UPDATE Is a 686-4 still a good gun?
- Thread starter Gudou
- Start date
I had a 686-4 in 2-1/2" and it was one of the best revolvers I had. Great action on that one. I traded it for a 66-2 in 2-1/2" but it was a great revolver. I'd rather have it than a new one for sure.
Yes, the 686-4 is a good gun, and $700 is a good price.
As to its age, my *newest* S&W revolver was made in the 1990s. The vast majority would be eligible for Social Security if they were human, and I shoot them frequently with no problems whatsoever.
As to its age, my *newest* S&W revolver was made in the 1990s. The vast majority would be eligible for Social Security if they were human, and I shoot them frequently with no problems whatsoever.
Super Trucker
Member
I bought my 686-4 in 1994. That in my opinion is the best dash number of that model.
$700 is a good price if its a good condition gun, be sure to check it over, timing, etc.
There are videos online to show you how to do the inspection.
$700 is a good price if its a good condition gun, be sure to check it over, timing, etc.
There are videos online to show you how to do the inspection.
Gunhohulk
Member
Have you considered buying… both!
I went with the 686. It's a 6" barrel. Apparently, some young kid inherited it from his grandfather and traded it in for a semi-auto with an optic.
It has some swirling micro scratches all over like someone tried to polish it, but I decided that those didn't bother me that much given how much I like the overall aesthetic of this gun.
The serial number starts with BRB. Does that denote a particular year of manufacture?
Can anyone tell me if I got a good one from the photos? I followed the video that DETROIT posted (thanks by the way!) and everything checked out except that I don't have a feeler gauge to check the gap (or is it the shake?). The cylinder feels super tight though.
It has some swirling micro scratches all over like someone tried to polish it, but I decided that those didn't bother me that much given how much I like the overall aesthetic of this gun.
The serial number starts with BRB. Does that denote a particular year of manufacture?
Can anyone tell me if I got a good one from the photos? I followed the video that DETROIT posted (thanks by the way!) and everything checked out except that I don't have a feeler gauge to check the gap (or is it the shake?). The cylinder feels super tight though.
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Very nice! The cylinder stop notches look pretty clean like it has not been shot much. I like the flash chromed hammer and trigger, I think I have seen some that were color case hardened.
Check the tang screw on the rear sight to make sure it is tight. It looks a little proud to me. Many folks here have shot thousands of rounds through their L frame Smiths and still going strong!
Check the tang screw on the rear sight to make sure it is tight. It looks a little proud to me. Many folks here have shot thousands of rounds through their L frame Smiths and still going strong!
It looks really good, except for the amateurish attempt at polishing the stainless steel. Take it to a range and test fire it, then you can decide to keep it as-is, or finish the polishing job, which would make it look very similar to a nickel plated 586, or use a gray Scotchbrite pad to give it a finish that looks like a factory fresh 686.
Don't forget to give us a range report.
Don't forget to give us a range report.
swagmeister
Member
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Great gun at a very good price these days. Enjoy.
"The serial number starts with BRB. Does that denote a particular year of manufacture?
Can anyone tell me if I got a good one from the photos? I followed the video that DETROIT posted (thanks by the way!) and everything checked out except that I don't have a feeler gauge to check the gap (or is it the shake?). The cylinder feels super tight though."
Congratulations on your purchase Gudou! According to the "SCSW 5th Ed." the alpha-numeric s/n (BRBxxxx) of your 686-4 refers to a manufacture date of 1993. The overall condition of your revolver looks very good, and there's a good chance that the mechanical function is also very good. If the swirls in the SS finish bother you, a gentle application of Flitz Polish or Mother's Mag and Aluminum Wheel Polish with a microfiber cloth should remove most of the shallow swirls. Enjoy!
Can anyone tell me if I got a good one from the photos? I followed the video that DETROIT posted (thanks by the way!) and everything checked out except that I don't have a feeler gauge to check the gap (or is it the shake?). The cylinder feels super tight though."
Congratulations on your purchase Gudou! According to the "SCSW 5th Ed." the alpha-numeric s/n (BRBxxxx) of your 686-4 refers to a manufacture date of 1993. The overall condition of your revolver looks very good, and there's a good chance that the mechanical function is also very good. If the swirls in the SS finish bother you, a gentle application of Flitz Polish or Mother's Mag and Aluminum Wheel Polish with a microfiber cloth should remove most of the shallow swirls. Enjoy!
Yendor357
Member
Gud, on top of having great taste in revolvers, you have quite the talent for taking photos. I’ll bet someone that is obviously pretty sharp such as yourself, could and will improve the finish on that revolver. I’ve had good luck with ink erasers. Experiment somewhere under the grips.
I had a scope on my six inch 686 for a while. That gun really shot really well with 180s. Old Smiths are great guns!
I had a scope on my six inch 686 for a while. That gun really shot really well with 180s. Old Smiths are great guns!
Good pick up. Those stocks are beautiful. Mother's mag polish and a soft microfiber will clean up the light markings. I did that on my 686-4. You did great on that 686. Have fun with it.
raygixxer89
Member
The way the new S&W guns are turning out, I'd rather take my chances on an older one.
raygixxer89
Member
For 700 bucks, I would have already been posting on here what a great deal I got on a classic Smith 686!
ETA:actually, I'd be posting about the great deal I got on a pair of classics!
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raygixxer89
Member
I had a 686-4 in 2-1/2" and it was one of the best revolvers I had. Great action on that one. I traded it for a 66-2 in 2-1/2" but it was a great revolver. I'd rather have it than a new one for sure.
One of my grail guns right there. Beautiful.
ColumbusJBR
Member
I had a 686-4 in 2-1/2" and it was one of the best revolvers I had. Great action on that one. I traded it for a 66-2 in 2-1/2" but it was a great revolver. I'd rather have it than a new one for sure.
Love those stocks! Who makes them? They'd sure look good on my 2 1/2" 686-4 as well!
Mehutch
Member
It's the Holy Grail.
