686-4

[1sprinklerman]

Good evening and thanks to all who help us. My newest is a 686-4, 6 inch barrel, serial number BAB7807 with Hogue Monogrips and a square butt. Bought this to keep from putting to many miles on my 65-3 3 inch barrel carry arm as they are great shooters. Pretty sure I read the 686-4 were made only for four years, but like others I would like to narrow it down if someone could help.
Thanks from the sprinklerman.

 

[SFIDEC]

I'm not that knowledgeable with these triple alpha prefix serial numbers but will share what I've researched. The 686-4's were produced around 1993-1997. Your BAB prefix seems to fall in the 1989 range which obviously doesn't fall in this range of -4's.
I'm looking forward to a forum member joining in and giving you solid information.
Congratulations on your new addition.
Ray

 

[1sprinklerman]

Hey Ray, thanks for the reply. Your research is proberly correct as I put in the wrong letter in the middle. The correct serial number is BSB 7807. Hope that will put it in the right time period.
Chuck.

 

[SFIDEC]

Hey Ray, thanks for the reply. Your research is proberly correct as I put in the wrong letter in the middle. The correct serial number is BSB 7807. Hope that will put it in the right time period.
Chuck.

BSB looks like it would be in the 1995 period. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will come along with closer date.
Ray

 

[StakeOut]

Only the Special Order Code on the label of the original box can pinpoint when it was finished and ready to ship or a factory letter to state when and where it was shipped to.
S&W didn't ship in serial number order always.Some shipped years later than others in same serial number range.
All other answers will be guesstamates.

BSA and BSC were late 1994
BSJ was early 1995.

 

[Sevens]

S&W customer service via e-mail can probably nail down a date.