Smith & Wesson Model 686 No-Dash .357 Magnum Revolver, 6-inch Stainless, 1985 — Distinguished Combat Magnum
This early no-dash S&W Model 686 is an L-frame .357 Magnum from 1985, part of the Distinguished Combat Magnum line. It features a 6-inch heavy stainless barrel with full underlug, adjustable sights, and classic checkered wood grips with S&W medallions. The yoke is marked MOD. 686 with no suffix, and no M stamp is observed.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid shape. It has various cosmetic imperfections, scratches, blemishes, and areas of finish loss. The bore remains clean and shiny.
What's Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 686 no-dash revolver (6-shot, 6-inch barrel)
As an early no-dash L-frame 686, this revolver represents the foundational Distinguished Combat Magnum configuration. The yoke is marked MOD. 686 with no suffix, and no M stamp is observed in the yoke cut. It retains the square-butt grip frame and fluted 6-shot cylinder that define the model’s classic profile.
The 6-inch heavy barrel is stainless steel with a full-length underlug, top rib, and serrated rib. This configuration delivers the recognizable 686 balance and aesthetic, with a pinned ramp front sight that carries a red/orange insert for clear sight acquisition.
Sighting is handled by a fully adjustable square-notch rear paired to the pinned ramp front. The action is double-action/single-action with a smooth trigger face for consistent press, and an exposed hammer with a checkered spur for positive manipulation.
Construction pairs a stainless frame, barrel, and cylinder with carbon-steel hammer and trigger that have a hard/flash-chromed finish; the rear sight assembly is blued steel. This example shows a bright-polished barrel and cylinder, while the frame presents a brushed/satin stainless appearance. Complemented by checkered wood stocks with S&W medallions. Built in the United States in 1985, it sits squarely in the 1980s production era that many enthusiasts seek out for this model.