How can I find out when my 686 was made?

[SolitaryShooter]

Hi folks,

I bourgth a older 686 6" model. I am really happy with it but to know when it was made would be interresting.
It must be older because it is a 686-3 and because the frame has still a squarebut form in the handgrip part.
Is there any webpage where I can find out the year when it was made. May be by the production number in the frame or something?

A friend from the shooting club has a old S&W Highway Patrol in 357. On this gun is the production year directy stamped on the frame.

So can anyone help me?

 

[ckprax]

If you post the first half of the serial number we can tell you what year it shipped.

 

[SolitaryShooter]

If you post the first half of the serial number we can tell you what year it shipped.

That is "B EH32 _ _"

 

[Jeff45]

The BEH prefix was used in 1989, and the 686-3 revolvers were made from 1988 to 1993. These are excellent ones to pick up, and check out the "Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson" by Supica and Nahas for additional information.

 

[SolitaryShooter]

The BEH prefix was used in 1989, and the 686-3 revolvers were made from 1988 to 1993. These are excellent ones to pick up, and check out the "Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson" by Supica and Nahas for additional information.

Many thanks

 

[alanmp10owner]

how to get production year for my 686

If you post the first half of the serial n

umber we can tell you what year it shipped.

pjh1334
p smaller then rest could also be letter b or r

 

[Inusuit]

pjh1334
p smaller then rest could also be letter b or r

More information would be helpful. Revolver or semi auto? Caliber, barrel length, model designation from inside the frame, finish, etc.

If in fact it is BJH, shipping year was 1992. But the letters should be capitals. Is this number from the bottom of the butt of the gun?

Edited to add: Since you posted this in a 686 thread, I assume that's what you have and the 1992 date is correct according to the 4th Edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson.

 

[NFRAME27]

If someone can help me with the year of my 686 the first three of my serial number is AFA.Thanks NFRAME27

 

[H Richard]

The AFA prefix 686's were made in 1984.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

... A friend from the shooting club has a old S&W Highway Patrol in 357. On this gun is the production year directy stamped on the frame....

I've never seen a S&W with the date it was manufacture inscribed on it. If true, very unusual.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I've never seen a S&W with the date it was manufacture inscribed on it. If true, very unusual.

6 years to respond to this question..