I promise that I did a lot of searches before starting this new thread. If the answer is "out there" somewhere, I couldn't find it!
I recently purchased a Model 686 w/ 4" barrel. The cylinder yoke is stamped with a "
686" (no dash) and a "
M" (recall upgrades completed). So, as I have been showing off my 'new" purchase I have been identifying it as a 686 no dash model.
However, while searching and learning more about my 686 I found the following information that shows the timeframe and upgrades performed for each of the first few 686's Engineering changes:
Quote:
The 686 was introduced in the 1980 as the S&W Model 686 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless. It featured flash-chromed, forged hammer and trigger, and had a 6-shot cylinder.
-1 (1986): radius stud package, introduction of the floating hand.
The "M" recall (1987) for the no-dash and -1 guns was to fit a new hammer nose and firing pin bushing to deal with certain brands of ammo causing (potentially fatal) binding when fired.
-2 (1987) incorporated the "M" recall features as standard production.
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Here is where I am confused:
The serial number for my 686 is
AUE6252. I don't have the S&W reference book, but from my research I am pretty sure my 686 was manufactured sometime in '87. Could mine still be a "no dash" that late in production?? Were the "-1" and "-2" versions not stamped with the dash? What version do I have?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!