1987 purchased a SW357 revolver brand new. I've never opened the box ~ it's brand new. Because of nationwide violence, I desire home defense protection. I'm planning to learn to shoot. Therefore, I want to know what kind of gun I own. After researching, 357/686's have models with/without "-" after the "MOD 686" number. Specs are:

a) Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum Model 686 NO Dash
b) 8-3/8” barrel, six shooter
c) SN's behind cylinder: A3 37698, AUL 1879, MOD 686 (NO Dash)
d) SN: "AUL 1879" found: 1) behind cylinder 2) under gun handle grip 3) on retail box
e) Also a number on the retail box: P17370
f) Special Order Number: 6175

Please help. What do these numbers mean?
What is this gun's serial number birthdate?
I've tried to locate "AUL 1879" but no results.
Also, are the original non "-" guns rare or worth more?
Since never used, would it be a good idea to sell NIB brand new
to a collector or competitor and I get a useful home defense SW gun?
I'm new to this forum. PLMK your thoughts. Thank you.

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My 2 cents worth would be to sell it and buy something more suitable for the job you intend to use a firearm for, You should get pretty good money for it. The 686 is one of the best 357's ever made but with the long barrel they are more useful on the target range or in the hunting field...as for what the numbers mean, the ser# is the one on the butt, and some are numbers the factory use for assembly..

Welcome! You have a sought-after version of the model 686 with the long barrel, definitely opposite of the short barrel/CCW buying trends of recent years.

The AUL and number is the official serial number; the A3 37698 is a factory internal code. If you can let us know the Special Order number from the box label, we can tell you how old it is; this indicates the day it was ready to ship from the factory, which is how S & W determines a gun's official age.

Some collectors specifically seek out NIB guns and because of this your 686 will only continue to go up in value with time. Personally, if you don't need the money for a defense gun I would hang onto it and buy a new gun for that purpose.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

A 8 3/8" barrel (also 6") is not generally considered a defensive barrel size, although can be used for that purpose. 4" & 3" 686s' are the preferred barrel length.

Welcome to the FORUM from Michigan! Your gun definitely has extra value due to it's condition. But as mentioned, a shorter barrel 586/686 should better fit your needs. Your best bet may be a 4" model. I have a 4", 5", and stupidly traded off my 6". Try to handle some to see what feels right to you.
Good luck figuring it out! Bob

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Welcome to the S&W Forums!

Although the 357 Magnum is a versatile caliber and very capable for defensive uses, the 8 3/8 inch barrel is more adept at target and hunting uses. Your 686 has some collector value, but don't expect to get much by selling it to a gun shop or pawn shop. Places like that will give you 25 to 50% of it's real value. In order to sell it, you will do better at a gun show or if you can find some collectors or even an online auction site.

If you can, hang onto that 686 and watch its value continue to rise. Since it sounds like you are new to shooting, before you buy another firearm, take a firearms safety and instruction class. I would also recommend finding a range that rents firearms, try before you decide on what to buy.

__________________
VCDL, GOA, NRA

I agree with those who recommend holding onto it if at all possible and getting something better suited to defensive use.

To add onto this, many introductory firearms classes provide their students with a variety of handguns to try so they can see what might suit them best. Even if they don't, some classes offer the option of renting guns from the ranges hosting them for the same purpose, as well as for students who don't have their own guns yet.

Since nobody has mentioned it, 686 no dash and 686-1 had a factory recall for hammer nose bushing. Recall/fixed ones had a 'M' stamp.

I recently came across a 586 nickel a -2 issue, and while looking into this purchase, I found many people said they had thousands os of rounds through guns that were not sent back for recall and the M stamp. Just sayin. Wondering how important that really is.

OP you did not say your dash number( engineering change ) like is it a 686-1 or 686-2 etc. If it is -2 or later, the recall is not an issue. Actually I have a -2, that has an M stamp. I think it was put there to eliminate confusion.

IF you should send it back to S&W and it has nice speed loader wood grips, take them off and retain them before you send back

__________________
Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

OP lists California as his location. I wonder how that impacts value.

I'd imagine his PMs are jammed full by now ....

__________________
Just Say No - To Social Media

This.
Don't even think about buying or selling until you are properly familiarized with these firearms.

Welcome aboard! Your username should be “time capsule”!

As others have said your 686 is not ideal for defense, but it’s a wonderful longer range/hunting revolver.

Hello Toppscore. I hope you'll stick around a while. There's plenty of information on this forum about your gun.
AUL1879 is the serial number and the only one you need. MOD 686 is, of course, the model number.
As for selling it, that's up to you. You'll have no shortage of buyers, I'm sure.
Since you reside in California, your choices are somewhat limited for a replacement. Too many restrictions on not only ownership but which models are approved for sale by the state, etc. I hope you'll be able to get with someone here that can show you the path of least resistance.
That's all I can add to the conversation except welcome.

