How does it shoot? Is it hard to hold onto with the alloy frame. I have a 686 6inch barrel and I love it. I havent' had any experience with the aluminum or Scadmium frames.
Anyway, sounds like you got a good deal. Hope you enjoy it!
I have a 686-3 w/4" barrel and a 642-2. The 642 trigger is a little heavier and not quite as smooth as the 686, but it's still ok.
The grey sights on the 642 are hard to see and align in low light, not like the black/red on the 686. Maybe paint can improve the 642 sights.
The heavy 686 doesn't recoil much, even with .357 ammo. The 642 with 38+p administers a little pain. I think the fingernail on my trigger finger gets hit by the trigger guard coming back. It gets a little annoying after about 20 rounds, and after about 40 rounds I pack the gun away, and start shooting the 686.
The 642 is generally more useful, as it's easy to carry, light, small, and no hammer spur to snag. The 686 is "nicer" at the range.
