Model 686 Early Serial Numbers AADxxxx

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austinjgilbert1

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I just bought a amazingly beautiful SW Model 686 .357 magnum, 6inch 6 round.

The serial number is AAD6538.

Anyone know if this is a less than 10,000 original manufacture? I think it was made in 1980 and the starter SN's were AAA0000 but the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd ed. says the first production SN's were AADxxxx. Anyone know any better???

Thanks, I'm writing SW for a request too.
 
NICE and Im betting your L frame is early enough to still have the large Right side S&W trademark on the sideplate,
How about some pics?
 
Well, I bought mine when they first came out, sometime in 1980, and my serial number is AAB5036.
Your serial number puts it in 1981, but probably early.

There seems to be a problem though........

RLee.jpg
 
PICTURES!

This is my baby.

Comments welcome.

I have found out that its called a 868 no dash, no M. It does not have the M stamp to show that it has been modified. No sure whether it needs it (apparently S&W offers it free still) or what the story about the M is... anyone?

Thanks community you guys are impressive!

A
 

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Welcome! In some of the 580/680 series guns (up to the -1s) the cylinder would tie up due to primer flowback into the hammer nose bushing; this is the small circular part through which the hammer nose (firing pin) hits the primer. The "M" modification replaces both these parts. The consensus seems to be to have the work gun if your gun locks up, or if you are concerned it will (since it is a free warranty fix). Enjoy!
 
If you intend on shooting it, then it might be a good idea. But shoot it first before sending it off. I've a "no dash" 686 that has not been back to Smith and Wesson. Mostly because after a few tens of thousands of rounds it still runs fine. (Primary competition revolver for several years.)
 
austinjgilbert1 said:
I just bought a amazingly beautiful SW Model 686 .357 magnum, 6inch 6 round.

The serial number is AAD6538.

Anyone know if this is a less than 10,000 original manufacture? I think it was made in 1980 and the starter SN's were AAA0000 but the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd ed. says the first production SN's were AADxxxx. Anyone know any better???

Thanks, I'm writing SW for a request too.
Click to expand...

I have a AAA95xx serial number 586 and I have seen a 686 with a AAA serial number under 500. i don't know how the 586 & 686 serial numbers were distributed in the AAAxxxx range.
 
jaymoore said:
If you intend on shooting it, then it might be a good idea. But shoot it first before sending it off. I've a "no dash" 686 that has not been back to Smith and Wesson. Mostly because after a few tens of thousands of rounds it still runs fine. (Primary competition revolver for several years.)
Click to expand...

Ditto! I carried mine on duty for several years before transitioning to the auto pistol. I was the chief firearms instructor on my dept for a time, so had the opportunity to shoot more rounds than the average flatfoot. My gun has had thousands of rounds through it, both .38's & .357's. I've never had a problem with it and never sent it back to be "M"odified and at this point see no need.

I'm of the opinion to leave it alone, unless it gives you trouble. Smith will do the modification any time no charge. Other than the modified original target grips on yours, a very nice looking Distinguished Combat Magnum.

IMHO Smith's best revolver design for its intended purpose. These guns truly were designed with the .357 Magnum in mind! ;)
 
Grips

Nice catch. I elected to have the black rubber grip removed to add the wood grip. Pure looks in my opinion. I am very happy to hear your opinion about the M send/don't-send, I will keep it the way it is, I love it!

Just as a side note to everyone who may be concerned, I got a much more sturdy gun safe for myself, for Xmas. Gives me even more peace of mind - Oakland, CA

Thanks SW-Community.
 
Ok, now I am confused. I was of the belief the first year for the 586/686 was '81. My 586 (blued) has a serial #AAA72xx. It is listed in my records as a 1st production year ('81). Do I need to edit my list?
 
Request for dating on a 686

Can someone provide the date for a 686 S/N AWV8664?
 
Guys. This is what's called a "Zombie Thread". It was started in 2012. Why don't you start new threads if you want to ask about your revolvers.

dust, you question has already been asked and answered in another current thread.
 
S&W 686 4" Serial Number Manufacture Date?

Hi All,

I have a 4" 686 S&W that's been sitting around for +/-20 years and was wondering when it was manufactured and its approx. value.

The serial numbers match and are stamped: ACU 9475

Was wondering if someone here could decipher for me.

All help is much appraciated.

Ed
 
newbie

Hi all, thanks for the add.Can anyone tell me shipping date of s&w 686 ACZ8566 ? Thanks in advance.
 
S&W still does the "M" recall modification to these guns. I called them about my no-dash 686 two or three years ago and they even sent me a shipping label to send the gun back with. Didn't cost me a penny and they went through the gun from front to back.

Mike
 
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