But there is little info on the SKU number. Where can I find the data?

Valkyrie - Here is a little information which may help.

S&W # - 178038 which is from their Pro Series. It is still the exact same frame as the standard 686 but is referred to as the 686 Plus because it is a seven shot rather than a six shot. I am not sure if S&W made the 686 with a 5” barrel that is the standard six shot.

I have this pistol and love it - Pistol is more accurate than I am with it. Cylinder is cut out to work with moon clips also.

Just found a little more detail on two more models…..

S&W Model # - 150854 or 150855. These models were referred to as the TALO model and came from the factory with the full barrel lug underneath the barrel like the standard 686 models…

Mine is a 5 inch half lug sku 164284 which I think was made 2004ish, only a few references online, limited run. Just curious on how many were made.

You would likely have to pony-up for a letter on that one. It was some sort of stocking-dealer special offered in late '03. Suffice to say, they are a bit scarce, as you have surmised.

Lipseys used to sell a 686 5”.

Here it is:

https://www.lipseys.com/itemdetail?itemno=SM150854

+

There is a very informative forum for this brand. You will find your answer there.

quote:

Originally posted by valkyrie1:
Mine is a 5 inch half lug sku 164284 which I think was made 2004ish, only a few references online, limited run. Just curious on how many were made.

Oh that sounds outstanding. I have a 4" and found the full lug 6" to be (imo) muzzle heavy back when I was shopping. Extra barrel length without messing up the balance, plus I really like the way the half lugs look.... Nice.

The Standard Catalog of S&W shows two entries for 164284.

5" Red Hi-Viz FS WG IL CT 2004

And listed for 7 shot
5" Red Hi-Viz Half Lug 2004 Stocking Dealer Special.

I do not see any mention of quantity.

I found four 5' 686's, 150854, 178038, 170322, and 104098. Here's the 104098 which I have.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jaybirdaccountant,

Jaybird,

I do have the exact model you pictured. The front sight is orange instead of red. I see the rear sight detail shows the top outer corners are rounded. I always thought the previous owner of mine might have done that with a flat file. Good to know it was "factory".

Thanks for sharing your info.

Not so obvious in your picture, but the item is a 686-5 without the internal lock and the trigger, hammer, thumb release are MIM. The firing pin is not mounted to hammer. It is a seldom seen nice variation of 5" full lug without the "hole".

quote:

Originally posted by lot_45:
Jaybird,

I do have the exact model you pictured. The front sight is orange instead of red. I see the rear sight detail shows the top outer corners are rounded. I always thought the previous owner of mine might have done that with a flat file. Good to know it was "factory".

Thanks for sharing your info.

Not so obvious in your picture, but the item is a 686-5 without the internal lock and the trigger, hammer, thumb release are MIM. The firing pin is not mounted to hammer. It is a seldom seen nice variation of 5" full lug without the "hole".

I got mine second hand as well. I too thought the sights had been modified or replaced until I found that photo and learned they were factory.

Until recently S&W made three versions they called the “3 5 7” set. A 3”, a 5”, and a 7” 686. Not sure what special features they had other than custom grips and those barrel lengths.