Official S&W No-Lock Mountain Guns from LipseyÂ’s Video

[JEC]

Hey everyone here is the launch video with all the details on the new guns.

https://youtu.be/ECr10xWsfoo

[jeep45238]

Hey everyone here is the launch video with all the details on the new guns.

https://youtu.be/ECr10xWsfoo

Thanks for your efforts, it's really appreciated.

[WDR]

I might as well start preparing my will and testament. And loading up the 1000 pieces of .357 brass I just bought. Hopefully I can shoot at least 1000 rounds before my wife finds out I bought one, and murders me in my sleep.

[JWintergreen]

Very happy to see the Mountain Gun series return, however it appears the gas ring has been deleted on the 686 model. That is very disappointing.

[FrankB]

Wouldn’t it be nice if S&W could just delete the lock, rather than using Lipsey’s as cover? Upon closer examination of the no lock M36 without a lock, it looks cheap. A half moon front sight in 2025 is goofy, and they have to make it a “special” edition. I don’t really care about a lock being on the side of the revolver, but I wouldn’t mind if it weren’t there.

[WDR]

Wouldn’t it be nice if S&W could just delete the lock, rather than using Lipsey’s as cover? Upon closer examination of the no lock M36 without a lock, it looks cheap. A half moon front sight in 2025 is goofy, and they have to make it a “special” edition. I don’t really care about a lock being on the side of the revolver, but I wouldn’t mind if it weren’t there.

I wont bitch about having no lock revolvers available again, but I do wish they'd just remove them from the lineup. Maybe this is the first step to such action. There are some markets that probably require the internal lock (MA, CA?)... so maybe they never really go away.

[Tarrrnation!]

I’m calling my FFL and getting on a list for the 44 mag Mountain Gun. Thanks to all the were involved with this.

[Zeke38]

SO HAPPY ! Thank you Lipsey's and S&W. 686 Mtn Gun is in my near future.

[Willard]

Nice but unsure why the 629 has ejector rod lock up and 686 ball detention. Also wondering if this was the big announcement as was hoping for a modernized 12. Maybe more to come at Shot.

[JWintergreen]

Nice but unsure why the 629 has ejector rod lock up and 686 ball detention. Also wondering if this was the big announcement as was hoping for a modernized 12. Maybe more to come at Shot.

I have a hunch it might be for cost saving purposes. They might want the 69 and 686 to share as much as possible. The L frame .357 did not need any durability enhancements. The lack of a gas ring on this model is a bummer.

[CLaw]

I have a hunch it might be for cost saving purposes. They might want the 69 and 686 to share as much as possible. The L frame .357 did not need any durability enhancements. The lack of a gas ring on this model is a bummer.

Maybe my old eyes and ears didn't catch it. Did they mention or show not having a gas ring? Is the gas ring removed because the forcing cone isn't cut? If so, their effort to make the gun more durable creates an issue with extractor rod/cylinder pin? Weird choice since their wasn't ever any issue with the forcing cone being cut the way it was on L-frame revolvers, right?

[Malamute]

Looks like winners.

Thats the first time Ive felt that way about a new Smith in decades. The grips are a massive improvement, factory smith grips have gotten progressively worse since the 80s. Earlier ones could be worked on to reduce the blockiness and feel, recent ones look like rejects in how they are shaped and fit the frame, and look horrible to shoot. The Bear hug remakes are similar to the best of the older ones, and similar to the 1950s targets I copied for my 29.

Im not a fan of stainless at all, most stainless guns Ive bought and wanted to like ended up going down the road, I think I could actually warm up to one of these. The 686+ mountain looks like a good general purpose gun. The only thing Id want is blued, but the basics of it, the light barrel, 7 shots, medium frame, decent grips, all work for a working gun.

The no lock is a definite upgrade, I wouldnt have given them a second glance if they had locks.

[WDR]

JEC , I know you are probably VERY busy right now, but can you address the gas ring issue/question at all? Also, how soon will these be hitting the shelves? I plan to visit my local dealer tomorrow and see if he'll get the ball rolling on ordering me a .357 version. I assume these will be allocated at first like the UC guns were? Are these new models planned to be a limited run, or ongoing production like the UC guns?

