1988 Smith & Wesson Model 686-3 Silhouette 104227 .357 Magnum 8 3/8" Double Action Revolver
Our Assessment: This 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 1988 and rates in excellent condition, the bore is bright with sharp rifling and the action is sound. 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.
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 686-3 Silhouette
Serial Number: BBL2934
Year of Manufacture: 1988
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single/Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 8 3/8"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a four-position adjustable Silhouette-style sight. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base screwed to the topstrap.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece pebble-textured black rubber Hogue Monogrip with finger grooves. The grip has scattered light wear. The grip rates in about Fine overall condition as not original to the gun.
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. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some scattered draglines and light handling marks. The cylinder has a faint turn-line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGALITY: CCA DEALER Transferable: NO, CA PPT: NO.
HANDGUNSPISTOLS