Petrol & Powder
Well-Known Member
We’ve explored the GP-100 and its little brother the SP101. We’ve discussed the snubnose J-frames and now it’s time to look at the Distinguished Combat Magnum and the Distinguished Service Magnum. The Awesome L-frames!
The other day I was going through an early model 686 owned by a co-worker and I was reminded of just how amazing those L-frames are. In 1980 Smith & Wesson designated the adjustable sight model L-frames as the Distinguished Combat Magnum and that really was an appropriate name. The 4” L-frames had the necessary strength without the weight and bulk of the N-frames. In the days of DA duty revolvers, the 4” L-frames really were the pinnacle of development.
While I’m partial to the simplicity of the stainless steel and fixed sights of the 681 [Distinguished Service Magnum], I can appreciate the adjustable sight model 686 for its positive traits. I’ve handled and shot all the original L-frame models: The 581, 586, 681 & 686. They are ALL great guns.
The carbon steel (with blued or nickel-plated finish) 581 had the shortest production run of the series (1980 to 1988). The stainless steel fixed sighted model 681 made it a few more years and was discontinued in 1992. The adjustable sight, carbon steel 586 (with blued or nickel finish) made it to 1999 and the 686 is still in production, albeit in somewhat modified versions.
The example I had in my hands the other day was an early 1980’s, no dash model 686. It was representative of the early 1980’s L-frames. It lacked the fine internal finishing of a 1950’s era 5-screw S&W but was perfectly serviceable in every regard. The tiny amount of oil placed in the action more than 35 years ago had long ago hardened. The majority of the action was bone dry. The gun needed to be cleaned and lubricated but despite this neglect, the gun was completely functional. It was truly a testament to Smith & Wesson’s ability to manufacture an affordable service revolver with outstanding quality.
The other day I was going through an early model 686 owned by a co-worker and I was reminded of just how amazing those L-frames are. In 1980 Smith & Wesson designated the adjustable sight model L-frames as the Distinguished Combat Magnum and that really was an appropriate name. The 4” L-frames had the necessary strength without the weight and bulk of the N-frames. In the days of DA duty revolvers, the 4” L-frames really were the pinnacle of development.
While I’m partial to the simplicity of the stainless steel and fixed sights of the 681 [Distinguished Service Magnum], I can appreciate the adjustable sight model 686 for its positive traits. I’ve handled and shot all the original L-frame models: The 581, 586, 681 & 686. They are ALL great guns.
The carbon steel (with blued or nickel-plated finish) 581 had the shortest production run of the series (1980 to 1988). The stainless steel fixed sighted model 681 made it a few more years and was discontinued in 1992. The adjustable sight, carbon steel 586 (with blued or nickel finish) made it to 1999 and the 686 is still in production, albeit in somewhat modified versions.
The example I had in my hands the other day was an early 1980’s, no dash model 686. It was representative of the early 1980’s L-frames. It lacked the fine internal finishing of a 1950’s era 5-screw S&W but was perfectly serviceable in every regard. The tiny amount of oil placed in the action more than 35 years ago had long ago hardened. The majority of the action was bone dry. The gun needed to be cleaned and lubricated but despite this neglect, the gun was completely functional. It was truly a testament to Smith & Wesson’s ability to manufacture an affordable service revolver with outstanding quality.
