Another 686 Serial Number Question

MacA · #1 09-20-2011, 08:29 AM

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.

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!!

diamonback68 · #2 09-20-2011, 08:56 AM

Your 686 dates to about 1986 or early 1987 so it could still easily be a no dash. Smith did not ship in serial order. They just grabbed whatever was next out of the vault with no mind to serial number or how long it had been sitting in the safe. Sometimes earlier serial numbered guns sat around in the vault for months and even many years. Only a factory letter would give you the actual ship date which is what the factory and BATFE go by. HTH

MacA · #3 09-20-2011, 11:13 AM

Thanks Dick! I appreciate the insight.

So since mine is stamped without a dash, is it pretty safe to safe that it is definitely defined as a "686 no dash"? And even though they were already deliverying "-1" versions at that time, mine wouldn't have the "radius stud package, introduction of the floating hand" that defines the "-1" change?

Were there defined serial number starting/ending points for each engineering change? or were they mixed during those transition periods?

lhump1961 · #4 09-20-2011, 11:15 AM

I would guess your no dash was on the tail end of the no dash run. I have a -1 with the prefix of AWT which puts it right after yours in production.

I have never sent my -1 back to Smith for the recall as I have never had any problems with it. I'm sure it has only a few hundred rounds fired so maybe down the road it may show some signs of binding but I will wait and see. I trust it. It is a 2 1/2" with the best trigger of all of my K's and L's and I hate to mess with it.

Nightowl · #5 09-20-2011, 11:37 AM

Check to see if you have a floating hand. It would not be beyond the relm of possibility that a fitter could have installed a floating hand in a no dash gun.

diamonback68 · #6 09-20-2011, 12:08 PM

What Nightowl said, I would check it.

MacA · #7 09-20-2011, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightowl

Check to see if you have a floating hand. It would not be beyond the relm of possibility that a fitter could have installed a floating hand in a no dash gun.

I guess that would be easy enough to check just by taking the side plate off?

larryofcc · #8 09-20-2011, 01:57 PM

I have # AAF 2548, no XXX's that has the "M". What year was this revolver made? Thanks, Big Larry

diamonback68 · #9 09-20-2011, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Larry

I have # AAF 2548, no XXX's that has the "M". What year was this revolver made? Thanks, Big Larry

Right around June or July 1982. How's that for getting close?

MacA · #10 09-20-2011, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Larry

I have # AAF 2548, no XXX's that has the "M". What year was this revolver made? Thanks, Big Larry

Big Larry...I'm not sure why I always put the XXs. I guess old habits and not being a very trusting person cuases me to do it. Pretty stupid though! Thanks for helping me come to my senses!!

My serial number is AUE 6252. I also fixed it in the OP.

larryofcc · #11 09-20-2011, 08:01 PM

Thanks Mark. I have never used an X in my life. I have nothing to hide and I own 109 pistols, rifles, and a live Thompson. If legal, all guns should be registered depending where you live and the Gun Police already have a record of the serial numbers. It's not quite the same as giving out your SS number or CCard number.
Diamondback, I kind of thought my M686 was an early one. I bought it so long ago, I paid $395 for it with shipping. It is a 6" and shoots very well. Thanks, Big Larry

kaboommenot · #12 09-23-2011, 10:41 AM

I'm looking at two 686's with serial #'s beginning with CHP and CRA. I can't find any 686 serial # info in the 3rd Standard Catalog of S&W. Where CAN I find dates for L-frames.
Thanks

MacA · #13 09-23-2011, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaboommenot

I'm looking at two 686's with serial #'s beginning with CHP and CRA. I can't find any 686 serial # info in the 3rd Standard Catalog of S&W. Where CAN I find dates for L-frames.
Thanks

I would recommend starting a new thread and ask your question that way. You may not get the right "traffic" on the second page of my thread to get your answer. I wish I could help.

Good luck!

kaboommenot · #14 09-27-2011, 10:05 AM

Thanks for the advice !!!