Several questions on 686

[Changeling]

I have been considering getting a 686 for shooting and investment and would like to know what - number is considered the best before locks?

Also along these same lines, can someone tell me the empty weight of the regular 686 with 4" barrel ?
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629-4 DX, this is a 5 " , can you tell me what the DX stands for? This seems to be a full underlug like a Classic, only in 5".
What does this revolver weigh empty?

Additional information would be very much appreciated, especially if you believe I should be checking out different models.

 

[Handgunner50]

This is the information I found concerning the changes in the 686. I prefer the -3 in 4" but based on the info below I would not turn down a nice -4. Everyone has their favorite for various reasons. This just happens to be mine.

686 no dash, 1980, introduced model
686-1, 1986, radius stud package, floating hand
686-2, 1987, changed hammer nose, bushing and associated parts
686-3, 1988, new yoke retention system
686-4, 1993, change rear sight leaf, drill and tap frame, change extractor, hogue grips
686-5, 1997, change frame design to eliminate cylinder stop stud, eleminate serrated tangs, change to MIM hammer with floating firing pin, change to MIM trigger, change internal lockwork
686-6, 2001, internal lock
686-7, 2002, Performance Center variation in 38 Super

 

[Chukar60]

When I was researching the 686 to buy, the -4 seemed to get the most nods as preferred. I bought a highly tuned no dash. Reality for me is I could not tell the difference between the different dash variants I shot.

 

[rwsmith]

Does it have an 'M'

Is there an 'M' stamped next to the model number? The 'M' means the gun was returned to the factory for the recall on the firing pin/bushing.

You did very good in getting a 686.

 

[grip frame]

IMO the -3 and -4 are the best 686 because of the improvements.

I have never seen a 5" 629-4 classic dx.

The only 5 inch 629 classic dx guns I have seen -3 and not very many were made.



There were 6.5" and 8" classic dx models in -3,-4,-5

Also 5 inch regular 629 classics in -3,-4

The classic DX was a limited version of the regular classic models that was hand picked for accuracy and came with two sets of grips and 5 different front sights, also a test target.

 

[loeman]

I have three variations of the 686 and I love them all. I have a 686 no dash, no M, 2.5 inch barrel, a 681 no dash, no M, 4 inch barrel. And finally a 686-3, 4 inch barrel. The 681 is the same as the 686 but has non-adjustable fixed sights. Like Chukar60 said above, I can't tell much difference in how these guns shoot. They all have wonderful triggers, especially the 681. I'm most accurate with the 686-4 but the 681 gets the most range time. No dash to -4 686s in great condition are pretty scarce around here and when you do see them they are always priced pretty high. Also, don't be turned off by the no dash, no M 686s. You can either ignore the recall (I did) or send it back to S&W which I understand they will still do the fix for free. There is a lot of discussion here on the forum regarding the recall that makes for some interesting and entertaining reading.

 

[S&W357]

What ever dash you get is up to you. I would get a 3 in. or 4in. If they even make a 5 in.? If you are shooting at range get 4in. Carry 3in. I have a 686 in 5in and never shoot it.

 

[snubbiefan]

4-inch 686-4.....seems to be the honey-baby of the bunch. I also have a 681 and will attest to it having the best trigger in the 68X family. I think S&W did something a little special with the 681 knowing they were mostly going to LEA's.

 

[DR505]

Any of the variants are fine revolvers. I have a 686-3 6" Classic Hunter that has one of the finest triggers I've used. It is also scary accurate. This is a non-starter for concealed carry, but carries easily in the field.

 

[g17]

I have/had all from the -4 and under and like the -4 and -3 best but all of them from no dash to -4 are great pistols imo.

 

[imakmst]

I have a -3 4" and a -4 2.5"

Both fine revolvers. (the -3 locks up like a vault)

 

[Canpro]

I have a -6 in 4.2inch (canadian version) excellent all round. I did a lot of research on the 686 and after having a problem with a Taurus 608, that eventually they purchased back from me, I got my new 686. The fit and finish is fantastic, the trigger smooth in DA and very light and crisp in SA. Balance is good. I switched to Ahrend retro combat grips just for the styling and they, for my hand size, feel perfect. Nothing wrong with the rubber grips either. I too went around in circles re pre internel lock etc...but feel this -6 is just getting better the more it's shot. If you can, new is always good at least then you will know exactly what you have and the rest is up to you. Have fun which ever version you decide or are able to get.