Description
Item Description
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Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this SCARCE and HIGHLY DESIRABLE variant of this popular double-action revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Smith & Wesson Model 686-2!
According to the included factory letter, “We have researched your Smith & Wesson Model 686-2 Stainless Steel .357 Distinguished Magnum, Special Caliber Edition, caliber .38 S&W Special in company records which indicate that your handgun, with serial number AZJ6779, was shipped from our factory on August 19, 1989, and delivered to G.T. Distributors Inc., Rossville, GA. The records indicate that this handgun was shipped with a 4-inch barrel, satin finish, and checkered Goncalo Alves target grips. This was one of a small group of this model chambered in .38 S&W Special rather than in the .357 Magnum cartridge.”
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 686-2
Serial: AZJ6779
Date of Manufacture: 1989
Caliber: .38 S&W Special
Finish: Satin Stainless
Barrel Length: 4" Full Lug Barrel
Optics/Sights: Ramp with Red Insert on Ramp Base with Adjustable White Outline Micrometer Click Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut Goncalo Alves Target Grips
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard / The right side of the barrel is stamped “38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 686, known as the Stainless Steel Distinguished Combat Magnum, was introduced in 1981 to meet a growing demand among law enforcement and sport shooters for a more robust revolver that could handle full .357 Magnum loads while maintaining the ergonomics of the familiar K-frame grip. The result was the development of the L-frame, a slightly larger and heavier frame specifically designed to offer improved durability and control without sacrificing balance. The Model 686 was the first revolver to use Smith & Wesson’s then-new serial number format—three alpha characters followed by four numerals—starting with serial AAA0095. As production ramped up, serial numbers became intermingled among other L-frame variants such as the 586, 581, and 681, underscoring the L-frame’s broad acceptance and versatility. The heavy barrel, full underlug, and stainless steel construction made the Model 686 particularly attractive to shooters who wanted the ruggedness of a duty revolver combined with smooth double-action performance and ease of maintenance.
Model: 686-2
Serial: AZJ6779
Date of Manufacture: 1989
Caliber: .38 S&W Special
Finish: Satin Stainless
Barrel Length: 4" Full Lug Barrel
Optics/Sights: Ramp with Red Insert on Ramp Base with Adjustable White Outline Micrometer Click Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut Goncalo Alves Target Grips
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard / The right side of the barrel is stamped “38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 686, known as the Stainless Steel Distinguished Combat Magnum, was introduced in 1981 to meet a growing demand among law enforcement and sport shooters for a more robust revolver that could handle full .357 Magnum loads while maintaining the ergonomics of the familiar K-frame grip. The result was the development of the L-frame, a slightly larger and heavier frame specifically designed to offer improved durability and control without sacrificing balance. The Model 686 was the first revolver to use Smith & Wesson’s then-new serial number format—three alpha characters followed by four numerals—starting with serial AAA0095. As production ramped up, serial numbers became intermingled among other L-frame variants such as the 586, 581, and 681, underscoring the L-frame’s broad acceptance and versatility. The heavy barrel, full underlug, and stainless steel construction made the Model 686 particularly attractive to shooters who wanted the ruggedness of a duty revolver combined with smooth double-action performance and ease of maintenance.
Among the many noteworthy variations of the Model 686 is the exclusive two-and-a-half-inch barrel model produced for Lew Horton Distributors in late 1984. This limited run of 5,000 units proved so popular that an additional 2,000 were produced and shipped in 1985. The popularity of this compact version led Smith & Wesson to add it to their standard catalog by 1987. Another distinctive batch, the CS-1 models, was manufactured in 1986 with unique features such as three- and four-inch barrels, round butts, a matte stainless finish, and black pinned front sights. These revolvers were originally designed for the United States Customs Service and were stamped “CS-1” in the yoke cut, later becoming available to other law enforcement agencies and select civilian markets through limited distribution. A particularly rare variation is the Model 686-2 chambered in .38 S&W Special instead of the typical .357 Magnum. One such example, with serial number AZJ6779, was shipped on August 19, 1989, to G.T. Distributors in Rossville, Georgia. It featured a 4-inch barrel, satin finish, and checkered Goncalo Alves target grips, and belonged to a small group manufactured in this less common caliber, further enhancing its collectibility and appeal among Smith & Wesson enthusiasts.
Contents:
Contents:
As you can see in the many high-resolution photos, this example is New Old Stock, showing no evidence of consumer use or handling! Additionally, it will ship with the original factory-labeled box, matching factory letter, and all other contents as 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
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
