COP GUNS

[Kevin Keith]

what no 686s? ?

THP had a overwhelming issue of the 28-2 but we had a few 586s and even fewer Colt Troopers. No 686s.

what no 686s? ?

THP had a overwhelming issue of the 28-2 but we had a few 586s and even fewer Colt Troopers. No 686s.

oh well such a perfect gun though!

[Triplelock]

You said it John "686". If it isn't the best uniform carry cop revolver, it is definitely in the running for that spot. I may get in hot water with some of the forum members, but I think it is better than the S&W
Model 66 Combat Magnum.

Let me qualify my claim by adding: The most accurate 357 magnum revolver I have ever shot was an early model 66, with a six inch barrel.

I have shot the old Colt Troopers (Python lockwork), the Python, the Ruger Security Six and Vacqueros, and Blackhawks plus numerous S&W's of various models. But the catch is - The 66 I refer to was shot single action.

The 686 with the same grip size as the K-frame combined with the full lugged barrel, making it slightly muzzle heavy combined to make it
a better revolver for double action shooting; in my humble estimation.
The heavier muzzle aided in recoil recovery when firing hot 357 loads.

My argument is: Most police gunfights happen suddenly and close up and therefore the officer shoots double action; I didn't originate that line of thought I heard legend Bill Jordan utter it.

As to the law enforcement agencies that issued them or permited their officers to so arm themselves, I suspect the line would be long and numerous.

The West Virginia State Police were issued them with WVSP on it.
I know federal agencies issued them because I bought an INS over-run model.

The model in the picture is a 686, 4 inch barrel in Black stainless. product code 104250, a little over 1500 manufactured. My original 686
is now in my son's possession. I gave my 681 to my other son.





My duty 686-0 with the holster I carried it in.

yeah but its not stainless steel

[Kevin Keith]

I believe TP&W game wardens used to carry 686s for when their canoes tumped over!

In all seriousness, I do think they had 'em.

[Triplelock]

Well John, as to the question is it stainless. It is a 686, not a 586, and
the 600 model S&W's are stainless. S&W made a 6 inch model as well
as a 4 inch model, both somewhat limited production quantities.

I think S&W referred to it as a midnight finish. The revolver is a 686-3.
I can tell you from practical experience the black finish doesn't hold up too well on the stainless.

But if you have any pertinate information on this particilar model, I'd be glad to hear it. I am not the expert, that some on the forum are, and perhaps they will weigh in on this. Forum members like Carl and Drew are very knowledgeable on S&W's.

In summation, the standard catalog says it is stainless. I only know what I read.

Hank

[carl418]

Triplelock,
You are correct in that your revolver is stainless. It's got some kind of coating on it, but I don't know much about it. It doesn't hold up well, as you said. Just about all of them I've seen in person were scratched up, which may be why S&W didn't produce more of 'em.

Looks like you've got a nice one though!

As far as your comment about me and Drew.. well, I've got to agree with you about Drew. And there are several others on this forum that are very knowledgeable.. for instance Don, one of the other moderators. But, me? I'm still learning..

[Triplelock]

Thanks for your input Carl. Yes, Don, to be sure a wealth of S&W Knowledge also.

As far as "learning", I certainly include myself in that category. I have been shooting Smith & Wessons since 1956 and along the way have become an accumulator more than a collector.

I do enjoy the forum, I enjoy the pictures, the enthusiasm and the tolerance for an old guy who is still learning too.

Hank

[gearchecker]

Carl,
I came into this thread a little late and the model 15 story is really getting worn out (LOL)

You know - you might consider letting somebody that just started his gun collection (like me, maybe) take care of it, so I (THEY) could have a really great story to tell when I(THEY) show off their collection.

Seriously, It is really a beautiful wheelgun and you should never let us forget what it meant to those that created the history with them.

TRIPLELOCK - This is going to be a great thread. I'm going to keep my eyes on it. I'm sure I will learn much from it.

[gearchecker]

I wish I could tell the story on this one, but it belongs to a friend of mine.
He said he just got it from his neighbor. The neighbors dad was an Idaho State Trooper almost all of his life and it was one of his carry guns back in the early 1900's. That's all I know about it, but it does have some history behind it.