Need Harrington & Richardson Model 686 Info!

JED1177 · January 31, 2007, 07:01 PM

I recently acquired an H&R 686 revolver, .22 and .22 mag caliber (two cylinders), 7 1/2 barrel in new condition. I have been trying to find some specifics (more like the differences) between it and some of the other H&R's like the 676 for instance.

My books give nearly the exact same description for all of the models.

Lastly, are these a good, serviceable firearm. I know they are not on the S&W or Colt level, but are they worth having?

Thanks in advance.

Hal · February 2, 2007, 05:18 AM

I have one. Shorter barrel though - 4 5/8" I believe.

Outstanding S/A trigger. Not a S&W model 17,,,but pretty darn close.

Possibly the worst D/A trigger in the world.

The stock sights are pretty good.

The .22lr cylinder on mine is practically unusable due to having been dry fired.

Never, I repeat, never dry fire one!

Yes. Depending on how much you paid, they are worth keeping. Mine fills the .22mag niche, so not having the .22lr capability anymore is not an issue.
Mine also favors .22mag over .22lr, so again, not having the .22lr is no great loss.

The one thing I do miss though, is the ability to use .22CB caps and/or .22shorts. .22 CB caps are pretty good decent control rounds.

H&R .22 revolvers used to be staple items for coon hunters and young trappers (kids 11 to 15) back when I was growing up (1960's).

JED1177 · February 2, 2007, 01:31 PM

Acquired mine in new condition, doesn't look like it was even fired.

Hal, What happens when you dry fire it?

How does that damage the cylinder? Please explain, and thanks for that bit of information.

JED

Hal · February 3, 2007, 07:44 AM

JED,
The firing pin will ding the cylinder face. If you do it often enough it will leave enough of an indentation so that the firing pin can't crush the rim of the shell and set it off.
If you feel the need to dry fire it, kick the cylinder out and dry fire it without a cylinder in place.

That also has disadvantages though. Some claim that a firing pin can "crystallize" if it doesn't come in contact with a solid surface at the limit of it's travel.
Honestly though, I've only heard that from a shotgun "purist". (Think Perazzi & Churchill here).

Realistically, there's not much need to dry fire a .22 anyhow, what with the low cost of .22lr ammo.

Re: the 686 itself. They are kind of rare. Not valuable rare, but rare in the sense that you don't see them often. They are generally well thought of by the people that own one. The only other H&R that has that type of loyal following is the 999 (the top break model).
I'd buy another one in a heartbeat if it came along at the right price.

Also - you might want to check out some spare parts for yours.
One that I'd recommend is the cylinder hand. (note to self - get one).
H&R's have somewhat of a reputation for going out of time and spitting lead.
Usually a new hand will cure that.
Numrich has them for $8.35
http://www.e-gunparts.com/productsch...Model=1560z686

Part # 27.

You may want to check in the gunsmith forum also for any other tips on what to buy for it (note to self - wander over there and check).
H&R revolvers have been out of production for a while. They were very popular, but not real high quality. Parts will become scarce here real soon.

Good little gun. Enjoy it. I've gotten a lot of pleasure out of mine. (well, it's really my wifes, but she didn't like the heavy D/A trigger and gave it back to me)

**James K** · February 4, 2007, 03:56 PM

I worked on some of those H&R .22's in which the firing pin was too long and would strike the cylinder. It is not supposed to. I simply ground the firing pin down with a Dremel tool until it no longer touched the cylinder and never had any problem reported.

Jim

Newgun1 · February 5, 2007, 03:01 PM

I have a 640, in 22 mag with a 6" barrel and a 686 with 71/2. The 686 had a LR cylinder only but was cheeper too and as I have the 640 I don't mind. The 640 has accounted for many prarie dogs out to 60 yards. I love the single action double action aspects of the 686. The half cock and loading gate trip my trigger with a double action. Well made and accurate. If you decide you don't like it....well drop me a line.

hpg · February 5, 2007, 07:29 PM

I owned one of those H&R 686's 25 years ago, until some S.O.B. broke into my house and stole it. Great little 22...........hpg

nilesfoster · August 17, 2011, 10:20 PM

I have been desperately looking for a .22 lr cylinder for my 686 for some years now. I've checked countless gunshows, numrich, and gunbroker.com to no avail. Any ideas? I'll will pay top dollar.

