S&W 686 in .38 only (not .357)
 

My brother purchased a S&W 686 he says is chambered for .38 only. My immediate response was, "are you sure?". I guess I shouldn't doubt him as he is an experienced shooter and his gun knowledge is extensive but I just have never heard of this gun before. He did say it was a rare breed. Anyone else know anything about this gun?

Possible, S&W has made alot of wierd guns in the past. Remember the Single-Action K-38s?

I had one of the six inch model 14's SA. That sucker would shoot.

Is this a new gun? CHP and some CA PDs issued Magnum style revolvers, but chambered only for .38s to meet "social restrictions" against man killer magnums.

Those issued were later sold and the LE stamps were over struck with other numbers or letters.

There may have been some over runs that were sold to the public.


There is one rule with S&Ws there will always be exceptions to the rule.

Not a new gun but he says it has never been fired. It came in the original box but without papers. I googled it and found that it is production code 104232. S&W 686-2 chambered in .38 cal w/ 4" barrel with full underlug. Special production manufactured in 1988. Also read that it was produced for sale to police depatments in Australia and/or South America but I'm not sure the last bit is factual.

Sounds about right.