tbury
Member
My 686 nodash with 4 position hunter sight. Shop owner said it was the only one with this front sight he has seen in 20+ yrs.
Why doesn't the 686 get more press?
- Thread starter MTAustin
- Start date
Hey Majic,
What was the point of a comment like that? You just insulted my intelligence and my integrity for making the statement I did.
I spend more time in gun shops and on internet auction sites than is probably healthy. Sure you see SOME 686s on auctionarms (13 listings, 9 of them used) or gunbroker (4 pages of listings, at least 1/3 of them new retail), and a search in the forum's classified section for "wts 686" brought up 8 actual guns for sale. But I'm telling you in the last 8 years I've seen exactly FOUR used 686s in say 20-25 MT gunshops I frequent in my travels. I can even remember where they were and roughly when. Now, perhaps I should have qualified my statement a little more, however I was making a statement from my own anecdotal observations.
What was the point of a comment like that? You just insulted my intelligence and my integrity for making the statement I did.
I spend more time in gun shops and on internet auction sites than is probably healthy. Sure you see SOME 686s on auctionarms (13 listings, 9 of them used) or gunbroker (4 pages of listings, at least 1/3 of them new retail), and a search in the forum's classified section for "wts 686" brought up 8 actual guns for sale. But I'm telling you in the last 8 years I've seen exactly FOUR used 686s in say 20-25 MT gunshops I frequent in my travels. I can even remember where they were and roughly when. Now, perhaps I should have qualified my statement a little more, however I was making a statement from my own anecdotal observations.
TD. (Thread Drift).
Are there any modifications that would maximize or enhance the effectiveness of the 686-4, 4"+ model, that could be done by the S&W Custom Shop?
Or,if you had a 686+ in for repair, what would you ask(pay)S&W to do?
Thanks.
Are there any modifications that would maximize or enhance the effectiveness of the 686-4, 4"+ model, that could be done by the S&W Custom Shop?
Or,if you had a 686+ in for repair, what would you ask(pay)S&W to do?
Thanks.
Yep! They are great guns. Strong enough to last forever, and better balanced than the N frame slim barrel guns. Don't get me wrong, I am an N frame guy as a pre model 27 was the first .357 I bought many years ago. I rarely shoot an L frame any more, but really appreciate the L frames for being a balance between the strength of the N frames and the lightness of the K frames. Really, they all have their place in the grand scheme of the Smith family.
bmcgilvray
Member
Hah, TwoGuns; Won't throw sharp objects but how about a large car.
I feel the Python with it's full lugged, vent rib barrel (especially that vent rib), and it's extreme polish (almost taking on a "melt" look) is a bit over the top. Sorta like a 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville with its soaring tail fins and heavy chrome.
The L-Frame guns are just as attractive as is the Python but that's only my opinion. I'm kinda goofy in that I think the 50s-60s Colt Officer's Model is just as good shooting a revolver as a Python is and doesn't suffer from the excessive styling.
Don't have an L-Frame but do have a 6-inch Model 27 and a 6-inch Python.
GF
Member
Now if a 686 were engraved with "SIS" like the all-the-rage Kimber, it too would be in all the gun mags!
Let 'em rave about $1800 45's & we'll keep the wheelguns a secret.
Let 'em rave about $1800 45's & we'll keep the wheelguns a secret.
Smithist,
Nobody else has answered your question, so I'll try. IMO, the 686 really doesn't need any smithing or tweaking, especially in the 4". Again, it's another virtue of the 686. If it had a longer barrel, I personally would have it rebarrelled to 4". The trigger probably doesn't need any work, as Smith triggers are usually pretty good out of the box; I know a gunsmith who won't even work on a Smith revolver trigger because he says there isn't much he can do.
Really the only thing I can think of is maybe chamfering chamber holes for quicker reloads, which is probably only an issue if you plan on using the gun for practical competition.
I'd say find some grips you like, a good holster, and go shooting.