32 Magnum · August 18, 2011, 11:18 AM

niles,
They show up offered on the on-line gun auctions sites on a fairly often basis. Check auctionarms and gunbroker - I see them there the most often.
The cylinder for your 676 will be the same as for any of the "600" series H&R handguns - so, e.g. if it is described as coming from a Model 660 or 666, it will work/fit in your 676. Same with 622, 686, 649, 650.

jamesjo · August 18, 2011, 07:37 PM

niles,
You do see the 22 mag cylinders pretty often, the lr cylinders, not so much!
I do have 1 spare, but last week I contacted a gentleman who is also looking.
I will send him pics as soon as I am out of the hospital.
If he decides not to take it, I will contact you.
Jim

jamesjo · August 28, 2011, 12:24 PM

niles,
no news yet

mlk · December 26, 2011, 03:43 PM

Niles,
I own an H&R 686 and would be willing to sell. Are you still interested?

jamesjo · December 26, 2011, 06:43 PM

mlk,
Niles hasn't posted anything since his first time.
Chances are he isn't still around.
I have a couple H&R convertibles, and may be interested.
What do you have?
Can you post some pics?
What is the 2 letter prefix of the serial #?
JIm

mlk · December 27, 2011, 11:39 PM

I've posted two pictures. SN begins with AX...

jamesjo · December 27, 2011, 11:49 PM

mlk
I have 2 12" H&R convertibles.
One is a 686 like yours, the other is a model 676.
Both 1980 manufacture, with box, and paperwork, in like new condition.
From what I can tell, yours appears to be in good shape also.
It is not the year I actively collect, but I may be interested.
PM me, or email, maybe we can work something out.
Jim

[email protected]

1980 model 676 12"

1980 Model 686 12"

January 31, 2007, 07:01 PM	#1
JED1177 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2006 Posts: 234	Need Harrington & Richardson Model 686 Info! I recently acquired an H&R 686 revolver, .22 and .22 mag caliber (two cylinders), 7 1/2 barrel in new condition. I have been trying to find some specifics (more like the differences) between it and some of the other H&R's like the 676 for instance. My books give nearly the exact same description for all of the models. Lastly, are these a good, serviceable firearm. I know they are not on the S&W or Colt level, but are they worth having? Thanks in advance.

February 2, 2007, 01:31 PM	#3
JED1177 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2006 Posts: 234	Dry FiringProblem? Acquired mine in new condition, doesn't look like it was even fired. Hal, What happens when you dry fire it? How does that damage the cylinder? Please explain, and thanks for that bit of information. JED

February 4, 2007, 03:56 PM	#5
James K Staff Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,384	I worked on some of those H&R .22's in which the firing pin was too long and would strike the cylinder. It is not supposed to. I simply ground the firing pin down with a Dremel tool until it no longer touched the cylinder and never had any problem reported. Jim __________________ Jim K

February 5, 2007, 07:29 PM	#7
hpg Senior Member Join Date: September 14, 2002 Location: in the Bluegrass State Posts: 1,610	I owned one of those H&R 686's 25 years ago, until some S.O.B. broke into my house and stole it. Great little 22...........hpg __________________ NRA member Semper Paratus

December 26, 2011, 03:43 PM	#12
mlk Junior Member Join Date: December 26, 2011 Posts: 2	H&R Model 686 Niles, I own an H&R 686 and would be willing to sell. Are you still interested?

February 2, 2007, 05:18 AM	#2
Hal Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 1998 Location: Ohio USA Posts: 8,003	I have one. Shorter barrel though - 4 5/8" I believe. Outstanding S/A trigger. Not a S&W model 17,,,but pretty darn close. Possibly the worst D/A trigger in the world. The stock sights are pretty good. The .22lr cylinder on mine is practically unusable due to having been dry fired. Never, I repeat, never dry fire one! Yes. Depending on how much you paid, they are worth keeping. Mine fills the .22mag niche, so not having the .22lr capability anymore is not an issue. Mine also favors .22mag over .22lr, so again, not having the .22lr is no great loss. The one thing I do miss though, is the ability to use .22CB caps and/or .22shorts. .22 CB caps are pretty good decent control rounds. H&R .22 revolvers used to be staple items for coon hunters and young trappers (kids 11 to 15) back when I was growing up (1960's).

