The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: alfsauve on September 16, 2014, 09:42:42 AM
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At ICORE I was very interested in other peoples equipment. Of course most of the shooters were shooting S&W (except one of the GMs who had a Ruger). Most Limited shooters were shooting a 627s and using .38SC with moon clips. Most Classic shooters had 686s in .38Spl with speed loaders. I had Comp 3 speed loaders but noticed the GM, Roger, was using Comp 2s. I may have to get some to try.
Anyway, what I really want is a 5" 6 shot 686 Pro Series, which I don't think have every sold. I have a brand new 7 shot from the auction. Yes, I know I could call the custom shop and order one. In talking with a nice couple shooting on my squad I mentioned this and he said, "Why not order a six shot cylinder and a new hand and convert your + to a 6 shot?" DUH! He had done this for his wife and said it only took a little tweaking by the gun smith. Evidently a very common thing to do, both ways. Plus I have a 4" plain of the same engineering mod (-6), maybe I could just swap the parts.
Throwing it out for comments. Will be consulting my revolver smith this week.
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Alf.. if you smith hasn't already done this, ask him to run a .357" or .358" plug gauge in the mouth of the chambers... a tight chamber mouth will really mess with accuracy.... especially if you are shooting .38spl in a longer .357 cylinder...
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Thanks, Les. If I have the work done, I'll have him check that.
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Hi Alf, long time, in just 30 minutes you can answer your questions, swap, trigger/hand assembly, hammer and cylinder assembly, don't exchange cranes. Afterwards, check function and timing, if good, test fire. Call me if you have questions, my number is still in the Ranger forum. Lew Hortons had a small run of 5" guns a long while back.
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Thanks, Benny.
I looked at doing that, but decided I'd rather not mess with my regular 686, which I will keep as a backup gun (for competition nor for SD).
And besides if the smith does the work and it lock up in competition, I can blame him. Transference. ;)
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Got tired of waiting on my revolver smith to call back.
Swapped the cylinders between my 686 4" and my 686+ 5" Pro. And both work like a charm. Timing seems to be spot on. LUCKY! I'm getting a lottery ticket today. I don't think any timing or adjustment is needed. I've dry fired them both as fast as I could and they "lock up" solidly every time. Nothing "feels" out of place or wrong. "Lock up" being the good lock up not lockup as in freeze.
I now have what I wanted when I bid on these guns in July. A 686 (6-shot) Pro Series with 5" barrel. It' ideal for ICORE Classic competition.
Forget the smith. MidwayUSA has replacement cylinders for $130. I think I'll order one for my 4" regular so I have it as a backup for IDPA.
I'm off to the range as soon as I can. Last week being 60hr one, I deserve some time off.
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Glad you gave it a try 😉 I suspected as much.
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Glad you gave it a try 😉 I suspected as much.
Good to have you watching over us, Bennie :D
Take care.
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The smith called Friday and confirmed that in most cases you just swap out the cylinder. Offered to order one for me from Brownells. I think I'll do that myself.
This is working out well.