Howdy from South Carolina and welcome to the forum.

There are so many ways to look at your situation, but before answering, I'd first ask if the gun "speaks to you". When you hold it, do you think "this thing is freakin cool and I'd like to try shooting it"? If so, I'd recommend keeping it and getting instruction to use it safely.

Revolvers are a good beginners firearm and a 686 is an excellent all-purpose platform. Every person I take shooting, shoots it well from the start. The barrel length for a home defense handgun is a bit longer than usual, but people choose long guns for home defense, and it will shoot quieter and the mass will tame the recoil better than a shorter and lighter gun.

You have a firearm that's appreciated in value though not radically, but it will do the job you want to do and probably be fun to use while practicing.

I'd recommend keeping it, because you'll probably be a better shot with it, than with anything you'd replace it with, and that's what you want for self defense.

Good luck.

Welcome to the forum.

Contact your local police department and ask about their training programs.

The NRA can help too.

NRA Explore | Firearm Training

You should KEEP the gun. It is quite a prize to own one.

If you are apathetic to such things then sell it to a collector who will treasure it always.

Stay safe

Not to repeat what has been posted..................

I long advocated that a 4" 686 is the best general purpose/utility/duty .357 revolver you can own.

Add a few (4 or 6 *) Safariland speedloaders and it's good to go for a newer shooter.....

For "defense" purposes I'd recommend .38 special or .38+P hollow points vs .357 for a new shooter.



* extras in nightstand, center console, pocket

A friend has an early 686 long barrel, his came with combat grips from the factory.

They didnt make to many of the long barrel and I think its a good collectible item, esp NIB.

That's a very good point. He did say home defense, not self defense (which would imply concealed carry). The case for ARs for home defense are the same, less recoil, easier to hit the target, etc.

OP may already have exactly the gun he needs. Although if it's NIB in an unopened box after 30+ years, I'd be inclined not to shoot it.

__________________
Just Say No - To Social Media

If you decide to replace it, make sure you have the replacement in hand before you sell the 686. These days it is not as simple as going to the nearest gun store and picking up the gun of your dreams.

I may have missed it but I don't believe any of the previous posts made it clear to the unfamiliar shooter that the 38 cal. can be used in the 357 he owns. We sometimes omit information that is so obvious to us.

We tend to forget to mention the obvious at times. The new shooter may not realise that he can use 38cal. ammo in the very 357 he owns, no new gun required. I don't think this was made clear in previous post.

This is a great question and I think it is best to look at it this way:

You might meet many, MANY more people who can report the same exact thing and you could buy one, never do the recall and also report success too. In fact, I might guess that would be likely.

However, if you own one that is subject to recall and you elect to ignore the recall and just go about enjoying your gun... all is well until you experience precisely the issue.

If/when that happens, depending of course on the severity of the primer flow... you may very well now find yourself with a 581/681/586 or 686 that:

--will not advance to the next chamber
--will not allow you to open the cylinder
--will remain with 5 (or however many) other loaded rounds

And you'll have a paperweight that can't be used as a firearm but is still loaded. Maybe you could get it home from the range and tinker with the yoke and wiggle it out and manage to remove the cylinder.

Myself, I'm not a huge fan of letting the 2020 version of S&W mess around with anything that I own and love. However in this case, it's going to require a very specific part AND a very purpose built tool to remove the original bushing and replace it with the updated piece. And all of that is assuming you sent it back to them before it locked up on you and you now have to ship a somewhat or mostly loaded handgun if you couldn't somehow wiggle that cylinder out.

S&W will pay shipping both ways and most report that turnaround time is fairly quick.

So it's risk reward. Much like that crafty commercial I've heard on the radio... gas station hots dogs and burritos are also risk/reward. High risk with horribly low reward if you choose to eat THAT food. So it goes with an early L-frame revolver that is subject to recall.

I would send it in.

Hi. Thank you for the help. Can you figure the build date?
I located the special order number "6175" on the box.

Hi. Thank you for the help. Can you figure the build date?
I located the special order number "6175" on the box.

While I always say send it back for the free modification, the one he has is unfired. I would not send that back. Let the next owner send it back if he wants to.

I’d hold onto it. It’s only gonna go up in value. Unless you really need the money you can get a either a used Model 10 or something for less than $400 if you want a revolver, or a new polymer semi auto for $500 or so.

That means the gun was packed and ready to ship on the 175th day of a year ending in 6. so in this instance June 24, 1986.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Hi. I read about the hammer issue. If for some reason, will S&W take the gun and fix it? What do you know. Also, is it easy to locate the "M" without taking apart the gun? PLMK. Thank you.

I wouldn’t send back a 33 year old new in box unfired gun for the recall. If you do sell it, let the next guy do it. Sending it back takes away the originality of it.

Unless you really need the money, I’d hold onto that one and buy a polymer pistol for $500 or if you like revolvers, a used Model 10 for even less.

If you just want a gun for the house the 686 will be fine, 8” barrel or not.

But a new in box 33 year old gun? I think I’d keep it unfired.

Open the cylinder. Right on the frame underneath Mod 686, if there is an M stamped there it has had the recall. If you’re the original owner if you didn’t send it in it wasn’t done.

Hi. Thanks for the info. When I purchase the 357/686 in 1987, I wanted to own the biggest baddest scariest gun - lol. But, recently married and busy, just stored it. The past two weeks I have been investigating guns to counter home invasions and attacks from anti-American rioters and those taking liberty committing crime while police are being defunded and disrespected.

Therefore, I have studied 357 9mm and 45 caliber hand guns that will shoot hollow point bullets able to stop offenders. There are so many possibilities. So, since my 357/686 may be more of a target gun and maybe getting a pistol with magazines might be best, deciding to sell or trade or auction the gun is a strong possibility. But, maybe following the many advice comments within this thread, keeping it might be better and maybe learning to shoot a large gun will help with quality shooting of other and smaller hand guns. But, not knowing if the value of this gun is enough to turn my head, who knows?
Anyway, my thoughts. Cheers

Thank you so much.

Yes, they will, but I would not send it in for modification. Yours is NIB, never fired, just as it was from the factory. As a collector piece, it would be best to leave it un-modified.

__________________
VCDL, GOA, NRA

pic in this old thread

M stamp on frame

I guess I want to ask, you bought it new, had it all these years, and never opened the box?

__________________
Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

I don’t think this has been mentioned...

Assuming you were at least 21 when you bought that beautiful gun, you’re at least into your 50’s. I’m not sure about you, but as I’ve aged, the amount of time I can spend shooting a long-barreled heavy gun has become limited. I just can’t hold a heavy gun at arms length too long.

That gun would be amazing to shoot and with 38 Special loads, it should be a cream puff. But, you mentioned you want to learn how to shoot. I’m not convinced that gun would be your best choice. If you hold that gun at arms length for a good while, how do your arms feel? Learning to shoot is gonna mean a lot of shooting.

In your shoes, I’d put it back in the box, back in the safe (you have one, right?) AND buy a “shooter”.

YMMV

Welcome from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
As noted previously, your 686 is not a self defense gun. Learn to shoot, decide on a gun for self defense and then decide on what to do with your 686. But if you need the money to purchase the self defense gun the decision is much easier.

Welcome to the forum. That's a real nice revolver you have, I have two with 8-3/8" barrels in my collection, a 17-4 (.22 lr) and a 629 (.44 mag). With the original box and unfired you revolver should sell at a premium. If just want it for home protection, keep it. Frankly, if the price were right, I'd purchase such a revolver for my collection in a heart beat. You have a diamond there and it will be hard to replace it with whatever you may get and have the quality and value you have now.

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Ed

Easy choice.

Keep it.

Your 686 is valuable and collectible. It would be good for home defense in some circumstances and maybe not so good in others.

The good:
You already own it
It's a fine caliber for home defense with either .38 Special or .357 Magnum
The long barrel will help tame recoil
The long barrel will help you make accurate shots
The long barrel will suppress the noise to some extent
The sheer size of the thing may scare off an attacker

The bad:
The long barrel makes it harder to use in tight spaces
The long barrel makes it easier for an attacker to grab the barrel or swat it aside.
The long barrel makes the gun muzzle-heavy, requiring a fairly strong wrist.

As far as selling it and getting something else, that is made more difficult because of the current market, with very tight supplies of self-defense handguns and very high prices. Of course, this also means you may be able to sell your 686 easily, but getting the full value may not be so easy. Do you have ammo for the 686 already? Ammo in popular calibers is very hard to find now.

Yes, of course I opened the box to check out
what weighed so much inside.
Now it appears to be good enough to keep NIB after reading
above comments. But, I want to see if it is worth selling
or auctioning or just keep it. I noticed used shorter barreled
"no dash" 686's being sold for $1200 to $2500.
And, I noticed many, many discussions and videos
that stated the 6-inch barrels are the longest made.
So, will see if selling vs shooting is best. Cheers

The short barrels always go for more. Check out auctions on gunbroker to get a feel for value, but I'm sure some here would be able to give you a good estimate. For me, I wouldn't spend more than $1000 and that would be high. Then again, I wouldn't spend the $1200 or more for a snub version, either.

I did trade an excellent 686 snub like 7 years ago on this very forum. I'm embarrassed to say what I traded it for, but the trade offer lasted about 10 minutes on the board here before I got an eager offer. I knew I was getting the worse end of the deal but I wanted the other item at the time. Incidentally, I don't own the gun I traded it for anymore, but I DO miss that 686. It must have been a no dash because I recall it had the M stamp in the frame. It also came with S&W Combat grips, which were probably worth $200 by themselves.

