Smith & Wesson 686 L-Frame Plus Barrel & Shroud Assembly, 357Mag 3" Stainless

It's a good usable part, gave only 3 stars due to external material flaws or machine marks.

Just as described, thanks!

Midwest is the best!..good pricing..fast shipping!..my go to source for parts!.. also this barrel has the exact same factory satin finish as my existing barrel..perfect match..no extra surface refinishing needed...S&W 686-4 Plus. .4" to 3" swap..

I purchased and installed this 3" barrel from MGW. Purchased to replace a bulged 4" barrel on a 686-5 LE trade in gun. (cheap department issue reloads strike again!) barrel comes with red ramp front sight factory installed. Natural stainless finished. (not bead blasted) They do not include the locking bolt, spring or pin and must be re-used (with possible fitting) from your old barrel. These new barrels are oversized (in the crush shoulder and forcing cone length) and require fitting to each individual frame. Not for the inexperienced home gunsmith. Instillation will require a lathe to machine the barrel crush shoulder (turned on centers) to the proper indexing point. Barrel must be shortened in a lathe (centered in a 4 way chuck) to set the proper barrel/cylinder gap (.005-.006") for the cylinder installed in the frame. Depending on how much is removed, might need the forcing cone re-cut but was not necessary in my case. Definitely recommend a NEW barrel when replacing any S&W revolver barrel (IF it is available since a "USED" barrel may not be easily fitted and might require a full setback and cost more $$ than was saved on the used purchase. Shipping was very fast from MGW & well packaged to prevent dings/damage. The 6", 5" 4" and 3" L frame barrels use the same ejector rod and center pin, the 2.5" barrel requires the shorter ejector rod and center pin. Marketed as a "Plus" (7 shot) barrel but also fits 6 shot cylinder guns. Please note if your are also fitting a new cylinder, you MUST fit the new cylinder BEFORE you fit the new barrel. Very happy with purchase.