[CLaw]

JEC , I know you are probably VERY busy right now, but can you address the gas ring issue/question at all? Also, how soon will these be hitting the shelves? I plan to visit my local dealer tomorrow and see if he'll get the ball rolling on ordering me a .357 version. I assume these will be allocated at first like the UC guns were? Are these new models planned to be a limited run, or ongoing production like the UC guns?

I'm revolver ignorant, so I apologize in advance if I'm totally wrong here.... But, at 2:12 on the video, does it looks like maybe a gas ring press-fit into cylinder with a flat cut where it would go under the forcing cone?

[MolonLabe416]

These are the best of the Mountain Guns. Patridge front sight, slim hammer and trigger, black back sight.

I look forward to getting one of the 629s.

Jason,

Thanks to you, DB, and Y for doing the work to bring these to market. We appreciate it.

[Totem Polar]

As it happens, I have an ammo can in the basement stack with a variety of .44 Mag (and special) ammo packed into it from over the years…

But no .44 mag in the safe, currently. Finally, I see a great solution to this problem. :cool:

[JWintergreen]

Maybe my old eyes and ears didn't catch it. Did they mention or show not having a gas ring? Is the gas ring removed because the forcing cone isn't cut? If so, their effort to make the gun more durable creates an issue with extractor rod/cylinder pin? Weird choice since their wasn't ever any issue with the forcing cone being cut the way it was on L-frame revolvers, right?

It appears to be gone based on photos I have seen on the website. I'll put the link below. I believe the elmination is due to the combination of both the larger Model 69 forcing cone, and the ball detent lock up. The Model 69 also lacks a gas ring, to my knowledge. I agree, this is very odd. The L frame was obviously created due to the shortcomings of the K frame Magnums. The 686 already has a full forcing cone. It did not need any enhancements in the strength department. I still think this is them putting a spin on a cost cutting measure.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-686-plus-mountain-gun

[Stephanie B]

I am going to need another safe at this rate.

[Stephanie B]

Now for the big question:

HOW MUCH??

[WDR]

Now for the big question:

HOW MUCH??

MSRP on the .357 model is $1199... same for the .44

[ECVMatt]

That video in not fair! That has increased my "Wants" by 2000%.

I have asked and begged Smith and Lipsey's on every forum I can find today, but please make these available in California.

Anyways, I am down for both if I can get them. If they end up not being available I would still like the thank and commend Lipsey's and JEC for keeping great revolvers available and building products that people can put to use as they were originally intended.

[Tarrrnation!]

MSRP on the .357 model is $1199... same for the .44

Not too shabby! I was in at $1300. Like the gun dummy I am —I’ve
Paid more for less.

[SwampDweller]

Put me down for a 629 Mountain Gun no lock! Unless some other no lock Smith is announced at Shot that takes precedence! As of now it’s the 629 MG followed by a no lock Model 19.

[Tarrrnation!]

Put me down for a 629 Mountain Gun no lock! Unless some other no lock Smith is announced at Shot that takes precedence! As of now it’s the 629 MG followed by a no lock Model 19.

If they release a Model 13, 3 inch no lock, fixed sight—like the old FBI guns, *that* would bump the Mountain Gun out of the running for me.

[Andrew E]

I would dearly love to see that 686 come to CA. I realize the price and timeline of getting on "The List" is pretty steep, though.

And I have hopes that if these do decently well, perhaps a run of 41 Magnum Mountain Guns can be contemplated.

[Adam]

Not too shabby! I was in at $1300. Like the gun dummy I am —I’ve
Paid more for less.

You may be in to it for that yet, I’ve seen some preliminary online dealer traffic listed “out of stock” but preemptively listed at over full MSRP.

[Totem Polar]

You may be in to it for that yet, I’ve seen some preliminary online dealer traffic listed “out of stock” but preemptively listed at over full MSRP.

Nobody is salivating over an MG more than me, but I hasten to add the classic new gun caveat: wait 6 months. Time for the early adopter pricing to come down to typical street pricing; time for early adopter QC bugs to present, and hopefully resolve and, most importantly, time to see what else is in the pipeline from Lipsey’s. As noted by others above, the only thing that could knock this MG off the top of the must buy list for 2025 is some sort of epic K-frame duty throwback with modern upgrades. Which I’d bet on, at some point down the road. JMO.

