Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 686, .357 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless

Serial Number: ADY2363

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1984-1985

Caliber: .357 Magnum

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

Barrel Length: 8 3/8”, with Full Underlug

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert and is set on a serrated elevated base that is integral to 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 bottom of the left panel has the original inspector's sticker. The grips have light handling wear with a few scattered nicks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine 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 and there are light tool marks across the lands near the muzzle. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are a few light nicks, scuffs and small scratches, most notable on the bottom-right of the barrel lug at the rear. There is a light turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. 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: None.

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", in the original configuration for the model before any changes were made. It has an 8 3/8" barrel which should make it ideal for target shooting or handgun hunting. It would also be a great addition to a Smith & Wesson collection. Please see our photos and good luck!