I had this in the 1960-1980 section...looks like it really belongs here.

I picked up a 686-4 tonight and curious as to how old it might be. Under the yoke it has CAU9*** 686-4 It has a 6" barrel.
On the right side of the gun I see 2 screws, but I'm thinking a 3rd screw is being covered by the Hogue Wood grips that are on it. The only S&W trade mark logo is on the left side under the cylinder release...nothing on the right as far as a logo. Does have the Made In USA info. This gun does NOT have the internal lock.

Would appreciate any info. Sorry I can't post a pic at this time.

The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Edition suggests that your revolver was shipped in 1996. There are indeed three screws on the right side of a S&W revolver of this vintage.

The Product Code is 104198, if it's a 7-shot; 104224 if it's a 6. Under the rear sight, it's factory drilled and tapped for a scope base.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

Congrats. You have, what many consider, the pinnacle of the 686 model line-all the benefits and none of the issues of the previous variants, and the last variant to use forged parts before S&W started using MIM hammer and trigger in the 686-5

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John