[okie john]

Nobody is salivating over an MG more than me, but I hasten to add the classic new gun caveat: wait 6 months. Time for the early adopter pricing to come down to typical street pricing; time for early adopter QC bugs to present, and hopefully resolve and, most importantly, time to see what else is in the pipeline from Lipsey’s. As noted by others above, the only thing that could knock this MG off the top of the must buy list for 2025 is some sort of epic K-frame duty throwback with modern upgrades. Which I’d bet on, at some point down the road. JMO.

Agreed. I'm looking forward to seeing S&W's new build quality on a no-lock frame.


Okie John

[OlongJohnson]

As much as I want to get excited about the 686+ MG, I'm not sure what it offers that would make me want to set aside my GP MC. I've put a bunch of work into making that sweet, and this is pretty close to exactly the same thing. I'd be signed up for doing a bunch of that work over again. Maybe it will carry a little slimmer, maybe the trigger won't have the stacking that's inherent to the GP trigger, but if I want lighter carry and more rounds, I'll go to a bottom feeder.

My "one more revolver, because I want it even though I don't need it" has been .45 Colt for several years now. If they did the 629 MG as a 625 in .45 Colt or a 627 in .357, I'd be in.

But seriously, I am very happy to see these developments from Lipsey's. Like others, I hesitate because of the quality issues. I've received multiple S&Ws that were simply non-functional out of the box, including manufacturing defects that belonged in a hall of horrors or a meme template somewhere. Some were fixable, others were not. The ~30% lemon rate that seems to be prevalent on UUCs indicates that hasn't really changed.

[DamonL]

....the only thing that could knock this MG off the top of the must buy list for 2025 is some sort of epic K-frame duty throwback with modern upgrades. Which I’d bet on, at some point down the road. JMO.

Did you miss this thread on the no-lock classic model 19?

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?62773-S-amp-W-Classic-Series-No-Lock

[Totem Polar]

Did you miss this thread on the no-lock classic model 19?

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?62773-S-amp-W-Classic-Series-No-Lock

Nope, saw it. I’m wanting more. I have enough old-school K frame in my safe. :cool:

[WDR]

Nope, saw it. I’m wanting more. I have enough old-school K frame in my safe. :cool:

Something like a Mountain Lite .357 would also be interesting... but probably also cause me great marital and financial distress. Just saying.

(The Mountain Lite would probably get carried a lot and shot a little, if I had one)

[SwampDweller]

As much as I want to get excited about the 686+ MG, I'm not sure what it offers that would make me want to set aside my GP MC. I've put a bunch of work into making that sweet, and this is pretty close to exactly the same thing. I'd be signed up for doing a bunch of that work over again. Maybe it will carry a little slimmer, maybe the trigger won't have the stacking that's inherent to the GP trigger, but if I want lighter carry and more rounds, I'll go to a bottom feeder.

My "one more revolver, because I want it even though I don't need it" has been .45 Colt for several years now. If they did the 629 MG as a 625 in .45 Colt or a 627 in .357, I'd be in.

But seriously, I am very happy to see these developments from Lipsey's. Like others, I hesitate because of the quality issues. I've received multiple S&Ws that were simply non-functional out of the box, including manufacturing defects that belonged in a hall of horrors or a meme template somewhere. Some were fixable, others were not. The ~30% lemon rate that seems to be prevalent on UUCs indicates that hasn't really changed.

~30% lemon rate? Really that high? What kind of sample size are we talking? I don’t doubt you, that just seems high.

JEC When can we expect the 629 MG to be available to order? For instance, I work at the Bass Pro Shops in Destin, FL as the Gun Vault Specialist and I receive orders from Lipseys all the time. Any idea when the new MG may be order-able that way?

[Duelist]

Nobody is salivating over an MG more than me, but I hasten to add the classic new gun caveat: wait 6 months. Time for the early adopter pricing to come down to typical street pricing; time for early adopter QC bugs to present, and hopefully resolve and, most importantly, time to see what else is in the pipeline from Lipsey’s. As noted by others above, the only thing that could knock this MG off the top of the must buy list for 2025 is some sort of epic K-frame duty throwback with modern upgrades. Which I’d bet on, at some point down the road. JMO.

