Smith & Wesson Model 686-4 .357 Magnum Stainless, 6-inch L-Frame Revolver — Gunsmith Special (Pre-MIM, Pre-Lock)
This 1990s Smith & Wesson Model 686-4 is an L-frame stainless .357 Magnum with a 6-inch barrel featuring a full underlug and serrated rib. It has a factory-drilled and tapped top strap with three holes and the desirable pre-MIM, pre-lock configuration with a hammer-mounted firing pin. Offered as a gunsmith special with key components removed, it presents a solid platform for a knowledgeable builder or restorer. This item would be perfect for someone interested in restoring/building modern revolvers.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: This revolver is almost entirely stripped. There are many scratches and blemishes with scattered spots of pitting. Rifling is present, and the bore shows visible blemishing. Major parts are missing, including the cylinder and yoke/crane assembly, rear sight, trigger, cylinder latch, and grips.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 686-4 stainless L-frame revolver with 6-inch barrel (stripped; see notes)
- Front ramp sight with red/orange insert installed
The Model 686-4 is a stainless-steel L-frame .357 Magnum built for durability, here configured with a 6-inch barrel, full underlug, and a serrated rib. The barrel length and profile provide a long sighting plane and a stable front end.
This example is a pre-MIM, pre-lock variant with a hammer-mounted firing pin, aligning it with features valued by many S&W enthusiasts. The top strap is factory-drilled and tapped with three holes, offering mounting points in its original configuration.
It is offered as a gunsmith special and is missing several core components: the cylinder and yoke/crane assembly, rear sight, trigger, cylinder latch, and grips. For those sourcing parts, the L-frame 686-4 platform is a widely recognized base for a restoration or custom build.
Made in the United States during the 1990s, this revolver retains its stainless frame and 6-inch barrel assembly along with the front ramp sight with red/orange insert. Its DA/SA design remains inherent to the model despite the missing fire-control parts.