S&W 686 on GB

The "Standard Calalog of Smith and Wesson", lists that as model 104265 and it says this...

" 3" Model 686-4 , with full length extractor. Black ramp FS (BRL3635). Reported as "Limited Edition" with 2500 made"

so.... there ya go ?
 
I don't have my SCSW handy, but my 686 is a dash-3 variant, and it is most decidedly a square-butt. Of course, it's also a 6-inch barrel.

Now I'm curious if all the RB L-frames started with the dash-4's or if both RB's and SB's were available.

After I bought a late 90s/early 2000's vintage Model 657/.41 Mag, I was genuinely surprised to find that it had a RB grip frame. It also has a 6-inch barrel. I believe it's a 657-4, but I'd have to check that to confirm. It's pre-lock, but with the updated cylinder stop that is part of the frame rather than the pressed-in notch.
 
Now I'm curious if all the RB L-frames started with the dash-4's or if both RB's and SB's were available.
Click to expand...
AFAIK prior to 1996, most 4" and longer L frames were SB, and most 2-1/2" or 3" L frames were RB. There are exceptions, however.

Also, the M686-4 is considered by many collectors to be the high-water mark of the model run. It's the last version to come standard with a traditional hammer-mounted firing pin and forged color-case lockwork rather than MIM, and the only version to combine these features with a topstrap that's drilled and tapped for a scope base. (You can see the screw holes in the photos with the cylinder open.)
 
According to the S&W catalog ...in 1996 ( near the end of the 686-4 series run ) they deleted the Square Butt...

but like someone else said, there are all kinds of exceptions that seem to pop up from time to time...
 
I have a 686-4, 2 1/2", rb that came in a cardboard box with a rubber Hogue Monogrip. Maybe later -4's came with the plastic box and Uncle Mikes grips?
 
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