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07-05-2020, 09:39 PM
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Model 686 information
I recently acquired what I am told is a "pre-production" model 686. I don't know what "pre-production" means and wonder if that could be accurate? The serial number is AAB XXXX. It is an absolutely beautiful, virtually pristine, 'no dash' model 686. Any information about the term "pre-production" and/or the date of manufacture of my serial number will be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.
Last edited by Phantom013; 07-05-2020 at 09:40 PM.
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07-05-2020, 09:45 PM
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AAB should be from 1980.
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Pine_Worker
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07-05-2020, 10:03 PM
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While anything is possible with S&W I suppose, I doubt that an AAB would be a pre production serial number. Production started with AAA xxxx serial numbers.
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Richard Gillespie
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07-05-2020, 11:39 PM
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Did the original box come with it?
Also, is there a big S&W logo on the right side of the revolver?
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07-06-2020, 07:44 AM
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Very ufortunately there is no box. And yes, there is a large S&W logo on the right side... no logo on the left side.
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07-06-2020, 07:45 AM
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We love photos. 
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07-06-2020, 11:14 AM
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Only the really early 686's has the logo on the right side. And the box that you don't have is likely the older style two-piece box while most of the L-frames through the 80's and in to the mid-to-late 90's got the one piece blue "REVOLVER REVOLVER REVOLVER" box.
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07-06-2020, 11:49 AM
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My 686 was purchased new by late dad in September of 1981, serial number starts AAB. I’ve posted it many times here, have the original box and the receipt.
Not sure that helps with the age of yours.
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07-06-2020, 06:14 PM
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Yes, that is very helpful, S&W Fan. Since your AABXXXX 686 was purchased by your father in September 1981, it had to be manufactured at least a few to several months before that. My understanding is that the 686 model was introduced at retail in 1981 so it makes sense to me that the earliest inventory was produced in late 1980 to early 1981. That is close enough for me... unless Smith & Wesson technical service could do a look up. Has anyone had experience requesting such assistance from Smith & Wesson?
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07-07-2020, 09:40 AM
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Glad to help. The store where my dad bought it was the largest gun shop in Tucson at the time, now long out of business.
I’ve had success getting shipping dates from phone calls to Smith in the past though it’s been a year or so since I called last. Good luck and hope you get the information you’re looking for.
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