I am super tempted by both the 19 and the MG 686+, but your statements here give me a way forward that makes more sense than rushing to order one: wait to have the dust settle, see what else is announced, and save up money while reorganizing the contents of my safe so that I have the best chance of getting something worth owning and that I actually will want longer than its break-in period while preserving sensible financial responsibility.

[Greg Bell]

Well, I have gotten a pile of Smith revolvers and the only one that had an issue was an Ultimate J, but it was just the night sight. That's really a supplier issue, and nothing to do with the gun itself. Smith fixed it fast. Just my experience.


But my current stable is decently sized. All the J-frames except for the ti-weight have been shot a lot.

128575

I also have given away a few j-frames that were getting tired.

Again, just my experience but I have had very good luck.

[Stephanie B]

MSRP on the .357 model is $1199... same for the .44

*Grumble*. I might have to sell some things.

[SwampDweller]

*Grumble*. I might have to sell some things.

I’m pretty dedicated to the GP100 as my .357 revolvers, but I’m down for the 629 if there is a reasonable expectation that I won’t get a lemon. This would be my first .44. My only N Frames are in .45 Colt (625-7 MG) and .45 Auto (25-2).

Other than deleting the lock, I can’t imagine there were engineering changes to the no-lock 629 MG, so there should be no bugs to work out, right?

[Chuck Whitlock]

Double tap.

[Chuck Whitlock]

..... perhaps a run of 41 Magnum Mountain Guns can be contemplated.



I’m down for the 629 if there is a reasonable expectation that I won’t get a lemon. This would be my first .44. My only N Frames are in .45 Colt (625-7 MG) and .45 Auto (25-2).

I'm salivating over the prospects of one of these in .41 Magnum or .45 Colt, but realistically, the availability of and ability to use either Specials or Magnums probably makes the .44 the ideal choice. Particularly with ammo from Lost River and High Desert.

[OlongJohnson]

On the other hand, I do still have .44 components on hand (sold the 629, kept the Contender barrel). Never got the cart ahead of the horse and bought into .45 Colt stuff without having the gun. But from what I remember off the top of my head, most .44 bullets are engineered around magnum speed. I like the idea of a quality, modern .451 defensive HP going 45+P speed or maybe pushed to .45 Super speed. That would be easier on the gun, easier on me, and probably just as hard or even harder on the target.

[SwampDweller]

On the other hand, I do still have .44 components on hand (sold the 629, kept the Contender barrel). Never got the cart ahead of the horse and bought into .45 Colt stuff without having the gun. But from what I remember off the top of my head, most .44 bullets are engineered around magnum speed. I like the idea of a quality, modern .451 defensive HP going 45+P speed or maybe pushed to .45 Super speed. That would be easier on the gun, easier on me, and probably just as hard or even harder on the target.

Middle of last year I picked up a minty 625-7 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt. Pre lock, but not pre MIM. I like to think it is repairable with modern MIM components but I’m not sure. I would love another .45 MG to go with it, but I’m also excited to have a .44 no lock.

Question is, are there .44 Special or Light .44 Magnum loads that duplicate what you describe above with .45? Especially in factory loaded options? The CCI aluminum case Gold Dot special is the only one I can think of, unless Barnes does something in Specials/Light Magnums?

[Spartan1980]

The laser engraving is a turn off. It looks cheap, because it is. It's a lot cheaper to pay a CNC programmer a half hour to to scale an image file and CNC code it than to buy stamping dies. Other than that little gripe the guns look great. I'm going to be in for a 3" model K frame for a shooter when they put one on the market without a comp.

[Chuck Whitlock]

I like the idea of a quality, modern .451 defensive HP going 45+P speed or maybe pushed to .45 Super speed. That would be easier on the gun, easier on me, and probably just as hard or even harder on the target.