February 3, 2007, 07:44 AM	#4
Hal Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 1998 Location: Ohio USA Posts: 8,003	JED, The firing pin will ding the cylinder face. If you do it often enough it will leave enough of an indentation so that the firing pin can't crush the rim of the shell and set it off. If you feel the need to dry fire it, kick the cylinder out and dry fire it without a cylinder in place. That also has disadvantages though. Some claim that a firing pin can "crystallize" if it doesn't come in contact with a solid surface at the limit of it's travel. Honestly though, I've only heard that from a shotgun "purist". (Think Perazzi & Churchill here). Realistically, there's not much need to dry fire a .22 anyhow, what with the low cost of .22lr ammo. Re: the 686 itself. They are kind of rare. Not valuable rare, but rare in the sense that you don't see them often. They are generally well thought of by the people that own one. The only other H&R that has that type of loyal following is the 999 (the top break model). I'd buy another one in a heartbeat if it came along at the right price. Also - you might want to check out some spare parts for yours. One that I'd recommend is the cylinder hand. (note to self - get one). H&R's have somewhat of a reputation for going out of time and spitting lead. Usually a new hand will cure that. Numrich has them for $8.35 http://www.e-gunparts.com/productsch...Model=1560z686 Part # 27. You may want to check in the gunsmith forum also for any other tips on what to buy for it (note to self - wander over there and check). H&R revolvers have been out of production for a while. They were very popular, but not real high quality. Parts will become scarce here real soon. Good little gun. Enjoy it. I've gotten a lot of pleasure out of mine. (well, it's really my wifes, but she didn't like the heavy D/A trigger and gave it back to me)

February 5, 2007, 03:01 PM	#6
Newgun1 Junior Member Join Date: September 4, 2006 Location: AZ Posts: 1	I have a 640, in 22 mag with a 6" barrel and a 686 with 71/2. The 686 had a LR cylinder only but was cheeper too and as I have the 640 I don't mind. The 640 has accounted for many prarie dogs out to 60 yards. I love the single action double action aspects of the 686. The half cock and loading gate trip my trigger with a double action. Well made and accurate. If you decide you don't like it....well drop me a line.

August 17, 2011, 10:20 PM	#8
nilesfoster Junior Member Join Date: August 13, 2011 Posts: 1	I have been desperately looking for a .22 lr cylinder for my 686 for some years now. I've checked countless gunshows, numrich, and gunbroker.com to no avail. Any ideas? I'll will pay top dollar.

August 18, 2011, 11:18 AM	#9
32 Magnum Member In Memoriam Join Date: January 17, 2009 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 364	niles, They show up offered on the on-line gun auctions sites on a fairly often basis. Check auctionarms and gunbroker - I see them there the most often. The cylinder for your 676 will be the same as for any of the "600" series H&R handguns - so, e.g. if it is described as coming from a Model 660 or 666, it will work/fit in your 676. Same with 622, 686, 649, 650.

August 18, 2011, 07:37 PM	#10
jamesjo Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 195	niles, You do see the 22 mag cylinders pretty often, the lr cylinders, not so much! I do have 1 spare, but last week I contacted a gentleman who is also looking. I will send him pics as soon as I am out of the hospital. If he decides not to take it, I will contact you. Jim

August 28, 2011, 12:24 PM	#11
jamesjo Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 195	niles, no news yet

December 26, 2011, 06:43 PM	#13
jamesjo Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 195	mlk, Niles hasn't posted anything since his first time. Chances are he isn't still around. I have a couple H&R convertibles, and may be interested. What do you have? Can you post some pics? What is the 2 letter prefix of the serial #? JIm

December 27, 2011, 11:49 PM	#15
jamesjo Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 195	mlk I have 2 12" H&R convertibles. One is a 686 like yours, the other is a model 676. Both 1980 manufacture, with box, and paperwork, in like new condition. From what I can tell, yours appears to be in good shape also. It is not the year I actively collect, but I may be interested. PM me, or email, maybe we can work something out. Jim [email protected] 1980 model 676 12" 1980 Model 686 12"

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