I think I located a 686 CS-1 4” in a LGS, but I am not confident it’s authentic since although it has the CS 1 over the M stamps on the yoke cut, it has the serial # stamped on the yoke cut out between the CS 1 and the M and on the butt. I have only read or seen photos where the serial is only stamped on the butt. Not cheap enuff for me to take a chance on a fake. can anyone help, please? Thanks

Yes, that’s correct. S&W was stamping serial numbers in the yoke cut on guns that came with target stocks back in the 1960’s. AFAIK, they’ve been doing that on virtually all their revolvers since at least the 1990’s.

Here’s a link to a 4” CS-1 that sold about 10 years ago. There’s a photo of the serial number in the yoke cut. The gun has the wrong grips, but I’d love to get one today for that price!

Smith & Wesson Model 686 Cs-1 For Sale at GunAuction.com - 9434555

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It is normal to have the SN stamped on the yoke cutout. Some of these were shipped with Pachmayr rubber stocks with a hole cut out on the bottom so the SN is visible, and 'possibly' those missed having the SN stamped in the second location.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Here’s mine.

Attached Images

EA58C05F-113F-4BBB-B522-5771156C0B7B.jpg (34.1 KB, 80 views)

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It’s nearly identical to s&wchad’s example except for the grips, and I can’t see the butt for its SN. This one has Pachs, but they are the not the Gripper like The Pilgrim’s, or the SK/C. I have read the SK/Cs are correct, but I seen more Grippers on the 4” than the SK/C. Exacty what the correct SK/C is would be a good separate thread as there are different versions out there even with SN cutout.

Also, front sight is the same as The Pilgrim’s

If it is stamped CS-1, has the 1/10" black ramp front sight and matte finish, it is likely original.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Are these the correct, original, grips?

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Bill

These are original grips. There is a small slot in bottom of grip so that ser# is visible. Pachmayr still makes this grip though the rubber composition seems different and fit is sometimes iffy. Some of the overrun revolvers shipped with wood RB magna's

Another quick tell is that only other No-dash 686's with round butt are the 2.5" Lew Hortons. Both the 3" & 4" CS1's had the round butt frame and pinned black sight.

Since the CS-1 grips came up I’m this thread, I am curious if any of you could post full photos of the inside of the correct sk/c’s. I noticed there were many different versions out there with various markings. Some are not even marked SK/C. Neat grips anyway. Thanks.

P.S. I did search this forum to see if they had been previously posted. No luck.

Those are not the original grips for sure. And is the just an "M" stamp or "M2"?

I have seen a Dozen + CS1’s New in the Box.
They were all from a POLICE Distributor in PA and represented as Contract Overruns.
They all had Magna Grips.
Most of these including those on my Gun were an ugly, yellow, whitish color.

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My reading in the forum would suggest most of the issued guns came with Pachmayr SK/C or Hogue grips, and the overrun guns were shod with Magnas.

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These are original Uncle Mike grips, made on the Craig Spegel design