Question is, are there .44 Special or Light .44 Magnum loads that duplicate what you describe above with .45? Especially in factory loaded options? The CCI aluminum case Gold Dot special is the only one I can think of, unless Barnes does something in Specials/Light Magnums?

https://highdesertcartridge.com/product/44-special-200-gr-fp-tmj/
https://highdesertcartridge.com/product/44-special-200-gr-xtp/

https://highdesertcartridge.com/product/44-magnum-240-gr-fp-tmj/
https://highdesertcartridge.com/product/44-magnum-240-gr-xtp/

https://www.lostriverammocompany.com/product/44-Russian-185-Grain-Wadcutter-100-RDS
https://www.lostriverammocompany.com/product/44-Special-240-grain-Semi-Wadcutter-50-RND
https://www.lostriverammocompany.com/product/44-Magnum-THE-Load-240-grain-Keith-Style-lead-Semi-Wadcutter-at-1-200-FPS-50-RND

[CLaw]

From Bryan,

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFI4mz9yP_X/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Gas ring is still there, just modified.

[awp_101]

My 624 scratches the "big bore revolver for fun" itch but a .45 ACP MG would be extremely tempting since: I recently discovered I can shoot .45 ACP again without killing my hands and wrists, my reloading situation now includes .45 ACP and I have 75+ moon clips I bought ~15 years ago when I thought I was going to get a Model 25/625...:rolleyes:

[WDR]

From Bryan,

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFI4mz9yP_X/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Gas ring is still there, just modified.

I figured they wouldn't go backwards on that...

I didn't make it to my LGS Monday, but maybe on Friday I'll get to see if I can order one.

[Wood]

Going to my shop later today. Mulling over if I want that new version of the Model 19 or this 686. Can anyone corroborate that those flash-chromed components will make a difference in the trigger pull? I suppose it makes sense that they would, but I've never shot a revolver with such a treatment.

Seems in my mind like the model 19's two piece barrel should lend itself to accuracy, but the promise of a trigger that breaks in very nicely and that brass bead front sight have me leaning in favor of the 686.

[overton]

Question is, are there .44 Special or Light .44 Magnum loads that duplicate what you describe above with .45? Especially in factory loaded options? The CCI aluminum case Gold Dot special is the only one I can think of, unless Barnes does something in Specials/Light Magnums?

the Barnes VOR-TX ammunition in .44 Magnum is loaded lightly:



https://youtu.be/7kOSYWnAApI

[jh9]

The laser engraving is a turn off. It looks cheap, because it is. It's a lot cheaper to pay a CNC programmer a half hour to to scale an image file and CNC code it than to buy stamping dies. Other than that little gripe the guns look great. I'm going to be in for a 3" model K frame for a shooter when they put one on the market without a comp.

The originals were also laser engraved, though.

https://assets.gunbroker.com/pics/1084976000/1084976306/pix413807149.jpg

I had one like that from the 90s I got when they were new. The barrel markings (both sides) and the S&W logo on the sideplate were laser-engraved. It was just how they did them.

It was also absolutely miserable to shoot with anything but .44 specials, even with the Hogue rubber grips. The 686+ mountain gun looks a lot more useful to me.

[SwampDweller]

the Barnes VOR-TX ammunition in .44 Magnum is loaded lightly:



https://youtu.be/7kOSYWnAApI

Thanks. So far that’s the main contender other than the CCI Blazer aluminum case w/ 200gr Gold Dot HP. Still, I was thinking more of a 200-240gr in the 850-900 FPS range, if such a load exists in Special or Magnum with modern engineered by expanding ammunition.

I saw the High Desert .44 Special w/ 200gr Hornady XTP going 860fps. I do wonder if Hornady designed that bullet to expand and penetrate properly at that velocity, as I don’t see a 200gr XTP bullet designed for .44 Special velocities (I do see a Magnum 200gr XTP loaded to 1500fps in Hornady Custom ammo). Also, I’m hesitant about remanufactured ammunition for self defense carry. I recall reading High Desert having bad primers recently.

[jtcarm]

A half-lug tapered-barrel L-frame?

OK, I’m listening.

[Wood]

Thanks. So far that’s the main contender other than the CCI Blazer aluminum case w/ 200gr Gold Dot HP. Still, I was thinking more of a 200-240gr in the 850-900 FPS range, if such a load exists in Special or Magnum with modern engineered by expanding ammunition.

I saw the High Desert .44 Special w/ 200gr Hornady XTP going 860fps. I do wonder if Hornady designed that bullet to expand and penetrate properly at that velocity, as I don’t see a 200gr XTP bullet designed for .44 Special velocities (I do see a Magnum 200gr XTP loaded to 1500fps in Hornady Custom ammo). Also, I’m hesitant about remanufactured ammunition for self defense carry. I recall reading High Desert having bad primers recently.