Nobody else has answered your question, so I'll try. IMO, the 686 really doesn't need any smithing or tweaking, especially in the 4". Again, it's another virtue of the 686. If it had a longer barrel, I personally would have it rebarrelled to 4". The trigger probably doesn't need any work, as Smith triggers are usually pretty good out of the box; I know a gunsmith who won't even work on a Smith revolver trigger because he says there isn't much he can do.
Really the only thing I can think of is maybe chamfering chamber holes for quicker reloads, which is probably only an issue if you plan on using the gun for practical competition.
I'd say find some grips you like, a good holster, and go shooting.
TAC
Member
The triggers on my stock 686 4" and 686 6" were noticeably superior than the trigger on a Performance Center 327 R8 I bought.
Bullseye Smith
Member
I checked GB and they have about 300 guns on there from $300 to 800 dollars. That seams like alot of guns. The 686 is the best overall sales that they have, they don't screw around with it much. I would love to have one of each change. I like the 5 inch barrel the best, I still have one to put on the next 686 that I build.
The 586/686 are very practical Magnum, I emphasize Magnum, guns but I find the full underlug, which was then added to so many S&Ws, ugly.
The Model 15s and 19s for ajustable sighted guns remain, for me, the most practical, and of course I love the Model 10s, 13s. The old Model 24s and the so-called Mountain Guns with their tapered barrels are eye-pleasing and shoot very well.
So, underlugs---ugh!
Dan
The Model 15s and 19s for ajustable sighted guns remain, for me, the most practical, and of course I love the Model 10s, 13s. The old Model 24s and the so-called Mountain Guns with their tapered barrels are eye-pleasing and shoot very well.
So, underlugs---ugh!
Dan
MT, thanks for your reply. This particular 686 does have one of the best triggers that I've felt. Had a problem with timing and S&W recalled it for repair on their dime. So, I thought it might be a good time to upgrade to mabye the S&W combat package, but I believe that you are right MT, it doesn't need anything. I do have some Ahrends (round) and Excaliber (round to square) grips that I purchased from Forum members that are very comfortable. Thanks for the advice,$$$.
magnumpete
Member
I have a 4" and 6" 686 Plus. The 6", with action job, Hogue X-frame grip and gold bead patridge front sight is a sweet shooter. Have never had a single problem with either.
S&Wcamaroman
Member
I like the L-frame.. I have a 586. Nice revos everyone
Years ago I let my gun dealer talk me out of getting a 2.5" 686, and I have really regreted it. I have always felt it was the best balanced handgun I have ever held. I let him talk me into a 3" 66 instead. Didn't know at the time I would inherit a non-fired 2.5" 19 from my mother-in-law. If I didn't already have six .357s I'd get one, but dog-gon-it, that L frame .44 Special Nightguard sure looks interesting. . . .
mod57
Member
just to take a trip down "memory lane" I remember when the L frames came out. Big news. Made all the gun rags. If I recall correctly S&W had a contest to name the new revolver. Can't recall the name of the winner however. I recall that I was not especially fond of the new name at the time thinking it too much a mouth full. Now, however, it kinda grew on me! So, in '85, I went out and bought a new 6' 586, $267.99 OTD, my first NEW S&W. Sadly I didn't get to keep her too long. I shot a box of 50 through it and then had to deploy as I was in the Navy at the time. While gone, wife needs money, 586 goes bye bye.
I have always mourned the loss.
If anyone comes across SN AEN 2266, I'd love to have her back!
regards,
Ralph
If anyone comes across SN AEN 2266, I'd love to have her back!
regards,
Ralph
Pistol Toter
Member
Unlike "K" and "N" frames, "L" frames are like GLOCKS; they're ugly, dull, boring and have no redeeming qualities or soul.
Pistol Toter
Member
I own 1. It's a 686 Midnight Black. The only redeeming quality is that it's a pristine LNIB Black/Blue 686; other than that it's ugly, dull, boring and has no redeeming qualities or soul. "K" frames are everything you need or require in a combat / carrying sidearm and "N's" are a target or hunting gun. The "L" was a solution to a non-problem.
