S&W 686 revolver versions?

rdgietz

rdgietz

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Hi everyone.

I would like some info about S&W 686 revolvers. I have seen many times in posts and on the EE where people add a number.
e.g. 686-1, 686-2, 686-3 etc...

I have tried using a google search to find out what these numbers mean to no avail.

Could someone please clue me in .. Thanks..

RDG
 
S&W uses the "dash" numbers every time there is a design change.

Here is some more info: I cannot attest to it's accuracy, but I think it is correct.

For the S&W 686;

686 (1980) begin prod.
686-1 (1986) radius stud package; floating hand
686-M (1987) recall by S&W & overstamp to indicate mod. (applies to 686 & 686-1 only)
686-2(1987) change hammer nose
686-3 (1988) new yoke retention system
686-4 (1993) change rear sight leaf, drill & tap frame, change extractor, introduce Hogue grips
686-5 (1997) change frame design to eliminate cylinder stop stud, eliminate serrated tangs, change to MIM hammer & floating firing pin, change to MIM trigger, change internal lockwork
686-6 (2001) internal hammer & trigger key lock
686-7 (2002) performance center variation in 38 Super introduced
 
So, was any version clearly the "best"? Reason would seem to indicate that evolution improves the features and eliminates design flaws but I have started noticing poor feedback to the models with the internal key lock. What else should a 686 buyer know about?



Lodi said:
S&W uses the "dash" numbers every time there is a design change.

Here is some more info: I cannot attest to it's accuracy, but I think it is correct.

For the S&W 686;

686 (1980) begin prod.
686-1 (1986) radius stud package; floating hand
686-M (1987) recall by S&W & overstamp to indicate mod. (applies to 686 & 686-1 only)
686-2(1987) change hammer nose
686-3 (1988) new yoke retention system
686-4 (1993) change rear sight leaf, drill & tap frame, change extractor, introduce Hogue grips
686-5 (1997) change frame design to eliminate cylinder stop stud, eliminate serrated tangs, change to MIM hammer & floating firing pin, change to MIM trigger, change internal lockwork
686-6 (2001) internal hammer & trigger key lock
686-7 (2002) performance center variation in 38 Super introduced
Click to expand...
 
Factories typically make design changes to either improve a product or reduce costs. The internal lock is/was a move to stay ahead of legislation in the U.S., thereby both saving and generating money in the future.

Most of the changes are positive, but some like the floating hand was not. But that part could be replaced easily enough, so all is good. I'm not a fan of MIM, but they work. The internal locks I dislike. Mechanically, the only ones I would shy away from are the internal lock models.


My personal preference is probably the -3 guns or older. I like the classic guns and the square cut extractors just rub me the wrong way and I don't want one.
 
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