They haven't published any stats for it and there's no product page just yet, but Federal does have a new .44 Magnum HST load on the way. I'll paste the blurb from their New Products 2025 (https://www.federalpremium.com/this-is-federal/new-products.html) page:


HST 44 Rem. Magnum
The new 44 Rem. Magnum load offers more energy than 10mm Auto and 357 Magnum with a larger diameter, 230-grain projectile. However, it has better control and less overpenetration than a full magnum 44 Rem. Magnum hunting load.

[Rick R]

They haven't published any stats for it and there's no product page just yet, but Federal does have a new .44 Magnum HST load on the way. I'll paste the blurb from their New Products 2025 (https://www.federalpremium.com/this-is-federal/new-products.html) page:

I’m still carrying carefully hoarded Winchester Platinum .44 Mag ammo in my Mountain Gun when the mood moves me to pack the field artillery. The look on the Winchester rep’s face at a gel shoot was hilarious when it basically macerated one of his gel blocks. Full magnumy goodness not run of the mill 9mm, .40 or .45acp.

Depending on the velocity that HST load might be good stuff. I find it interesting that they used the HST bullet in the .44 but announced a .45 Colt with Hydra Shok Deep.

128650

[oregon45]

A half-lug tapered-barrel L-frame?

OK, I’m listening.

The tapered barrel is overlooked feature of the new .357 Mountain Gun; I bet it feels very fast in the hand compared to the standard full-profile lugged barrels. I'd love to see one of these L-frames with a 5" tapered half-lug barrel--maybe next year Lipsey's? :D

[Stephanie B]

No-lock 19 or no-lock 686+MG..... decisions, decisions.

[SwampDweller]

No-lock 19 or no-lock 686+MG..... decisions, decisions.

Someone posted here or on the Smith forum that the 686 no lock MG does indeed have a gas ring?

[DamonL]

No-lock 19 or no-lock 686+MG..... decisions, decisions.

I understand the pain. Decision paralysis is a thing. The 686 MG is a unique model. I think the no-lock 19 will be around awhile. MG first and 19 later? No bad decision either way.

[Stephanie B]

I understand the pain. Decision paralysis is a thing. The 686 MG is a unique model. I think the no-lock 19 will be around awhile. MG first and 19 later? No bad decision either way.

If I go for both, it's more going to be a matter of which is available. I expect it'll likely be the 19; the 686+ may be available around late next year and the 629 maybe a while later.

[DamonL]

Sounds like a plan!

[SwampDweller]

If I go for both, it's more going to be a matter of which is available. I expect it'll likely be the 19; the 686+ may be available around late next year and the 629 maybe a while later.

You think it’ll take till late next year for the 686+ to become available and the 629 even later? Or do you mean your ability to purchase them?

The UC guns became available pretty quick after announcement, but maybe these may be a little more intensive to build and distribute.

[Stephanie B]

You think it’ll take till late next year for the 686+ to become available and the 629 even later? Or do you mean your ability to purchase them?

The former.


The UC guns became available pretty quick after announcement, but maybe these may be a little more intensive to build and distribute.

Not as I recall. But that gets into a story that I promised not to tell.

[SwampDweller]

The former.



Not as I recall. But that gets into a story that I promised not to tell.

There’s a minty 28-2 I’ve been looking at, but I’ve been holding off primarily because I want to be ready for the 629 MG to become available. Sounds like maybe I shouldn’t hold my breath and should jump on the 28-2. You might know the one I’m talking about.

[Stephanie B]

There’s a minty 28-2 I’ve been looking at, but I’ve been holding off primarily because I want to be ready for the 629 MG to become available. Sounds like maybe I shouldn’t hold my breath and should jump on the 28-2. You might know the one I’m talking about.

No, I don't. I don't need a third one (says the woman with a half-dozen 10s). A 28's probably really close to a MG in barrel profile.

[JWintergreen]

Someone posted here or on the Smith forum that the 686 no lock MG does indeed have a gas ring?

I saw a post here saying that it did. I would like to learn more about what they have done. At this point, I'm going to buy one of these or a new 19-9/66-8 out of sheer curiosity.

The new .44 Mag HST looks very, very promising. N frame .44s make solid defensive handguns with mild magnums. So nice to see that.

[SwampDweller]

No, I don't. I don't need a third one (says the woman with a half-dozen 10s). A 28's probably really close to a MG in barrel profile.

I really want to dip into the .44, sounds like I’ll have to wait a while though. I love the way my 625 MG handles, and I am excited by the idea of a practical defensive .44 loaded with Specials or light Magnums. I really have no intentions of shooting full-house .44 Magnum through it.

For now, though, a Model 28-2 could hold me over. I do worry about shooting it to where it needs a new part/repair that can’t be had, though. However, I also remember DB/nyeti saying the N Frame .357 actually does hold up to a diet of Magnums.

[SwampDweller]

I just found this Model 19 Classic with No Lock on Gunbroker. At first I thought the lock might've just been airbrushed out or something, but down in the description it does specifically list no internal lock: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1085926301

Looks like they're already out in the wild.

Edit: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1086115844
Another, its got buy now for $1100

[Wood]

From Bryan,

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFI4mz9yP_X/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Gas ring is still there, just modified.

Here's the post with the Instagram video of Bryan from AFR showing the 686 gas ring. For anyone who can't see the video for any reason, he releases the cylinder and points out the ball detent lock for the yolk as well as the enlarged forcing cone. He then points out the gas ring, which has had a flat spot milled into it. He notes they had to do that in order to make clearance for the enlarged forcing cone.

[FrankB]

Did they increase the forcing cone diameter relative to the original 686, or just trim the gas ring to accommodate the detent lock? The regular 686 is already pretty stout.

[jh9]

Did they increase the forcing cone diameter relative to the original 686, or just trim the gas ring to accommodate the detent lock? The regular 686 is already pretty stout.

I think someone upthread mentioned the model 69 (.44 magnum) L-frame has a bigger diameter barrel and they may be re-using those blanks and ball-lock-detent frames for this gun? I've never handled a model 69 so IDK.

You're right that the standard L-frame has plenty of clearance but S&W is bad about making subtle-but-impactful changes to frame sizes and keeping the same letter. J vs "J-magnum" frames, N vs "8-shot N-frames", etc. Maybe not something a human being would notice in the hand, but you change one part, which necessitates changing another part, which... etc.

[revchuck38]

For now, though, a Model 28-2 could hold me over. I do worry about shooting it to where it needs a new part/repair that can’t be had, though. However, I also remember DB/nyeti saying the N Frame .357 actually does hold up to a diet of Magnums.

Get the 28-2. I've got one and a 27-3 and they're overbuilt for .357. I've had the 27-3 for ~35 years and went through my "How hot can I load it and get away with it?" phase with it, and it's still tight though I managed to burn a trench into the top strap by using max loads of fast-burning powders. I haven't shot my 28-2 that much and it was a used LE gun when I bought it, so it probably hadn't been shot much previously.

If you can shoot a 27/28 to the point where it needs repair, you're a better/richer man than I, Gunga Din.

[awp_101]

Gunga Din.

I haven’t heard Gunga Din referenced in probably 20 years! 😄

[okie john]

On the other hand, I do still have .44 components on hand (sold the 629, kept the Contender barrel). Never got the cart ahead of the horse and bought into .45 Colt stuff without having the gun. But from what I remember off the top of my head, most .44 bullets are engineered around magnum speed. I like the idea of a quality, modern .451 defensive HP going 45+P speed or maybe pushed to .45 Super speed. That would be easier on the gun, easier on me, and probably just as hard or even harder on the target.

From Gun Notes: The .45 Colt - Dissolving the Myth, Discovering the Legend by John Linebaugh:


I have personally taken about 10 antelope and 1 mule deer with a .45 Colt. My wife has taken around 6 antelope and 5 mule deer with her .45 Colt. She uses a 4 3/4" Seville and the handload is a 260 Keith cast at 900 fps. This load will shoot lengthwise of antelope and mule deer at 100 yards. In my estimation it kills as well as the .270, 30-06 class rifles if the shots are placed properly. If I were hunting heavier game I'd step up the velocity to 1200 fps and in extreme circumstances, (elk, hogs, bear) go to the 310 gr cast slug. This load, 310 at 1200 will go through elk like so much air. These loads can be managed by anyone who is serious about handgunning big game. My wife is 5' 1" and goes about 100 lbs with her gun on. She likes the power the .45 gives her with a minimum of recoil and blast. She has hunted with me for 15 years now and is a very serious handgun shooter. I think the .45 Colt has a lot to do with this as it gives her big bore power without big bore recoil and blast. My sons also shoot the .45 Colt a lot and I had the pleasure to watch my oldest son at age 14 take a nice mule deer buck this year with a 5 1/2" Colt SAA at about 90 yards range. The load, 260 Keith at 900 fps. Its plain, no bells or whistles, but it works every time.


