686 build date-year

[Roadking@1]

I recently purchased a model 686 no dash and was wondering if someone could tell me the appoxment build date thanks the serial number is aud 44xx

 

[HorizontalMike]

I have two 686 no-dash, and I can confirm ONE of them to leaving the factory on May 22, 1986. I purchased that one from a LGS in CA in August of 1986. Still have all the paperwork/box/receipts. Both have "AUE" prefix.

The 3rd Edition of S&W would also put your 686 in early 1986, likely between Jan and May 1986. BTW, the 4-digit Spec. Ord. number will give you the year (1st digit) and the next 3-digits the day of that year. Most of the time these are rather accurate, but not always...

 

[Roadking@1]

Thanks for getting back to me, I hope to get a chance to shoot this week