A friend asked for my help on value of 6" 686, have only seen pics' at this point, looks clean,, nice GA grips ect. But I noticed that 686 nor any model is marked in the frame, also no M there...I advised him to get me the serial off the butt before going any further....Is it normal to not have a model mark in frame cut??

I'd say that missing both the serial number and model number in the crane recess is quite rare. I would look closely to see if this information was ground off. If there is no serial number on the butt of the grip frame, that's a serious problem.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

It would not be normal for a 686 to be this way, no. The earliest 686's were from 1980 and I've never seen nor heard of one without the model number marked on the frame where the yoke rests.

While it should definitely have the SN on the bottom of the butt... I have also never seen a 686 without the SN located directly under the Model number, where you say that it isn't shown.

Makes me wonder if it was altered or removed.

All I can see from the pics' is X23xxx in the yoke cut (dont remember the exact number) there is also a capitol G there and one other number...no trace of a 686 at all...I dont know what the number is on the gun butt....told him to hold off at this point, I'd have to see it in hand!

Hmmmm... perhaps one of the developmental 686's managed to escape the mother ship? I know I would love to see some pics.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

I'll see if I can get one to post

Pics of cyl cutout

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What your picture depicts above are assembly numbers on the YOKE.

We need to see a picture of the FRAME where the yoke meets the FRAME.

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FBINA, 204th Session

Note that the OP has only seen pictures and presumably descriptions from the owner. Not too big a stretch to confuse crane yoke with frame. It would be illegal to manufacture a gun without a serial number. Not on their worst day would S&W make a boo boo like this.

Thanks guys, thats all I have from him for now, asked for the grips removed to see serial number and he says there are no other numbers in yoke cut.......the whole thing sounds fishy to me....did not think that number would be any help, but thought I'd start....waiting for more???

This is the angle you need to see if the model number is stamped. (Just a stock photo I pulled from the internet)

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Thanks, I told him I need more info..his other pics' show a nice clean 6" stainless, Baughman red insert sight, GA cutout targets .357...looks like target sights and TT TH.....I'd guess its a 686....he probablly decided not to sell....I told him its a $550 gun maybe more, need to see it or have more info

Based on the one picture, I am getting the feeling that this is a run-of-the-mill Model 686. With no box, no papers, these days even in excellent condition I'd say $600, $700 at the very top end.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA