Category: All About Guns
Smith & Wesson’s Model 686 with 6″ barrel is fitted with an UltraDot
L/T optic on Weigand Machine and Design’s mini-mount.
In 1981 a real workhorse galloped out of the Smith and Wesson stable in the form of the company’s model 686 — a stainless version of their model 586. Here we are almost 40 years later and the Model 686 is still going strong.
Based on S&W’s well-engineered L-Frame revolver, the 686 was designed for a steady diet of .357 Magnum ammo. When the 686 first hit the radar screen, it was a bit difficult to get your hands on one as many law enforcement agencies were adopting it as a service revolver. Before the world became emotionally attached to high capacity semi-autos, the 686 quickly procured a strong following. The 4″ 686 was commonly seen resting in the holster of on-duty officers — and the rest of us mere mortals were just trying to find one for sale.
Through the years, the burgeoning 686 became available in these barrel lengths: 2 1/2″, 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″, and 8 3/8″. Other barrel lengths and modifications could be found on exclusive offerings or by special order. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the 686, a multitude of variants occurred including the Classic Hunter, Black Stainless, Target Champion, Model 686 Plus, featuring a 7-shot cylinder. Regardless whether you were in law enforcement, competitive shooting, recreational plinking or a hunter, the 686 was a reliable revolver you could depend on.
Fixing It Up
I took the 686 to the range recently and felt bad it had been neglected. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long to discover my aging eyes and iron sights don’t play well together. When I went to install a mount for optics, I realized the early models were not drilled the same as the newer versions so I sent the gun to Mag-na-port. Ken Kelly worked his magic — along with a nice action job — and now this revolver is a dream come true to shoot. Thanks to Weigand Machine and Design, a neat little compact base was installed for an UltraDot L/T reflex optic.
Just about any company who makes grips will offer one or more options for an L-Frame Smith & Wesson. Preferring finger-grooves, I chose Eagle Grips with their genuine rosewood combat grips. These grips are super comfortable and attractive to boot.
After some modifications, this 686 really shines at the range and I can see the targets better thanks to the UltraDot. Karen, my wife of 40 years, also enjoys shooting this revolver so I started looking for another 686 to add to the stable.
Fortunately, I was able to pick up an 8-3/8″ model. It too was an older gun and had to be sent to Mag-na-port for their alterations to install a Weigand base. This model was a 686 “no dash,” which means it was in the first production run. If a 686 has a number proceeding, it denotes engineering modifications during the production life of the particular model.
The 686-1 implies the redesigned “radius-stud/floating hand” change occurring in 1986 which many people consider less desirable. The 686-2 (1987) S&W changed the hammer nose. The 6″ version I have is a 686-3. This model began regular production in 1988 and signifies a new yoke retention system. The 686-6, manufactured in 2001, has the internal key lock was incorporated. In 1996, S&W introduced a 7-shot cylinder with a round-butt frame and Hogue grips, while deleting the square butt.
After Mag-na-port drilled the top-strap for the Weigand base, I mounted a Leupold 4x scope. Options for grips are almost endless but I finally landed a beautiful set of Claro walnut combat grips from Culina Grips.
Whether you’re a handgun hunter, target shooter, or like banging steel targets, the 686 is accurate.
Versatility Defined
One of the many attributes of the .357 Magnum is versatility. In my younger years when I was 10-foot-tall and damn near bullet-proof, I shot .44 Magnums for most revolver pursuits. Now, I’ve reached the point in life where I find pleasure in less recoil so Karen and I have been shooting a lot of 38 Specials. Both of these guns are extremely pleasant to shoot. When you want to up your game, there is a plethora of .357 Magnum ammo available.
There are so many options when it comes to bullets for .38 caliber. I’ve been loading Nosler, Hornady, and Sierra 158-gr. bullets for the most part. Cast bullets abound too. Powder choices are also widespread and I generally use Longshot, Unique, 2400, and 231 for plinking loads. H 110 gets the call for magnum rounds. You can tailor your loads for any application from small game hunting, competition shooting, banging steel targets, or handgun hunting.
There are hordes of holsters available for the 686 depending on barrel length and carrying preference. Since I’m packing the longer barrels in the field, I lean toward Simply Rugged, Barranti Leather, Pistol Packaging, or Diamond D Custom Leather rigs.
My next purchase will be a 686 Plus with a 3″ barrel, a seven-shot model. Karen has a slight aversion for semi-autos as she has issues with racking the slide. The shorty 686 will be an ideal home protection piece for either of us.
