I have this Model S&W, prelock. I am wonder what does the -4 after 686 really mean? Also the serial number is BRY52XX. What does the BRY mean? Anybody have an idea when this revolver was made, or at least left the factory? Thanks!

Welcome! The -4 indicates an "engineering change", or a production modification the factory makes that is significant enough to classify it as a new version. For your gun the first model was the 686 and the current one is the -6.

In about 1980 all regular production S & W firearms went to a three-letter/four digit serial number format, starting with AAA0000 and going in order forward from there more or less. Prefix BRY is probably from late 1994 to early 1995. Hope this is helpful.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

If you have the original box and can post a picture or two of the box label and the revolver, folks could help you with more specifics.

__________________
Loving retirement!

Here are the pictures

Attached Images

	P1040973.jpg (94.9 KB, 198 views)
	P1040970.jpg (117.4 KB, 128 views)
	P1040971.jpg (114.9 KB, 161 views)
	P1040974.jpg (66.0 KB, 153 views)

The Spec. Ord. number indicates the date your gun was built.

The first number is the year (it is assumed you know which decade).
The next 3 numbers are the day of the year.
In your case the number is 4200 - the 200th day of 1994.
July 19, 1994 is your build date.

A lot of people say that the -4 version is one of the best. It was the last model with the hammer mounted firing pin and is factory drilled & tapped to mount optics. It was also the last version built before MIM (metal injection molding) was introduced.

Thanks guys, alot of good information here. I was actually thinking of selling it, but after reading some other posts about this model Smith I may just keep it. It seems many like the 686,

This is one you may regret selling after the fact, especially b/c it is pre lock.

__________________
Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I wouldn't let go of that, unless you positively hate revolvers. Any/all of them. And even then......
Many would say that if there was only one revolver to have, in the vast sea of all ever made, you'd be holding The One. I might be inclined to agree with that assertion.

I have a couple 686-4's and as much as I would like the opportunity to purchase yours, I would advise you to hold on to that one.

I agree with the above, don't sell it unless you really, and I mean REALLY, have to. My only full size 357 is a 4" 686-4 Plus (7-shot), and I've seen these guns referred to as the "apex of revolver evolution". I tend to agree.

Mine is a real treasure. So keep it.