S&W round vs square

[1mathom1]

Anybody have a feel for what was more common on early 686 revolvers....round or square butt? I have 4" round butt 686 no dash (purchased from a fellow OSA'er) and am curious.

 

[coolhandluke]

I believe that a square butt frame was used on the 686 until the early -4 guns (approx 1996?). I also believe that a no dash round butt would originally have been a 2.5" or 3" gun (unless it was a custom contract piece). I'd have to check my S&W bible to be sure though.

 

[coolhandluke]

Any CS 1 stamp on the frame under the yoke?

 

[gerhard1]

I believe that a square butt frame was used on the 686 until the early -4 guns (approx 1996?). I also believe that a no dash round butt would originally have been a 2.5" or 3" gun (unless it was a custom contract piece). I'd have to check my S&W bible to be sure though.

This is correct. Although there are some made in 1990-1991. I know of a very early (late '80's) 586 with factory RB and (also from the factory) a parkerized finish. Almost all of the S&W wheelguns made recently have been RB.

Not pertaining to the OP, but I believe that the Mountain Guns were among the first of the N-frame RB's.

 

[1mathom1]

Any CS 1 stamp on the frame under the yoke?

I'll take a look.

 

[1mathom1]

There is no CS-1 but there were a couple of marks on the crane. See the second pic. In the yoke is “MOD 686” and the serial number....same as on the butt and begins with AFA47. It’s a 4” round butt no dash. First pic is with my 3” 65-3 and a ruler for reference.

 

[Gunbuffer]

I have a 3” 65 too. God I love it. It’s so accurate and the “sights” are dead on. I’ll take it to my grave

 

[Dumpstick]

I've never before seen an early round-butt 686.

As for the 3" M65, well ....

And it will probably be the very last one that goes.

 

[gerhard1]

4" Model 65 in my avatar.

 

[Dumpstick]

I had a 4" M65. Never did warm up to it.

Traded it straight up for this -

First group from it -