Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this double-action revolver for a penny-start auction, this is the Smith And Wesson 686-3.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 686-3
Serial: BDB6193
Model: 686-3
Serial: BDB6193
Date of Manufacture: 1987
Caliber: .357
Finish: SS
Barrel Length: 2.5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front Serrated Ramp with Orange insert and Adjustable Rear Sight
Stock/Grips: Smooth Hardwood Pistol grips with Finger Grooves and Silver Smith And Wesson Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 686-3 is one of the most respected “pre-lock” L-frame .357 Magnum revolvers ever produced, sitting in a sweet spot of Smith & Wesson’s late 1980s–early 1990s engineering where durability upgrades and classic revolver craftsmanship overlap. Introduced around 1988 and produced into the early 1990s, the “-3” engineering change refined the platform with a new yoke retention system, improving cylinder alignment and long-term lockup strength compared to earlier dash numbers, while still retaining the traditional forged steel construction, stainless finish, and smooth hand-fitted feel that made the 686 series famous. Built on the robust L-frame, it was specifically designed to handle a steady diet of full-power .357 Magnum loads without the forcing cone cracking issues that sometimes affected smaller K-frame revolvers, making it a favorite for both law enforcement and serious shooters during its era. The 686-3 is typically a six-shot revolver with adjustable rear sights, a red ramp front sight, and barrel options ranging from compact 2.5-inch “snub” models to 4-inch service guns and longer 6-inch or 8?-inch target/hunting variants. One of the most appreciated details among enthusiasts is that many 686-3 revolvers still retain pre-MIM (metal injection molded) internals, giving them a slightly more “old-school” trigger feel with a smooth double-action stroke and crisp single-action break when properly tuned. It is also a pre-internal-lock model, meaning it lacks the later frame-mounted key lock system, which adds to its popularity among collectors who prefer the simpler, traditional action design.
Caliber: .357
Finish: SS
Barrel Length: 2.5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front Serrated Ramp with Orange insert and Adjustable Rear Sight
Stock/Grips: Smooth Hardwood Pistol grips with Finger Grooves and Silver Smith And Wesson Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 686-3 is one of the most respected “pre-lock” L-frame .357 Magnum revolvers ever produced, sitting in a sweet spot of Smith & Wesson’s late 1980s–early 1990s engineering where durability upgrades and classic revolver craftsmanship overlap. Introduced around 1988 and produced into the early 1990s, the “-3” engineering change refined the platform with a new yoke retention system, improving cylinder alignment and long-term lockup strength compared to earlier dash numbers, while still retaining the traditional forged steel construction, stainless finish, and smooth hand-fitted feel that made the 686 series famous. Built on the robust L-frame, it was specifically designed to handle a steady diet of full-power .357 Magnum loads without the forcing cone cracking issues that sometimes affected smaller K-frame revolvers, making it a favorite for both law enforcement and serious shooters during its era. The 686-3 is typically a six-shot revolver with adjustable rear sights, a red ramp front sight, and barrel options ranging from compact 2.5-inch “snub” models to 4-inch service guns and longer 6-inch or 8?-inch target/hunting variants. One of the most appreciated details among enthusiasts is that many 686-3 revolvers still retain pre-MIM (metal injection molded) internals, giving them a slightly more “old-school” trigger feel with a smooth double-action stroke and crisp single-action break when properly tuned. It is also a pre-internal-lock model, meaning it lacks the later frame-mounted key lock system, which adds to its popularity among collectors who prefer the simpler, traditional action design.
In hand, the 686-3 is known for its excellent balance—heavy enough to soak up recoil but still fast to point—and its stainless steel construction gives it a durable, low-maintenance finish ideal for hard use in the field or range work. Because it represents a transition era before later cost-cutting changes, the 686-3 has developed a strong reputation as one of the most desirable variants in the entire 686 lineage, valued equally for its shootability, reliability, and “classic Smith & Wesson” feel that newer production models often try to replicate but rarely match.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the factory labeled Smith And Wesson case and all of the contents pictured above.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1183580176 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-06-28 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
0.01 |




