Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 686 M (indicates recall return in 1987), .357 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless

Serial Number: ADF5454

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1983-1985

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type: Double Action / Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder

Barrel Length: 6”, with Full Underlug

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert integral to a rise in the rib, which is serrated for glare reduction. The rear sight is a white-outlined S&W micrometer click, flat top, square notched leaf that is adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with speedloader cut. The grips have light handling wear with a few scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Stainless Steel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, there is a little stubborn copper fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few minor nicks, scuffs and small scratches. There is a thin turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a serial-matching box.

Our Assessment: As the name implies, the Distinguished Combat Magnum is a remarkable piece of machinery that is tough enough for any application. The revolver is built on Smith & Wesson's L-Frame which was introduced in 1980. While the .357 Magnum had been in use for a number of years, police officers did not like the weight of the heavy N-Framed models and while the K-Frame was the standard for defensive revolvers, it was realized that problems with the forcing cone arose after high round count. The solution to the problem was the L-Frame, with input from S&W Historian Roy Jinks the new frame was born. The L-Frame was basically K-Frame that was beefed up just a bit allowing for a larger forcing cone and cylinder window, but retained the same grip frame. In 1980 the L-Frame models were introduced and were instantly recognizable by their full underlug. The 686 was well received by law enforcement and sport shooters alike and has been produced by the company to this very day.

This example is a "no-dash", the original configuration for the model before any changes were made, but also has an "M" marking on the crane-cut, indicating it was returned under recall in 1987. It has a 6" barrel which should make it good for target shooting or handgun hunting. It would also be a great addition to a Smith & Wesson collection with its high condition and original box. Please see our photos and good luck!