Smith & Wesson S&W 686 No Dash 104217 .357 Mag 8 3/8″ Silhouette Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1426
LSB#: 211117CP04
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 686, The .357 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless, No. 104217
Serial Number: AJW1858
Year of Manufacture: 1986
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder
Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked “S.&W. .357 MAGNUM”. The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The yoke cut is marked with the serial number and model number “AJW1858 / MOD. 686”. The left frame, below the cylinder release, has the S&W monogram logo. The right side of the frame, below the cylinder, is marked with the four-line marcas registradas. The butt is marked with the serial number “AJW1858”. The crane and sides of the grip frame are marked with inspection marks. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “V”. The ejector rod cutout of the underlug is marked “S”. The interior of the right grip panel is marked with a partially faded date that looks like “MAR. 12 1986”.
Barrel Length: 8 3/8”, with Full Underlug
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silhouette-style Patridge blade on a sprung rocker with four small allen-head screws at the center numbered 1-4. Under the rocker is a dial that allows one to change the elevation setting of the sight to one of four pre-set positions which can each be individually adjusted using the four screws. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with a speedloader cut and S&W medallions. There are some light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips are in Excdellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some swirl marks and light streaks from use and storage. There are a few scattered light scuffs. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The edges of the front sight assembly have thinning. There is light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup produces almost no side-to-side movement with the trigger depressed. The double-action is smooth and the single action is crisp. 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: Included is a serial matching box, cleaning kit, and paperwork including the manual.
Our Assessment: This is Smith & Wesson’s Model 686 with an 8 3/8″ barrel and silhouette-style sights. 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 for over 40 years since its introduction in 1980. This 686 revolver is from 1986 and rates in Excellent condition, the bore is bright with sharp rifling and the action has hardly any play. This revolver has a beautiful stainless finish paired with checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks. With its silhouette sight, this will be a great revolver for handgun silhouette competition, with the front sight able to be individually adjusted and quickly changed for four different distances. This one comes with its original box and will make a terrific addition to a collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!