686 from factory to custom with factory parts

[loadnplenty]

This 686-5 has started life as a 6 inch factory round butt. Nothing special about. Standard fluted cylinder. Plan is to fit a new production unfluted cylinder and
an 8 3/8 barrel I found on eBay. Make it my own so to speak. I have already done a Wilson spring kit and complete polish of the internals. The hammer trigger and sear were worked over with stones. So it’s a super smooth when squeezing the trigger.

 

[loadnplenty]

fitting the new cylinder required me trim a little of the end of the crane. This was done by hand until the cylinder would close and cycle with shell casing inserted. I also used the original extractor in the new cylinder. Once that was done I measured the gap between the cylinder and barrel.

 

[loadnplenty]

Pictures is the action wrench with N frame insert. Can’t find the J/K insert. So now I have to wait on Midway to get it it out. Unless I get bored and decide to make one from wood.

The 8 3/8 barrel shows out for delivery.

Once I get everything assembled and test fired I will work on the matching up the finish on everything

 

[loadnplenty]

Mail lady delivered the barrel today. Finish matches up pretty good to the frame.

 

[loadnplenty]

With the correct wrench bushing removing the barre was a breeze.

Getting the gun with the bushing in the wrench is a chore within itself. Especially since it needs to be tight.

 

[loadnplenty]

8 3/8 barrel installed. Newer model unfluted cylinder installed.

Polished internals with hammer and trigger stoned. Wilson combat spring kit.

Double action is a super slick and smooth 9 pound break. Single action breaks at a clean 2 pounds.

Barrel gap is 9000th

At some point I will tackle matching the cylinder finish to the rest of the gun.

I did take many pictures since my building has no A/C and it hit after I got home from work last night

 

[greg vess]

Slick! Excellent work!

 

[loadnplenty]

Slick! Excellent work!

Thanks

 

[loadnplenty]

Frankensmith functioned flawlessly at the range today. Hard hitting loads are pleasure with this hefty beast