hello all this is my first post - i looked online and could not find any real answers so i joined this forum - i purchased a 686 CS1 .357 4" barrel and i'm looking to get some info on it - what does the CS1 mean? also i want to know the year - on the frame is: AYF**** 686 CS1 also what appears to be an M - i don't know if i should post the number because i saw a few posts that were typed like i did - let me know if it's ok to post the serial - on the yoke is a 5 digit number and G4 - if there is something else that helps please let me know - i want to thank you all in advance i really do appreciate any help - thank you

what does the CS1 mean? Customs Service version 1

The M means it's hammer was fitted an upgraded firing pin that would not jam up the gun firing Federal primers which are usually one of the softer primers on the market. I work with a former Customs Agent who was issued a CS-1 back in the day. He stated after a cylinder or two, the revolver would bind up during quals. He was not fond of the gun and quickly transitioned to a 6906 9mm!
Not to say all CS-1s were bad or unreliable. Anything can be modified or fixed. They say the tolerances on this iteration of revolver were made to U.S. Customs specifications which were too tight for a service weapon. There are plenty of folks who can give you some additional info on this S&W revolver around here!
US Customs Service 686 CS-1

thanks for the info - it does seem to stick when trying to release the cylinder - not too worried about it yet - we'll see how things go when i put a few through it - also i may have confused yoke with crane?

Everything you need to know:

US Customs Service 686 CS-1

AYF comes back to 1987 in my SCSW book:

1987 – AFL, AHC, AHV, ALC, ANK, ANN, ANR, ANS, AUC, AUK, AUV, AVA, AVB, AVN, AVV, AVY, AWD, AWE, AWF, AWP, AWT, AWU, AWW, AWY, AYE, AYF, AYL, AYW

Supica, Jim,Nahas, Richard. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (Kindle Location 17048). F+W Media. Kindle Edition.

__________________
432UC/638/642/60 + more

thank you - i just posted the info on another thread so i'll do the same here - AYF0664 M 686 CS1 - another stamped number is 25529

So you bought a CS-1 not knowing what it actually is, from someone that didn’t really know what they had? What did you pay to obtain this fine S&W 686?

I have a 3” CS-1 that I have owned since the late 90’s, one of my favorites!

__________________
Life NRA, Life TSRA, C&R FFL

i knew what it was just not the facts - i've been wanting a 4" 686 so i was researching new ones - the guy i bought it from told me what the CS1 stood for and that he thought it was from the 80's - i knew it wasn't your everyday 686 just not to what extent - i paid $800 which seemed like a fair price for a non "special" one - totally off topic but would you shoot a gun that may be a collector? i bought this gun to shoot but was told not to shoot guns that could be collectors - i have a 1980 4" Python and a few "gun guys" told me i shouldn't shoot it - i shoot it anyhow just like i plan on with the 686 - i buy them to shoot just wanted to know other thoughts on it

You're going to get both sides to this question. Some will tell you not to shoot it and some will say they will not own a gun they will not shoot.
It's your gun shoot it if you want and take care of it. It will probably still be worth what you paid for it and maybe more.
Tell us about your forum name. A part time picker or band member?
And welcome to the forum.

thanks - long time guitar player still playing - i have a YouTube channel called Neddi Stanz - it's my music channel - EVH was one of my 2 biggest influences along with Randy Rhoads - i owe most of how i play to those two guys right there

Thanks, you did good in todays market to get a 4" CS-1 for $800. If it was like new with box and doc's I may not shoot it but if it was used, why not?

My 3" was used and carried while it was in the Customs so I don't feel bad shooting it and carrying it on occasion. I bought it when nobody really knew what they were or cared and I have shot it a lot, it is a great S&W! and those are the grips that came with it.

__________________
Life NRA, Life TSRA, C&R FFL

thanks and yeah it's a shooter - no box and a little worn

Many of us shoot whatever we own. Collecting shooters is a fun hobby!

And unless someone says different, the yoke is S&W's nomenclature for the crane.

__________________
Come and take it!!

Funny how these CS-1 threads come up on a regular basis here and they'll run for awhile. Evident of an immensely popular handgun. They are great shooters but also highly prized collector pieces. Too bad, maybe. Many will remain dormant in the dark recesses of our gun safes never to be fired.

Attached Images

	IMG_0760.JPG (106.5 KB, 179 views)
	IMG_0759.JPG (76.4 KB, 177 views)
	IMG_0757.JPG (104.2 KB, 179 views)