S+W 686-4 +

RsqVet · February 29, 2012, 01:19 PM

I lucked into a 686-4 + (7 shot) 2.5 inch barrel no less. Frankly my memory of guns I could not afford years ago must be getting hazy as I would have bet 5 dollars the plus started with the 686-5. Oh well learned something new and got another great carry gun. Now if only I could find a 686-5 + mountain gun.

And BTW note to smith and wesson, I gladly paid close to street price for a new 686 for this lightly used -4, start making the guns we want without locks and your bottom line will only improve!

NoSecondBest · February 29, 2012, 01:44 PM

The suffix after the model designation represents an engineering change to the gun. The first 686 made had no suffix, it would be stamped just 686. After that there would be a suffix such as 686-5 (which mine has). The 686-4 was the preceding model change, ie-closer to the original. If you had gotten a 686-5 it would be a later version of the 686, not an earlier one.

RsqVet · February 29, 2012, 02:07 PM

I am referring to the 7 vs 6 shot configuration for the 686, commonly referred to as the 686+, and the engineering changes to the gun. I thought the plus I.e. 7 shot started with the -5, apparently it was the -4 though I would be interested to know the production numbers on the -4 +.

18DAI · February 29, 2012, 02:42 PM

Congrats RsqVet!!

I searched for one for about six years. Found a lightly used example, also with a 2.5 inch tube, this past January. Sweet seven shooter!

The 686-4+ was only produced in 1996-7. They are somewhat scarce. Those that have them hang onto them.

Enjoy yours! Regards 18DAI

carguychris · February 29, 2012, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Now if only I could find a 686-5 + mountain gun.

Was this gun actually produced? IIRC almost all Mountain Guns are N frames, but I don't have "The Book" handy.

MonsterB · February 29, 2012, 04:10 PM

I have a 686-5 sitting right in front of me, I was just drooling over it and thinking about how much I love it. I have a bunch of handguns, from revolvers to 1911's to my glocks, but by far, the 686 is my most treasured gun ever. Its so well made, an incredible shooter, Im accurate with it like no other, its just freakin awesome. I have been on the lookout for an earlier model to keep it company, and I had no idea they made a -4 seven shot. Very cool! The best thing is I got the gun for 450$ and I dont think it was ever shot when I got it. Even after close to 1500 hundred rounds it shows hardly any sign of wear, and is as smooth as silk. Smith and Wesson makes some incredible guns.

RsqVet · February 29, 2012, 05:44 PM

Carguy--- there was indeed a 686 mtn gun, -5 I am 99% sure. Came out if I recall correctly same year as the 45 colt mtn gun. I had the 45, sold it like a fool.

The L frame with a pencil barrel is an awsome combo

RGPM1A · March 1, 2012, 10:41 PM

I was lucky enough to pick up a 2.5" 686-4 a year ago. Its an outstanding snubbie. I carry it and often use it in BUG matches along with my 3" M36. they are both outstanding shooters.

LAKE713 · December 12, 2012, 12:40 AM

I found a 686-4 Plus for $600 plus $30 S/H and $45 FFL fees on my end. It looks great but it's out-of-state and has a 6" barrel. I'd like it for carry and thus would want a 3" or 4" barrel on it. Can I put a 686 Mountain Gun barrel on it or were those not compatible with 686-4 Plus models?

February 29, 2012, 01:19 PM	#1
RsqVet Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2005 Posts: 2,474	S+W 686-4 + I lucked into a 686-4 + (7 shot) 2.5 inch barrel no less. Frankly my memory of guns I could not afford years ago must be getting hazy as I would have bet 5 dollars the plus started with the 686-5. Oh well learned something new and got another great carry gun. Now if only I could find a 686-5 + mountain gun. And BTW note to smith and wesson, I gladly paid close to street price for a new 686 for this lightly used -4, start making the guns we want without locks and your bottom line will only improve!

February 29, 2012, 02:42 PM	#4
18DAI Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2005 Location: NC Posts: 2,156	Congrats RsqVet!! I searched for one for about six years. Found a lightly used example, also with a 2.5 inch tube, this past January. Sweet seven shooter! The 686-4+ was only produced in 1996-7. They are somewhat scarce. Those that have them hang onto them. Enjoy yours! Regards 18DAI __________________ S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum. Everything you need in a revolver, and nothing you don't.

February 29, 2012, 01:44 PM	#2
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	The suffix after the model designation represents an engineering change to the gun. The first 686 made had no suffix, it would be stamped just 686. After that there would be a suffix such as 686-5 (which mine has). The 686-4 was the preceding model change, ie-closer to the original. If you had gotten a 686-5 it would be a later version of the 686, not an earlier one.

February 29, 2012, 02:07 PM	#3
RsqVet Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2005 Posts: 2,474	I am referring to the 7 vs 6 shot configuration for the 686, commonly referred to as the 686+, and the engineering changes to the gun. I thought the plus I.e. 7 shot started with the -5, apparently it was the -4 though I would be interested to know the production numbers on the -4 +.

February 29, 2012, 04:10 PM	#6
MonsterB Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2010 Posts: 347	I have a 686-5 sitting right in front of me, I was just drooling over it and thinking about how much I love it. I have a bunch of handguns, from revolvers to 1911's to my glocks, but by far, the 686 is my most treasured gun ever. Its so well made, an incredible shooter, Im accurate with it like no other, its just freakin awesome. I have been on the lookout for an earlier model to keep it company, and I had no idea they made a -4 seven shot. Very cool! The best thing is I got the gun for 450$ and I dont think it was ever shot when I got it. Even after close to 1500 hundred rounds it shows hardly any sign of wear, and is as smooth as silk. Smith and Wesson makes some incredible guns.

February 29, 2012, 05:44 PM	#7
RsqVet Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2005 Posts: 2,474	Carguy--- there was indeed a 686 mtn gun, -5 I am 99% sure. Came out if I recall correctly same year as the 45 colt mtn gun. I had the 45, sold it like a fool. The L frame with a pencil barrel is an awsome combo

March 1, 2012, 10:41 PM	#8
RGPM1A Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2010 Posts: 134	I was lucky enough to pick up a 2.5" 686-4 a year ago. Its an outstanding snubbie. I carry it and often use it in BUG matches along with my 3" M36. they are both outstanding shooters.

December 12, 2012, 12:40 AM	#9
LAKE713 Member Join Date: June 27, 2011 Posts: 40	I found a 686-4 Plus for $600 plus $30 S/H and $45 FFL fees on my end. It looks great but it's out-of-state and has a 6" barrel. I'd like it for carry and thus would want a 3" or 4" barrel on it. Can I put a 686 Mountain Gun barrel on it or were those not compatible with 686-4 Plus models?