Keep or Sell Brand New 1980s SW 357/686 "NO Dash" Revolver

Toppscore · Aug 2, 2020

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.

kenjen · Aug 2, 2020

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..

murphydog · Aug 2, 2020

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.

oldman10mm · Aug 2, 2020

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.

bananaman · Aug 2, 2020

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

stansdds · Aug 2, 2020

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.

ContinentalOp · Aug 2, 2020

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

stansdds said:
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.

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.

oldman10mm · Aug 2, 2020

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.

Narragansett · Aug 2, 2020

oldman10mm said:
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

AlHunt · Aug 2, 2020

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

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

rays44 · Aug 2, 2020

ContinentalOp said:
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.

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

fishwishin · Aug 2, 2020

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.

GerSan69 · Aug 2, 2020

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.

bigwheelzip · Aug 2, 2020

Toppscore said:
Since it's never been used, would it be a good idea to sell it brand new to a collector and I get another useful SW gun?

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.

Invictus357 · Aug 2, 2020

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

BAM-BAM · Aug 2, 2020

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

wheelgun28 · Aug 2, 2020

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.

AlHunt · Aug 2, 2020

bigwheelzip said:
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.

---

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.

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.

16thVACav · Aug 2, 2020

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.

Deceasedeye · Aug 2, 2020

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.

Keep or Sell Brand New 1980s SW 357/686 "NO Dash" Revolver

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