Smith and wesson 686 cs-3

[manny25]

i trying to find out some info on the 686 cs-3

 

[murphydog]

Hi, I believe you are referring to the model 686-3, which was made in 3" and 4" versions for the US Customs Service and stamped CS-1 in the frame/yoke area. By reputation their finish and actions are a bit nicer than the standard 686-3 of the era, but those who have one will no doubt chime in on those counts. Hope this is helpful.

 

[SmithNut]

The M686 CS-3 is.......

After the CS-1 production run (both for Customs Service and over-run guns shipped to US distribution), the factory left this model in the "line" for future law enforcement orders. Think of the CS-3 as simply the same model as the CS-1 but a later engineering change. The basic CS-1 features are there - bead blast finish, round butt gripframe on both 3" and 4" models, and a pinned in front sight. The CS-3 also has the later - CNC machined - ejector star that appears to be a square cut (due to the CNC machining), as well - the front sight is wider - 1/8" instead of the CS-1 model's 1/10" wide blade.
Many CS-3 guns were shipped into US distribution, but the majority that I've seen were actually shipped to S&W's German distributor - Wischo - and marked on the sideplate as ".357 Security Special". These guns were 3" guns. They were apparently slow sellers and many were returned by Wischo and released into US distribution.

Here's a couple CS-3 guns, the first (3") was a Wischo gun, the second (4") was shipped to a Texas distributor. The standard front sight from the factory was a plain black ramp, I've replaced both of mine with a Patridge front blade, and both wear the requisite Spegel grips.

 

[manny25]

thanks SmithNut

 

[Nframe357]

You learn something new everyday, never heard of a CS3. Were they marked in the same manner as the CS1's? Just with CS3 instead?

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Hi, I believe you are referring to the model 686-3, which was made in 3" and 4" versions for the US Customs Service and stamped CS-1 in the frame/yoke area. By reputation their finish and actions are a bit nicer than the standard 686-3 of the era, but those who have one will no doubt chime in on those counts. Hope this is helpful.

I don't know if I an just plain lucky or not as sophisticated regarding apprecition of the finer points of actions, but I don't see how I could get better actions in any of my current Smiths-all are smooth as butter and crisp as a breaking icecicle. I really would have no reason to send any of them off for any kind of an action job. Maybe my wife is right and I'm just a philistine

 

[SmithNut]

You learn something new everyday, never heard of a CS3. Were they marked in the same manner as the CS1's? Just with CS3 instead?

Yes, they are marked in the yoke/crane area just like the CS-1 models, except they say CS-3.

 

[manny25]

how rare do u think they are they rarer then the cs-1 what would be a good price for one

 

[Sportsterguy]

how rare do u think they are they rarer then the cs-1 what would be a good price for one

I have a CS-1 that is KA and I'll NEVER sell it. Took me 2 years to find it. Waiting on a set of Ahrends and a TT Gunleather holster for it. It is one smooth revolver. I'll post more pics when they come in, but here is an old photo that the previous owner took.

I don't know about yours but I wouldn't sell mine for less than 1K.

 

[murphydog]

Yes, they are marked in the yoke/crane area just like the CS-1 models, except they say CS-3.

Thanks, I too had never heard of or seen a CS-3 before.

 

[SW357Addict]

I traded for this 686 3" CS-3 about 8 months ago. It had Pachmayers on it when I got it. I got some extremely nice combats for it from a forum member. It is my favorite L-frame that I have. And it is rarer than the 3" CS-1. Pictures:

 

[Wayne]

Here is a few pics of my CS-1 4". Gunsmith Andy Horvath in Ohio did the custom front gold bead sight, keeping it the narrowed width like the CS-1 came with, and also added a ball detent lock up in the crane area. I switched out the cylinder release for a little contrast !! I could have bought the 3" from the same guy, but ran into a 3 K Comp at the same time and went with that. I also never saw a CS-3, I'll have to look in my S&W book !

 

[Sportsterguy]

After the CS-1 production run (both for Customs Service and over-run guns shipped to US distribution), the factory left this model in the "line" for future law enforcement orders. Think of the CS-3 as simply the same model as the CS-1 but a later engineering change. The basic CS-1 features are there - bead blast finish, round butt gripframe on both 3" and 4" models, and a pinned in front sight. The CS-3 also has the later - CNC machined - ejector star that appears to be a square cut (due to the CNC machining), as well - the front sight is wider - 1/8" instead of the CS-1 model's 1/10" wide blade.
Many CS-3 guns were shipped into US distribution, but the majority that I've seen were actually shipped to S&W's German distributor - Wischo - and marked on the sideplate as ".357 Security Special". These guns were 3" guns. They were apparently slow sellers and many were returned by Wischo and released into US distribution.

Here's a couple CS-3 guns, the first (3") was a Wischo gun, the second (4") was shipped to a Texas distributor. The standard front sight from the factory was a plain black ramp, I've replaced both of mine with a Patridge front blade, and both wear the requisite Spegel grips.

Nice SmithNut! I have the 3" CS-1 which was my Grail Gun for years. Never heard of the CS-3 till this thread. Googled it and there was one on GB for sale in ex condition for $750.00 and no bids last night. Went to bed thinking it would be gone this morning as there were 4 hours left on the auction. Opened my e-mail and had a "Congrats" from GB that I won it. I'm really excited. I'm saving it for my Christmas present from my wife.

Here it is, pics courteous of the previous owner.

 

[manny25]

thats the one that started this thread Sportsterguy

 

[Sportsterguy]

Manny, You're the man!!!! Thank you!