Okie John

[SwampDweller]

Get the 28-2. I've got one and a 27-3 and they're overbuilt for .357. I've had the 27-3 for ~35 years and went through my "How hot can I load it and get away with it?" phase with it, and it's still tight though I managed to burn a trench into the top strap by using max loads of fast-burning powders. I haven't shot my 28-2 that much and it was a used LE gun when I bought it, so it probably hadn't been shot much previously.

If you can shoot a 27/28 to the point where it needs repair, you're a better/richer man than I, Gunga Din.

I messed up. I waited till this morning to claim it because I was tired last night. Then I refresh the thread and someone claimed it!

Damn. I was really excited. Back to the search I guess.

[Wes Peart]

No .45 Colt Mountain Gun, no want.

[revchuck38]

I messed up. I waited till this morning to claim it because I was tired last night. Then I refresh the thread and someone claimed it!

Damn. I was really excited. Back to the search I guess.

Bummer. There's no real shortage of M28s, they've just gotten more popular over the years. Keep your eyes open. :)

[SwampDweller]

Bummer. There's no real shortage of M28s, they've just gotten more popular over the years. Keep your eyes open. :)

This one looked unfired. Would've been perfect. Oh well, I'm still on the hunt. I started a thread about another one I'm looking at but some of the wear on the recoil shield near where the firing pin hole is has slightly suspicious wear.

[awp_101]

There's no real shortage of M28s, they've just gotten more popular over the years.

I keep this as a reminder of how much more stupid I was 20 years ago. IIRC it showed the typical "carried a lot, shot a little" wear of ex-LE guns but it did come with the box. When I sold it, I probably got that or less because I either needed the money or I wanted "something better". :rolleyes:

128744

[Wes Peart]

On the other hand, I do still have .44 components on hand (sold the 629, kept the Contender barrel). Never got the cart ahead of the horse and bought into .45 Colt stuff without having the gun. But from what I remember off the top of my head, most .44 bullets are engineered around magnum speed. I like the idea of a quality, modern .451 defensive HP going 45+P speed or maybe pushed to .45 Super speed. That would be easier on the gun, easier on me, and probably just as hard or even harder on the target.

I bought 700 or so 250gr .452 Gold Dots when they were on sale years ago and have loaded them from mild to wild. At 850ish they consistently expand to 75 caliber. From my Rossi 92 at ~1400 FPS they expand to a true 1 inch in diameter :)

I've been told the same bullet, saboted, fired from a modern muzzle loader over a max charge of Pyrodex at 2000 plus FPS acts like M193 on steroids and fragments like a bomb in the chest cavity of 4 legged critters leaving a cantaloupe sized pocket of mush inside with the larger pieces of the base exiting.

[03RN]

I need to pull some gold dots and hsts and load them to 1000fps in my .45 win mag brass and see what's what.

[Totem Polar]

I keep this as a reminder of how much more stupid I was 20 years ago. IIRC it showed the typical "carried a lot, shot a little" wear of ex-LE guns but it did come with the box. When I sold it, I probably got that or less because I either needed the money or I wanted "something better". :rolleyes:

128744

I paid $279 for my first NIB NY-1 S&W LE trade in, and it went to the mortgage Gods. I assure you that my replacement NY-1 was… more expensive.

:rolleyes:

[Stephanie B]

I keep this as a reminder of how much more stupid I was 20 years ago.

I passed on the sell-off of M28s by the NYSP because I already had a .357 (6" M19). By the time the stupidity of that sunk in, it took me awhile to find one at a price I was willing to pay. The gap between "I'll go for that" and "selling price" marched up in lockstep until I broke the code.