Smith & Wesson S&W 686-4 PLUS .357 Mag 2.5″ 7 Shot DA/SA Revolver 1996
SOLD FOR: $1754.97
LSB#: 220304SA002
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 686-4 Plus
Serial Number: CBC6730
Year of Manufacture: 1996
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: 7-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “S&W .357 MAGNUM”. The left side of the frame has S&W’s monogram logo, the right has the four-line Marcas Registradas. The yoke cut is marked with the serial number and the model number. The yoke and sides of the grip frame are marked with inspection marks and the butt is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 2 1/2”, with full underlug and solid, serrated rib.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped sight with a red insert and is set on a serrated rise in the solid rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation. The top strap is factory drilled and tapped for mounting an optic (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth Goncalo Alves combat stocks with finger grooves, a speedloader cut, and finger grooves. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are a couple light compressions, most noticeable on the bottom faces. There are no rips or tears. The grips rate in about Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the Electro Chemically Machined rifling is strong. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are some draglines and a few little scuffs that have caused smooth spots. There are a few little nicks, the most noticeable are on the cylinder and trigger guard. The cylinder has a thin turn-line. The hammer and trigger have minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces light side-to-side play in full lockup of all 7 chambers. The double-action trigger pull is smooth, 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: None
Our Assessment: As the name implies, the Distinguished Combat Magnum is a remarkable piece of machinery that is tough enough for any application. 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 by the company to this very day. This example is the 686-4 PLUS that can carry one more round in its cylinder, which is nice for a defensive revolver or for competition revovler, and has a compact 2 1/2″ barrel which makes it nice for a nice carry revolver. With its excellent trigger and comfortable grips, this revolver would make a fine home defense handgun, hunting sidearm, or addition to a collection lacking a revolver. Please see our pictures and good luck!