What The Future Holds
For the moment, I’m having too much enjoyment shooting the two models with 6 and 8-3/8″ barrels — both being very accurate. On our farm, Karen and I have a few deer blinds situated in the woods where shots seldom range beyond 75 yards. This fall I plan on taking one of the revolvers to the woods and hope to fill our freezer with venison.
If a hog hunt happens to hit the radar screen, I won’t hesitate to use Swift ammo and their 180-gr. A-Frame bullet. Many years ago, I watched my good friend JD Jones drop a big hog over 200 lbs. with his 686- and 180-gr. bullets. The shot was well-placed and the big, mean hog dropped quickly. There are better hunting rounds such as the .41 and .44 Magnums but the smaller Magnum will work with proper shot placement and the right bullet.
I won’t be here 50 years from now but I’m willing to bet the Smith & Wesson Model 686 will be. It will go down in the history books as a classic revolver. Long live the 686!
Categories
Rossi M68 review
Categories
Armed in 1948
Just relaxing between shots. What a great day!
Being a cop provides you with a front row seat to the greatest show on earth. However, exposure to life’s rawest theater comes with consequences. Your head will shake while your jaw drops as society’s worst actors reinforce the idea evil is real. You’ll see strange, twisted behavior that never crossed your mind.
After decades of witnessing these acts, your sense of humor gets twisted too. Over time the incidents lose their shock appeal. As a matter of fact, nothing surprises you anymore, a sign of saltiness. Amongst the ranks, an “Old Salt” is an endearing term for those veteran officers who’ve seen it all.
Laugh Or Cry?
Humor makes most things tolerable. Twisted humor is the mechanism cops use to make serious situations more bearable by making light of life’s ugly events. The ability to pluck strands of wit, or bemusement from grisly occurrences is a release valve for stress.
Gallows humor allows cops to function, preserving their sanity. I always surrounded myself with fellow cops who kept the mood light and airy, until it was time to put on our game face. No sense being stressed or weepy, there’s more than enough to go around. These traits follow cops into retirement too — you know evil exists and your sense of humor is warped.
Here’s Tank checking out some guns. There is a common
vulgar description for this kind of grin!
Peace Packers
Most retired cops are always armed. They’d all shield their loved ones from danger without hesitation. Most would, for total strangers. When going out, old cops are alert, looking for trouble. Not to confront, but to avoid. They don’t need confrontation.
First rule of survival is being armed, second is to avoid using force, sidestepping confrontations. Retirees have no powers of arrest. Their gun can only be used for protection from great bodily harm or death of themselves or others. This is why retired cops are happy staying home or visiting with known, trusted friends.
Home On the Range
On the home front, the best example of being prepared can be explained by introducing my friend Phil. A cop’s cop, retiring years ago, Phil was a Trooper, K9 handler, SWAT team member and finally Firearms Instructor. No Marvin Milquetoast, Phil is all Trooper. He cleaned things up by locking up bad guys. Simple formula, eh?
Most cops desire seclusion at home, dreaming of living on top of a mountain or out in the middle of nowhere, having a long line of sight. Phil did just that, building his house on top of the highest point of his 67-acre property. His driveway is about a half-mile, complete with motion sensors. Yeah, plural!
Having 90 seconds to “get ready” when alerted, he grabs his trusty Walmart Greeter, a shortened double-barreled shotgun. Carried along his leg, it’s unnoticeable, as he steps onto his deck, peering out, waiting. If known, he returns the greeter, if not, it stays by his side.
Inside, Phil’s La-Z-Boy chair has a .38 snubby within reach. He also has a 6″ S&W model 28 Highway Patrolman tucked away to answer any trouble. He’s rehearsed scenarios with his wife, should a home invader make the mistake of entering, involving his Colt 1911.
Does he sound paranoid? Phil simply says, “I’m too old to fight and too young to die!” Is it paranoia if you know people are willing to hurt you for your belongings? Most cops believe it’s better to have and not need, being prepared for the worst, while hoping for the best.
Chicken wings and baked beans in the smoker.
Humor Me
Phil’s over 75, sharp as a tack, and has a great sense of humor. I constantly get several funny emails from him, some needing to be opened privately. He shares them to keep things light and airy. But rest assured, when it’s time to put on his game face and take care of business, Phil is ready. We meet regularly for breakfast, both always armed, always cheerful, always happy, always prepared. You’d never know it
Here’s the chow tent! First class all the way!
Shootout
Phil loves life, America, friends and guns. He hosts a Shootout every spring for his closest friends to shoot, eat a catered breakfast and lunch, catch up, have some laughs and enjoy life. What else is there? Be smart, stay safe, have fun and laugh when you can. Be prepared for the worst while enjoying the best life has to offer. Be an “Old Salt” and think like Phil! Have fun while being safe.
Categories
Well Done Gloria!
