Several questions about a newly-purchased 686

[KMB]

Recently purchased a used, pre-lock, no-dash 686 and have some questions about it.

1) The serial # is AUJ3XXX. What year is my 686?

2) The revolver was sold with very nice and relatively expensive Hogue wood grips, which I like. However, my hands are small and I'd like to find a set of grips that would be more comfortable. To be fair, these Hogue grips feel ok in my hands but something smaller would feel even better/more controllable. I am on the fence about grips with finger grooves because the grooves are often too large for my hand to obtain a solid grip.

I'm currently considering the following grip options: Speedfeed/Bill Davis PPC-style, Hogue rubber, Pachmayr Gripper Professional, Pachmayr Presentation, OEM Checkered Service, and OEM Checkered Target. So... which of those grips would you recommend to someone with a small hand size?

3) The revolver arrived in need of serious cleaning. I've cleaned it up a little bit, but it needs substantially more. I'm new to revolvers so I'm wondering if you all can give me some pointers on cleaning this sucker OR point me to an online manual or another source which can guide me through a thorough cleaning process.

4) There are 2 small spots, which look like pitting to me (one on the barrel, near the muzzle, and another on the frame, under the cylinder). What can I do?

Thanks to all who is willing to help and some pics of the firearm for your enjoyment.

 

[bamabiker]

These 3 letter serial numbers are some what confusing to me but I believe your's comes from 1986-87. Maybe someone else can tell for sure. 686s are L frame guns and the K and L frame grips will fit. There are a lot of after market grips and S&W grips that will fit. If you can go to a gun show you might could try out some different ones to see which you like best. The gun looks real nice and probably needs only a routine cleaning. You can polish the exterior if you want a shiney look. Many here use Flitz, Mother's Mag Polish, etc. to polish thier stainless guns. If you search through the threads you can find a lot of info on polishing. That's one good thing about stainless guns. Have you shot it yet. Bet it shoots good. Good luck.

 

[KMB]

Thanks for the info! Haven't shot it yet, but the trigger is sweet, at least in comparison to my brother's PC 500. The previous owner said that he had action and trigger work done at TNT Arms. Coming from the semi-auto world, I was somewhat concerned about adjusting to the revolver DA trigger, but I don't think I'll have any problems with this 686.

 

[RV4driver]

Don't let the DA designation fool you. You can "stage" the trigger, that is, pull through the initial resistance, then you have what amounts to a single action second stage. You can practice that by dry firing, and get the feel.

Also, if the trigger is "amazingly smooth and easy", you may have a light spring, and it may not fire all primers. Some are lighter strike primers than others. I put a spring kit in my 686, and suddenly not all primers would go off. I put just one of the springs back in, and now it's not quite "amazing" as before, but still better than stock, but it goes bang every time again.
Alternatively you can load rounds with softer primers and enjoy one of the best triggers around!

Fantastic revolvers these 686's, and dead nuts accurate.

Jeff
Mmmm, 686!

 

[Ops Officer]

Lead Remover Cloth Is Your Best Friend

I believe it is made by Birchwood-Casey. It is mildly abrasive and works wonders on hard-to-clean areas, e. g., between the forcing cone and top strap. I would use it on all stainless steel surfaces without worry about marring the finish. However, don't use it on blued finishes. You could try soaking the bore with any good cleaner. I use Blue Wonder with a bronze brush on the bore for a few swipes and then store the gun in a plastic bag for an hour or so. (Of course, I would have removed the grips.) Then, you can either use a patch or another application of bore cleaner and brush. I use the least harsh of cleaners as I can to get the job done. I do SS cylinders the same way.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Pachmayr Compac Professional, or Magnas with a Tyler. If these are too small (unlikely), you might try Pachmayr Compac.

 

[H Richard]

If you don't like the grips that are on it, list on the For Sale site here and you will get them sold very quickly.

 

[KMB]

If you don't like the grips that are on it, list on the For Sale site here and you will get them sold very quickly.

I'm definitely keeping these grips. Just want to have another set of grips that I can use as primary shooting grips.