Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 686, .357 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless
Serial Number: ANS3926
Year of Manufacture: 1986 / Modern
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Double Action and Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder
Barrel Length: 4", with Full Underlug
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert, pinned to a serrated rise in the rib. The rear sight is a black S&W micrometer click, flat top, square notched leaf that is adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The installed grips are Round Butt smooth Goncalo Alves with finger grooves and medallions. The inside of the right grip is marked "AUG 15 1986". There are a couple very light compressions. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is an M stamped on the crane cut near the model designation part of Smith & Wesson's later L-frame modification program. The balance of the finish is strong and complete with little to no handling or operational wear. There is a thin turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Excellent condition and unfired outside of factory testing.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup produces faint side-to-side movement with the trigger depressed. The double-action is smooth and the single action is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with its factory box, cleaning tools, moisture absorbent paper and plastic gun sleeve.
Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 686 in 1981 as the stainless-steel member of its new L-frame .357 Magnum family, combining the familiar handling qualities of the K-frame with a larger frame and cylinder better suited to sustained use with full-power Magnum ammunition. Its full underlug, adjustable sights, and stainless construction quickly established the 686 as one of Smith & Wesson's most successful modern service and sporting revolvers. This 1986 revolver dates to the closing period of original no-dash production, just as the 686-1 engineering change was entering production. The "M" stamp near the model designation further documents completion of Smith & Wesson's subsequent factory L-frame modification program.
This particular 4" Model 686 is especially interesting as a round-butt special-order configuration. The factory box label identifies the round-butt configuration under product code 104229 and special order 7058, while the smooth finger-groove Goncalo Alves stocks are internally dated August 15, 1986. The revolver retains about 99% of its original stainless finish, the bore rates 10/10, and the action functions correctly with a smooth double-action pull and crisp single-action release. Its factory box, cleaning tools, protective materials, documented special-order configuration, and completed "M" modification make this an unusually complete and appealing late no-dash 686.
