686 Conversion to 40 SW???

[Rdbyrd]

Would it be possible (and safe) to convert a S&W 686 to 40 S&W?

I think it would make a great sixgun, now only if S&W would agree with me.

[George Stringer]

Rdbyrd, I would contact someone like Cylinder & Slide who specialize in this type of work and talk it over with them. On the face of it, the .40 S&W is a lower pressure round but you'd lose about .023" of cylinder wall and I really don't know if the cylinder would still be strong enough. George

[C.R.Sam]

As a 5 shot, doable but expensive.
As a 6 shot...........not on my range.

How bout a round butt short barrel N frame?

Sam

[Jim Watson]

Smith & Wesson PC 646 = .40 six-shot with titanium cylinder. I guess they figured they were making up for the thinner chamber walls with high-tech titanium. I'd rather they used better steel. Saw them in the new Gun List today for $795.

Sounds high, but I doubt you could buy a new 686 and have it converted for that.

[C.R.Sam]

Jim....I couldn't find that one on their website, production or performance center.

Is is based on a regular L size frame ?

Sam

[Jim Watson]

Yes, it is an L-frame with titanium cylinder. The barrel profile is an artsy sculpted shape similar to the Miculek PC 625. They may not be in production any more. I have seen exactly one (1) in use at the 2001 IDPA Nationals and maybe a couple more in S&W displays here and there.

The ad in Gun List by Bob Swanson says these may be the last two NIB 646s available. But he has been known to exaggerate.

Picture and specs at
http://www.smith-wesson.com/sport/pc646.html

[C.R.Sam]

Thanks Jim.

Sam

[ScottS]

"As a 5 shot, doable but expensive.
As a 6 shot...........not on my range. "

Hmmm...but a 7 shot 686 in .357 is OK?

Scott

[9mmepiphany]

it is not the amount of metal between the chambers which limts the project/rechambering...it is the amount of metal left between the chamber and the deepest point that the bolt notches are cut to

[C.R.Sam]

In my opinion.
7 shot .357 Magnum 686 is marginal. Yes, the latch notches are not centered on the chambers but it still leaves little metal. Defensive .357 loads, shure. Full strength mags........would concern me.

Sam