Bottom line, don't sell a vintage gun like a NIB unfired 686, regardless of barrel length, for ANY more modern firearm. Once it is gone, you'll never get it back.

...behind the cylinder. Push it toward the cylinder and push the cylinder from the other side.

When it opens, right above the hinge will uncover the model number.

Since it's NIB I doubt that it will have the 'M' stamp after the model number that indicates that it has been sent back to the factory for recall involving the cylinder locking up under heavy loads with soft primers.

I have one. I traded a model 10 on it. Now I'm getting another model 10. That is a gun that I would be looking to buy much more than selling it.

Beautiful gun, thanks for sharing.

__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Toppscore, welcome, that is as good of a handgun as there is fot as any task except for concealed carry. Six shots of 357 is nothing to sneeze at. The number of civilian firearm shootouts requiring more than a few rounds are RARE. If you are looking at unlikely home defense against numerous attackers without a lot of defense practice, you really need a shotgun. I would guess most folks here have a 12 gauqe pump shotgun. Mine is a Remington 870. They are not expensive.

Toppscore,

First, welcome to the forum from the Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey!

Please, allow me to muddy the waters. First, when you purchased this revolver over thirty years ago, you wanted the "biggest, baddest revolver". Has that desire been quenched? In over forty years of gun ownership, I have sold a few long guns, but never a handgun. I will presume that like New Jersey, it can be difficult to get the requisite permission to own a handgun.

Unlike you, I currently don't have a roster of acceptable handguns that I am limited to when it comes to purchasing a "new to me" handgun. I would strongly suggest that you look at what handguns are available to you that have made it on the roster that interest you? Does any of those on the roster "speak to you" like this revolver when you bought it thirty plus years ago, when it proclaimed itself the "biggest and baddest revolver"?

Unlike others here, I tend to purchase handguns that I will (and do) shoot. I would not hesitate to shoot your revolver, you might actually find a shooting game that you like that this revolver excels at. If you can afford to purchase another handgun, I would definitely keep this one and invest in something a bit better suited to today's defensive demands that is on roster. In many respects, I would view the sale of this revolver to get something a little bit better suited to defense as a step down.

__________________
Judge control not gun control!

It is definitely a step down to sell the 686 to get some modern self defense pistol. Although prices are stupid right now, you can still get a modern polymer semi auto for $500 or less. Selling the 686 to pay for the new gun and you’d no longer have such a classic weapon and you’d forget what you spent the $500 profit you made on.

I have several modern pistols. But even when my kids were very young(and they’re still pretty young) they would look at my guns in the safe and be immediately drawn to the classic revolvers over the plastic pistols. I couldn’t imagine passing down a Glock to my children. It would be like passing down a toilet plunger. “Here, son. This has cleared many a toilet and served me well. It’s yours now. Use it well”.

uh, think a bit of trolling go on...as in, pls tell me how much I can sell my gun to you for..lol

Thank for your share and ideas. I won't sell it now in a depressed market, but will call around to see what some experts think. I did check out two auction sites to get an idea. Again, very interesting that many videos and online comments do not know about the 8-3/8" 686 barrels ~ as they clearly state the 6" barrel is the longest. Others state the the 8-3/8 is a valuable accurate competition revolver. Other ratings rank the 686 revolver and the Taurus Judge revolver as the two finest most desired revolvers. Interesting and fun to research. Cheers

Thanks for the good thought regarding weight at arms length. I hope I could hold it for six shots. But, will see. I've time before going to a range and rent some guns to shoot. At least apparently this 686 has high NIB value as is. Looking for a 45acp full sized 5" barrel 10 shot CA legal gun ~ which is fun research in itself.

Anybody live in Nevada? Gun laws better there?
I read the CA gun laws end January 1st 2021 in five months.
Will CA be more strict? Will more guns be banned?
Maybe best to purchase before then?
Eventually will move to Nevada so procuring a gun
that is legal in both states is a big consideration.

Thanks, Virginia! I see myself as a occasional gun range shooter, not a competition shooter. I envision owning a Ruger 22, 357 revolver, 45acp pistol and a shotgun. Have some fun. Be able to defend myself against intruders. Be competent with gun safety, gun mechanical understanding and proper shooting posture. Also, I see myself buying Smith and Wessons as most all gun manufacturers make good products that'll fit the bill. I like our forum. Cheers

Hi. I added photos of the gun, box end and various serial numbers. Do you see the five photos? I added them the next day after original post. Not sure who can see what. Obviously no M stamp as it is still in the box.

question: you own a model 686 and a model 10 . . . .
which is the gun you'd rather buy than sell?
Also, which do you like more, the 686 or the 10?