they're not MIM also?
Those are machined parts. MIM parts were not color case hardened, but were finished in black oxide.
RevolverJim
Member
While the trigger does appear to be color cased, a close look at the backside of it reveals a mark that may be a "groove" that I've not seen on forged triggers. Also could be just a variation in the coloring of the case hardening.
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Dieseltech56
Member
That is NOT a mim trigger, I am 100% certain of that.
MygunisaS&Wrevolver
Member
Yes, 686-4 doesn't have mim parts except for the rear bolt. I found another all stainless steel 686/681 bolt and promptly replaced it! They came with the color case hardened forged trigger and hammer. As far as I am concerned they were one of the finest S&W revolvers that were ever made.
xfarfuldog
Member
My 686-4 has the flash chromed hammer and trigger. I have seen -4's come both ways.
