17-6 info appreciated

[karrrhu3]

A friend loaned me a nice looking piece.
It's a 17-6 with 8" barrel. Serial BFSxxx6.
Any idea of the year of manufacture? It was bought "over 10 years ago" and that's all I know of it.
Any and all info is appreciated!
Image:

 

[HLG]

My 17-6 has a BDS serial number and I bought it new in 1989. It has a 6 inch barrel and S&W Combat stocks. Otherwise it looks just like yours.

 

[civil1977]

The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd Edition doesn't specifically list the BFS serial prefix but I would guess its 1990-1991 based on other similar serial numbers listed. The gun you show actually has a 8 3/8" barrel which is a less common variation, although that doesn't mean it's worth more. They came in 4", 6", and 8 3/8" with the 6" being the most common and the 4" being the most sought after currently. The 17-6 is a popular gun and prices have been going up as more shooters and collectors discover these fine guns. Here's my 17-6 on the left with its .32 and .38 caliber counterparts. Your gun probably shipped with Combat Stocks such as these.