Different S&W 686

[Catahoula]

Spent a couple of hours at the loading bench and practicing speed reloads today.  Thought I'd post a couple of pics of my revolver.
 
Picked this up a couple of years ago, NIB.  Was on the hunt for a 625, but came across an unbelievable deal on this so couldn't pass it up.  The barrel is marked 38 Special +P.  The unusual thing is that it is fitted with a .357 cylinder.  The chambers are cut to .357 length and all .357 ammo I have tried chambers.  (I haven't fired any)  Best info I can find is that these were possibly made for a South American law enforcement contract for countries that have restricions on .357s.  I wrote to S&W a couple of times and their reply was that the gun was probably fitted with the .357 cylinder by mistake.  Of course, while they said this wasn't a problem, their official stance is that it is  .38 and should only be fired with .38 special ammo.  No big deal to me as this is an occasional carry gun, but primarily a woods walker.  Nothing in Indiana that can't be handled by stout 38 reloads.  If anyone has any info, it would be appreciated.  Have seen a couple of these pop up on gunbroker, but this is the only one I've seen in person.
 

[oldhunter]

If S&W would replace cylinder with correct one, I would do it just to eliminate concern that someone would try a .357 mag someday.  If S&W thought it was done in error, they would probably do it for no cost.

[Catahoula]

If S&W would replace cylinder with correct one, I would do it just to eliminate concern that someone would try a .357 mag someday.  If S&W thought it was done in error, they would probably do it for no cost.

I thought about that, but haven't got around to doing anything.  I don't think it is a real concern as this is their large 357 frame and most 686 models are .357.  The individual that I was coresponding with at S&W didn't seem too concerned about it.  It shoots and functions extremely well for a short barreled revolver so I am hesitant to change anything.  I don't have a .357 and don't plan to buy one so there is not a big risk of mixing ammo.  My guess is that if .357 ammo was fired by mistake there wouldn't be any issues.

[jhm]

     Im sure that there isnt any difference in the 2 barrels, the cylenders are where the strength needs to be, is there any chanch that the person you got the gun from didnt install a snub nosed barrel into the 686 that might have been a 4 in or longer barrel?  S&W by serial # should be able to tell you what it left the factory as.  Jim

[Catahoula]

     Im sure that there isnt any difference in the 2 barrels, the cylenders are where the strength needs to be, is there any chanch that the person you got the gun from didnt install a snub nosed barrel into the 686 that might have been a 4 in or longer barrel?  S&W by serial # should be able to tell you what it left the factory as.  Jim

It left the factory as a 38 Special +P.  Verified by S&W along with the markings on the box.  The label includes the correct serial number along with the caliber and barrel length.  My guess is that this was built as a .357 and the only difference is a roll mark on the barrel, but that is a guess.  As I said, no big deal to me.  I have no intention of shooting anything but .38 special ammo.  Barrel is too short to deer hunt with in Indiana, so it will fill my needs without magnum level loads.   

[Mike in Virginia]

A nice looking revolver.  A 686 is plenty strong.  I'd shoot it with .357's. 

[SHOOTALL]

A couple things come to mind , first there were some 38's converted to 357 mag by making the chamber longer when SS guns came out , they woked. So the larger frame gun dosen't seem like a problem. And some guns like the Colt SAA when nickle plated do not get hardened ( frame not cyl. ) . Not sure if that is S&W pratice or not.
 I notice your gun is a 2.5 inch and there has been some concern with lighter guns ( mostly alum or ti ) that certian ammo with light bullets will let the bullets slip forward on the remaining rounds when fired . I wonder if this was the reason your gun was marked for 38+p in an effort to restrict it to loads that would not cause it to let bullet slip forward and tie up the gun ?
 You are not missing much with 38's in the 2.5 inch bbl. I have a 12 oz S&W that shoots 357 mag. It is a real handful. At night the flash is amazing . It would be hard to beat 158 gr lead SWHP +P as a carry round .

[damienph]

I would not be the least bit concerend about shooting .357s out of that revolver.  I have a 2 1/2" Model 66 that is a great shooter with .357 loads.  Never had any problem with bullets creeping forward out of the cases and binding the cylinder.  I also have a 4" 686.  Both are excellent shooters.
M66

M686

[SHOOTALL]

sorry if i gave the idea of not shooting them only that at one time it was a concern . I shoot 125 and 110 gr JHP's in my 340 PD with out a problem.

[Catahoula]

Was surfing tonight and stumbled on a copy of the S&W Law Enforcement and Military catalog on line.  Looks like the 686 and 686 plus are cataloged in 38 Special +P.  Probably for agencies that restrice ammunition to certain calibers.  If I see another, I'll check the chambers to see if they are actaully .38 length.