S&W 686+ No Full Lug

[Koveras]

I just purchased a brand new S&W 686+ with hi-viz front sight, 5" barrel, but no full under-barrel lug (see picture). I had no idea S&W made a 686 without the full lug. It isn't a regularly cataloged item, so I assume it was a limited run for a distributor.

Anybody know which distributor this was made for and how many were made? The SN is CHC3xxx and the model is 686-6.

And yes, I'm going to shoot it. What's the point of 7 shots if you don't shoot them?

 

[Brian Williams]

Yours is part of a special run from S&W for stocking Dealers only. We had a few posts about these earlier.
nice gun

 

[Koveras]

Thanks Perfessr! I was able to search for "stocking dealer" and found the previous post. Hopefully this thread won't draw the same vituperative as the last one.

 

[stans]

Oh, I rather like the no-lug 686. When I read the title of your post, I was thinking it was going to be one of those funky, wedge shaped barrels from the Custom Shop. But noooo, it is more like the classic S&W barrel with shrouded ejector rod. Very nice!!!

 

[SnWnMe]

It's not on our approved list

 

[Randy63]

I like it!

Randy

 

[OH25shooter]

I really like it! The grips as well. Would like one to keep my 686 full lug company.

 

[Roboshred]

A novice's question?

Whats the difference between this pistol and a 66 with the same length barrel besides the sight? Is it a different frame? RB

 

[Sean Smith]

The 686 frame is heavier than the 66 frame (K vs L I think).

 

[Bob C]

Yesterday I traded for one of the 686+ models with the 5" barrel, partial under lug, and Hi Viz sights.

Went to the range today, and I am very pleased. Excellent balance, accuracy was good with every load, and was very good with W/W 125 hollow point factory loads.

I'm extremely happy with this gun!

 

[John Ross]

TJ Mullin, a gunwriter whose opinion I respect, said that arguably the best gun S&W ever made was the 4" Mountain Revolver version of the 686+ they built one year only. It weighed 36.5 ounces (same as a 66), was strong as a 27, and had 7 shots.

This new 7-shot stocking dealer 686 might be even better. It is 39 ounces, but I prefer 5" half-lug barrels to 4" under all circumstances.

I have one of these 686s coming next week.

There has never been a period in time where S&W brought out more really good new developments. Think about it: Ti/Scan J- through N-frames, the 500, the Mountain Revolvers, Hi-Viz sights, PC offerings, and now this 5" 686.

Good stuff.

JR

 

[Randy63]

Bob C, How did that Hi Viz sight work for you? What was it priced at for an outright sale?

I recently picked up one of the 686+ Mountain Guns.

Athough I'm not partial to stainless guns I'm really impressed with this revolver. Fantastic idea and execution.

I like this new 5" 686+ as well. I want one. I'd probably have the sights changed though.

Randy

 

[4v50 Gary]

Dang if you don't learn something new everyday here. 686 w/out a full lug that was a special run for stocking dealers. Who'd have guess?

 

[Bob C]

Hi Randy,

The cash price was $519 on the 686+. Most stuff from this shop is reasonable.

The Hi Viz sight works fine, but the sight picture is different. The front sight sits on top of the notch, and is a little above the plane. I'm accustomed to having the top of the front sight level with the top of the rear sight.

At the range today I shifted back and forth between this gun and a Ruger Bisley where my normal sight picture works, and I didn't have any problems with the changeover.

If the opportunity arises, I'll likely pick up a 686 Mountain Gun now.

 

[461]

Good news, the 5' 686-6 was added to the California approved list.