S&W revolver

Fynn

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A little obsessed with getting a 686 but can’t come to grips with the Hilary hole... Thing is, not sure if I’ll find a “pre key” model that I can afford. Prefer a 3” stainless 6-shot .357 ... Am I dreaming?
 
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I found, rather stumbled into, a barely-fired 4" 686 no-dash for $650.00. No box or papers, which is fine, I bought it to shoot. No way I would buy a new one when older good'uns are out there.

I think 3" is harder to find, but if that's what you want, just be patient.
 
The hardest part of that dilemma is having the cash in hand when the right deal pops up.
 
I see very few 3 inch guns, but the 2 and 4 inch ones are more common and easier to find.

A few years ago I found a pristine 686-1 4-inch, with box and papers. Its one of my most shot handguns.
 
I have the 686 3 in. 7 shot. It was a TALO edition. Understand about the hole for the lock, but it has not been an issue. Is it just me, or does anyone else want to lose their lunch whenever they hear the term "Hillary Hole?" :eek:
 
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Nickel? I'm no expert but 681s and 581s were satin stainless, 686 & 586 were blued...

Sent from notthedroidyourelookingfor
6 series guns are SS.
5 series guns are blued carbon steel.
 
I knew I had something wrong there, but only blue and SS, nickel means someone was playing "pimp my gunz"

Sent from notthedroidyourelookingfor
No the factory made/makes 5 series in chrome in addition to blued.
The 5/6 thing applies across S&Ws line.
 
Around Christmas in 2017 Fuquay had a pre lock 3" they had just taken in that morning. Man, I was sweating holding and looking at it. Think it was a -3 IIRC.

We were in the middle of our kitchen remodel and it was a week or so before Christmas so I just couldn't pull it off. Believe they were asking $650. I agreed with the guy behind the counter, it'll be gone by the time they close...

I have a 686-4 in the 4", made in 1993 or 94. Sweet shooter for sure. I see the 4" around.
3" seems to be the rarer bird. Be diligent, you'll find one.
 
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I do like the prelock guns. I prefer the finish of the older guns as well.

But have shot many amazing guns with the holes in them. If I were shooting competition with it, I’d get a newer one.
 
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I have a 686-4 in the 4", made in 1993 or 94. Sweet shooter for sure.

I have a 4" 686-1. Of all of my handguns, it's my favorite shooter. I bought it from Ed Nicely back in June of 2002 for $351.40. My 4" 66 (no dash) is near the top of the list too.
 

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Around Christmas in 2017 Fuquay had a pre lock 3" they had just taken in that morning. Man, I was sweating holding and looking at it. Think it was a -3 IIRC.

We were in the middle of our kitchen remodel and it was a week or so before Christmas so I just couldn't pull it off. Believe they were asking $650. I agreed with the guy behind the counter, it'll be gone by the time they close...

I have a 686-4 in the 4", made in 1993 or 94. Sweet shooter for sure. I see the 4" around.
3" seems to be the rarer bird. Be diligent, you'll find one.
If that were a 3” and not a 2 1/2”, pre lock 686, I would have not left without it @650. Heck, I might have even taken it if it were a 2 1/2 “ even though I have one.
 
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Well, not the first time nor will it be the last time I were wrong...

Sent from notthedroidyourelookingfor
I personally get a Great Deal of consolation from Will Rogers old saying...….everybody in the world is ignorant, just about different things. I use this a lot any more.
 
Wow! THAT is GORGEOUS :D
Thank you. I love those old Smiths. I should have collected them back when they were cheap, but I guess hindsight is 20/20. I love the full lug and overall proportions of that 586, especially with the target hammer/trigger/stocks, but man is it a big pistol.

To address your initial question... the way I see it, older Smiths pretty much always have great triggers and if you can find one then you are good to go from the very start. If all you can find is a model with a lock, just plan on having a trigger job that includes removal of the lock in the process. That way you will still have a revolver with a good trigger. It won't have the chance of experiencing a safety failure, and you will just have a small blemish on the side of the frame that can be plugged.

c7e902106ff71b356c22e857333d3bba

Those aren't mine, but you can see how smooth it can look with a safety delete plug.
 
Sometimes things just seem to fall out of the sky and into your path. See the wheelgun picture thread page 40 :p
 
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