Hey Hobbes, yeah for the most part, until I called out a deputy to go to an alarm at a residence that was inside a town . <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

Morning Skunk. Been very quiet around here for a while.

Yeah, posting has been thin lately.

So, I picked up my 686 the other day and figured I would give it a good cleaning since I didn't know when it was done last. I noticed some things about it that made me a little curious. The front sight has a black insert instead of the normal colored ones that you see on the newer ones. I also noticed that when I opened the cylinder the model number just said 686. There was no dash with another number following. I've been trying to find out when it was made as it has a low serial number beginning with AAB. I thought it was fairly new because it's in great shape but now I'm starting to wonder if it was one of the ones from the 1980's.

I'm no expert and I really don't know but I would say it is one of the original 686's because there isn't a - after it. My 3 inch model 60-10 is supposed to mean it is the 10th revision of the original model 60 (or so I've been told). You MIGHT have a gem there. I think the original 686's were pretty good guns.

That's what I'm hoping. I emailed S&W about it but haven't heard back from them. If this is one of the originals it would definitely be a great find.

On another note, I got an email from Cheaper Than Dirt this morning. I know alot of people don't like them for price gouging but they are offering a deal on NRA Lifetime memberships at a substantial discount. If anyone is thinking of getting or upgrading to a lifetime membership this would be the time to do it.

I don't want to be tagged with deal spotting so if this goes against the rules let me know and I'll delete this post.

I've always liked the 686, and I don't really like smiths all that much. No reason why though.

It might be borderline, but I don't really think so. Let's see what ColdOne, Tom or Vic thinks about it. Heck Dan might even chip in. I mean they're not really selling anything just offering to join at a cheaper than normal price.

I would have preferred a Colt but the prices on those are through the roof and Rugers are non existent as far as supply goes. I was lucky to find this one for a reasonable price for the shape it's in. No one else worth mentioning makes a .357 that I would consider.

I remember liking the SP101 when it came out and also the GP100. Never really handled one, just liked the way they looked. The 4 inch ones.

I clicked on the link and it takes you right to the NRA membership page so they are not selling it, just promoting it to get members. It's a huge discount.