OK I need to ask
The Smith & Wesson 686 is it a " L " Frame or a " K " Frame ? Have any of you ever changed the barrel on a S&W revolver your self ?

Ron, The 686 is an "L" frame.....

Ron I have changed barrels on several older S&W revolvers. Not too much of a problem. Just have to maintain proper barrel/cylinder gap of 4 to 6 thousands on new barrel. I usually remove cylinder. Put old barrel in wooden blocks in vise(watch the front sight doesn't contact anything in event that barrel slips in blocks). Put hammer handle thru frame where cylinder normally is and give a sharp twist. Barrel usually screws right out. S&W revolvers have normal right hand threads but some old Colt autos like the Woodsman have left hand threads Hope this helps