Attempting to identify this S&W .357 magnum, thank you for your assistance. Stainless, 5-3/4" barrell, 3 screw? Swing out hand ejector. Pics attached...

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You have a Smith and Wesson Model 686-3. Stainless steel, six chambers, and the "-3" version was introduced in 1988.

Edit to add: You seem to have an unusual barrel length. Revolver barrels are usually measured from the forcing cone forwards, not from the breech, as is common with other firearms. Is that how yours is measured?

There is nothing unusual about the barrel length. S&W barrel lengths are nominal and can vary as much as 1/4" from the nominal length, usually shorter. If you measured this barrel from the face of the cylinder to the muzzle, and that measurement was 5 3/4" then what you have is a 6" Model 686, a very common S&W model in every way. If you have the original box the end label on the box will show barrel length as 6".

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Gunsmithing since 1961

Thank you. I measured from inner frame to muzzle. So I suppose the gap from cylinder to frame would make the barrel 6". I am not really a revolver guy honestly, and it didn't come with original box sadly. I'm a 1911 guy, only other revolver I have is an old 649 H&R my dad gave me when I was fourteen. I got this S&W .357 mag in trade for a Jeep with a blown motor lol

The gun appears to have been fired very little, if any from the factory. The 686 is a great gun, in just about any dash model.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

That is a Model 686-3 and the nominal barrel length would be 6 inches.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

Welcome to the Forum! You traded for a very nice revolver...the 686s are some of the nicest stainless steel handguns in the S&W lineup and there are lots of fans here on the Forum. Very accurate and dependable, and the SS frame and 6" barrel really help to mitigate .357 recoil. After taking this one to the range, you may find yourself adding a few more revolvers to keep your 1911s company. Enjoy!

...On getting a fine revolver. Maybe this is the beginning of a new chapter in guns for you? The 686 is a great representation of an L frame. I have a 586 (Blue version) in 6" and very accurate and pleasant to shoot.

You traded into an excellent model, probably among the last revolvers commonly carried by police before the 1990's wondernines became all the rage. Other BHT prefix guns were known to have shipped in 1992 but no guarantees that yours did. If you call the factory and give them your SN they can let you know.

Welcome to the Forum!
Todd

That would probably be accurate, there's a '92' stamped on the inside of one of the wooden grips. Thank you sir.