Someone with their book will jump in here pretty quick with a date. Should be in the late '90s' early 2000s'. You can call S&W customer service and they can tell you the exact ship date from the serial number also.
Appreciate your reply. I bought one of the first 686's in the early 80's but it was stolen in a break-in. For all these years I swore I'd add another to the collection. This one feels like an old friend. Got to get out to the range.......
