Wow! An almost flawless S&W 686-3 with a 4 Inch barrel.

Published on June 23, 2016
Duration: 6:06

This video provides an expert review of the Smith & Wesson 686-3 revolver, highlighting its desirable features for collectors, such as the hammer-mounted firing pin and lack of an internal lock. The instructor, demonstrating high authority, explains the benefits of the 4-inch ported barrel for recoil management and discusses the practical implications of its brushed stainless finish. The L-frame design is praised for its balance in handling .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 686-3 revolver, particularly the 4-inch ported variant, is highly regarded for its collector appeal due to its hammer-mounted firing pin and lack of an internal lock. Its L-frame design balances .357 Magnum recoil management with carryability, and the ported barrel effectively reduces muzzle flip, though it increases muzzle flash.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the S&W 686-3
  2. 00:53Desirable Features for Collectors
  3. 01:47Barrel Length and Porting
  4. 02:27Finish and Practical Use
  5. 03:34L-Frame Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Smith & Wesson 686-3 desirable for collectors?

The 686-3 is sought after by collectors because it retains the traditional firing pin attached directly to the hammer and lacks the internal locking system found on newer models. These features are preferred by purists who value classic firearm design elements over modern safety additions.

How does the ported barrel on the S&W 686-3 affect shooting?

The porting on the 4-inch barrel of the 686-3 significantly reduces muzzle rise and felt recoil, especially when firing powerful .357 Magnum ammunition. However, this comes at the expense of increased muzzle flash, which can be a drawback in low-light conditions.

What is the significance of the 'M' stamp on Smith & Wesson revolvers?

The 'M' stamp indicates that a Smith & Wesson revolver has undergone a factory recall modification. The 686-3 model, unlike earlier no-dash and dash-1 versions, does not require this modification, making it a more desirable variant for collectors.

Why is the L-frame size of the 686 considered a good balance?

The L-frame design of the 686 sits between the smaller K-frame and the larger N-frame. This size provides sufficient weight and strength to comfortably manage the recoil of .357 Magnum rounds while remaining more manageable for carry than a full-sized N-frame revolver.

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