Model 686 Information

96sexton · Apr 4, 2022

Hi all,

Looking at at Model 686 .357 Magnum

Serial # is ABW 5132

Does anyone know when this would have been produced and what it might be worth in today's market?

There is no dash after the 686 and I don't see an M anywhere on the revolver. Four inch barrel with houge grips- seems to be in very good condition.

Are these known to be reliable firearms? What would it be worth?
Any info would be very much appreciated.

S&W Fan · Apr 4, 2022

The L frames have developed a healthy following in the last few years. I don't currently have my Standard Catalog handy however I own my late father's 4" 686 no dash he bought new in 1981. It's serial prefix is AAB if that helps, I'm sure someone will be along soon to advise.

I would say that the value on the one you're looking it would be anywhere between $700-$800 since it doesn't have the original wood target grips. The M would be on the frame above the model number in the yoke.

The 686 is a very reliable firearm that was designed to handle .357 magnum ammo on a regular basis. Unless it's been abused it should out last any owner that comes along. I like them so much I recently added a 2.5" -3, shot it a day ago for the first time after my gunsmith cleaned it and smoothed the action, love it.

Here's mine with everything it came with new, I even have my dad's receipt for it. He paid just over $281 with some ammo, a cleaning kit, Pachmayr grips and tax lol. This has the type of grip that's original to yours as well. It has the M stamp.

The "M" stamp

The 2.5" with the 4"

CobiaS&W · Apr 4, 2022

ABW Should be ‘83 or ‘84

Shark Bait · Apr 4, 2022

Can't go wrong with a 686 as long as it hasn't been abused. If I had to pick a personal favorite chambered in .357 it would be the S&W 586 and 686. It seems todays market can make them run anywhere from $700 to $1200+, depending on barrel length and configuration.

oysterer · Apr 4, 2022

the best model the factory ever made in my mind. What money and condition are we talking about here.

Unseen 450.

Oh yes and please do not worry about the M stamp and do NOT send it to S&W for such an M stamp.

ImDrRich · Apr 4, 2022

I have a 686+ with a 2 1/2" bbl. I think it's an incredible firearm. Eats a steady diet of .357 magnum and cleans up (with Blue Magic) to looks like new. It will be the last gun I ever own after the others are gone - that's for sure.

KEN L · Apr 4, 2022

96sexton said:
Hi all,

Looking at at Model 686 .357 Magnum

Serial # is ABW 5132

Does anyone know when this would have been produced and what it might be worth in today's market?

There is no dash after the 686 and I don't see an M anywhere on the revolver. Four inch barrel with houge grips- seems to be in very good condition.

Are these known to be reliable firearms? What would it be worth?
Any info would be very much appreciated.

1st frame size designed specifically for the .357 magnum cartridge. Probably the best frame size ever designed/built by S&W. Your gun most likely shipped in the Jul/Aug time frame 1983.

Model 686 Information

96sexton

Member

S&W Fan

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CobiaS&W

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Shark Bait

US Veteran

oysterer

Member

ImDrRich

Member

KEN L

SWCA Member

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