The other guy got the better trade, financially speaking, but I came home very happy to let walk what I turned into this Wyoming Highway Patrol 686 today. Yeah, it has holster wear and some scratches and dings, but so did my father’s 686 that he carried when he was still in uniform for the US Border Patrol, and wherever that one went when they issued the Beretta 96D, I didn’t get a chance at inheriting an iconic piece of my childhood. It was always around when he was home, and compared to the guns that I did inherit, this one reminds me earlier, happier times. I think somewhere, in the box of gun stuff I cleaned out of his garage, I have a set of random Smith grips that may fit it. The Hogue Monogrip feels nice, but it’s… not right.

Anyways, this thing has me feeling wistful. I’m not here typing at my desk right now, I’m sitting at my old man’s desk in the living room, in the house I grew up in that I haven’t set foot in for some thirty years now, typing on an IBM 386 with a loaded 686 sitting near the keyboard. Today was a really shitty day except for this, and yet, something feels set right with my world.

Fantastic pick up, and a wonderful story. Congrats man! And I agree with you, that the Hogues often seem to be good in my hand, but never seem appropriate for such a classic.

Nice find. I carried one for about a year before switching to the Glock 17. S&W still offers the recall fix if yours hasn't been done (M mark on frame). I picked-up a used 586-1 about 6 months ago without it. Sent it to S&W for free and got it back in about 3 weeks. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, read the link. Some people had problems with certain ammo.

https://revolverguy.com/the-m-stamped-l-frames/

Always satisfying to find a gun with some kind of emotional or nostalgic connection, especially a revolver. That's definitely an interesting piece, too, with the Wyoming Highway Patrol history. Nice score!

Nice

I believe I have a set of proper period, not perfect factory grips if you want

Were these all square butt?

quote:

Originally posted by Dump1567:
S&W still offers the recall fix if yours hasn't been done (M mark on frame).

Thank you. Something I had never heard of before despite my long time interest in S&W revolvers. I have what I believe was one of the first 686s imported to Germany when I was stationed there. If the serial number of AAA01xx means anything, it may have been one of the first produced.

quote:

Originally posted by BigSwede:
Nice

I believe I have a set of proper period, not perfect factory grips if you want

Were these all square butt?

The no dash were square. They changed to round butt in the mid 90s

S&W builds a beautiful revolver.
But as I cannot shoot them worth a damn, I no longer own one.
But, even as a Ruger fan I can admit they are an elegant design with lovely lines. Very nice acquisition.

A niece piece of history added to your collection.
If you have time give us your range test of this beauty.

Welcome to the party, pal! LOL

Nice looking Smith, I have one myself....

Great gun with an awesome story. I have owned 6 different 686s and had 5 at one time. The 2 1/2 inch 686-1 was sold off and replaced by a 2 1/2 inch P&R 66 that I still carry. I somehow accumulated 5 different 686 CS-1 models (4 3”, 1 4”) and have relocated 3 of the 4 3” models. I currently have one 3” and the 4” left in my possession. I gave one to my son, gave one to my brother (for my nephew via my brother), and sold one far below what market to a former Customs agent that had been issued one out of the academy. He thought he would never be able to afford one and was looking for one that he could hand down to his son someday. It felt like it was the right place for that gun to go. I feel fortunate to have been the custodian of such fine firearms. If you can not find the appropriate target grips, shoot me an email I may have a set floating around here. Thank you for sharing.

I also have a brother to yours. Bought it used in the early 2000s. Well at least a cousin.

quote:

Originally posted by Dump1567:
Nice find. I carried one for about a year before switching to the Glock 17. S&W still offers the recall fix if yours hasn't been done (M mark on frame). I picked-up a used 586-1 about 6 months ago without it. Sent it to S&W for free and got it back in about 3 weeks. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, read the link. Some people had problems with certain ammo.

https://revolverguy.com/the-m-stamped-l-frames/

Ohhh, thank you, this is good to know. Mine has no such markings and looks to have the early parts on it.

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:
I have what I believe was one of the first 686s imported to Germany when I was stationed there. If the serial number of AAA01xx means anything, it may have been one of the first produced.

You have one of the earliest production examples from the first production block, based on my searching. "AAA0095 is listed as the starting point in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" according to Grok. Amazing acquisition! Yours and mine were made only a couple months apart, apparently mine was made somewhere around October of '81.

I need some time to take it apart and detail clean it. I haven't had the Monogrip off yet, but I'm betting there's congealed oil and crud in there. Looks like Wilson makes a spring kit for it that shaves a little bit of weight off the trigger pull I might consider. This isn't the buttery smooth trigger pull my old Model 10 had, but I'm betting I can get it there with a little work. Ordered some Flitz, need to have a sit and watch an old movie and work it over with a soft rag. I found three old speed loaders in the tub of cop stuff I inherited, including an old basket weave leather speedloader belt pouch and a few cartridge loop holders. The several leather holsters in there do not fit it, I believe they're for the Python.

No M, no dash, that’s !

quote:

Looks like Wilson makes a spring kit for it that shaves a little bit of weight off the trigger pull

They do, but be careful with those. It definitely improves the trigger pull, but I've had light strikes with every one that I've installed. I had to shim the strain screws to get reliable ignition. Alternatively (and probably preferably), you can probably source a longer strain screw. But I used sanded down large pistol primers for my shims, so they were free.

I have been four for four using the Wilson kits without a single light strike with 100s of rounds through each gun. Just make sure to test it thoroughly if you choose to go that route.

I’ll have to check my 586 again, I think it’s a no or ‘-1’ without the ‘M’. I previously decided not to send it in. My reasoning, I read the recall information closely, didn’t think it was pertinent to my use.

After reading the above linked recall information, still feel the same way.

My 586 did not go in for recall. It was a range gun only, so the lock-ups were not an issue for me. I learned to avoid Federal primers in my reloads. They were softer than my other brands and full power loads with them would definitely lock up the revolver. The worst case lock-up froze everything. The cylinder was locked in position and could not be swung out. In a self defense situation it would have only been usable as a club.

Massive thank you to BigSwede for the grips! These panels are beautiful, and in amazing shape. Takes it to another level, and really nails the look I grew up seeing. Not pictured is the surprise Pachmayr rubber grip he threw in there as well.

I pulled the side panel screws, but no matter how or where I tapped with the rubber handle pliers, the side plate wouldn’t budge, so I opted to leave it for now, rather than attempt to force it. I gave everything a light polish with some Flitz and a microfiber cloth, then some light Rem Oil in a few spots and back together. I think it’s gorgeous. I’m enamored with this revolver. Hopefully going to put a few rounds through it this evening.

quote:

I pulled the side panel screws, but no matter how or where I tapped with the rubber handle pliers, the side plate wouldn’t budge, so I opted to leave it for now, rather than attempt to force it.

First, happy you got the right grips on it since I have yet to locate the ones I have. Second, do not pry the plate, the whack it takes to dislodge the side plate would not ever be described as a tap. You need to strike the side opposite the side plate with one to two really good blows. Don’t be shy with that rubber hammer.