Smith & Wesson S&W 686 104217 .357 Mag 8 3/8″ Silhouette Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1156
LSB#: 211219WD17
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 686, The .357 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless, No. 104217
Serial Number: AJV7069
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 “AJV7069 / 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 “AJV7069”. 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 “8 80” and both panels are marked “L Frame” in marker.
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. The backstrap is slightly proud to the grips. There are a few scattered light handling marks. There are a few little marks through the finish, most noticeable on the bottom faces. There are a couple of minor compressions. There is some faint thinning on the rear of each panel and there is finish loss on the bottom edges. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is strong. Overall, the grips are in Fine 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 94% of its metal finish. There are some scattered draglines. There is a ding into the right edge of the rib above the markings. There are some spots of discoloration on the sides of the grip frame under the grips. There are a few scratches on the sideplate under the grip panel. There are some little nicks on the trigger guard and on the front edge of the underlug. There is some finish loss on the top of the front sight and there are a few spots of light surface oxidation on the front sight base. The cylinder has a light turn line. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup produces light side-to-side movement with the trigger depressed. The double-action is smooth and the single action is light and 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: 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 Fine condition, the bore is bright with sharp rifling and the action is sound. 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 will be a great shooter and make a terrific addition to a collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!