686 Target Champion - Wich year ?

[Inspector_71]

Hi guys,
Just buying a 686-4 Target Champion 6", and I would like to know how old it is.
Its serial number is CBY4081 (536 on the cylinder).
Could you help me ?

Thanx !

 

[toddimusnimski]

I've read here that its a European export model, product #104268. I cant find that prefix shipping date but I'll keep looking (likely some time in the 90's).

Welcome to the Forum! Please post a few pics if possible.

Todd

 

[Inspector_71]

Yes, I'm in France, and this kind of model came out in 1992. But mine is a dash #4, so... (?)

 

[Inspector_71]

Some more pics.

 

[diecidecimi]

Salut Inspector_71, de l'Italie! : les numéros de serie CB-x selon la "Bible S&W" appartiennent à la période du 1996 jusq'au 1999, et ils sont bien mélangés, pas en séquence parfaite. ça explique pourquoi on ne peut pas savoir l'année avec précision.
Les modèles destinés au marché européen ont les marquages écrits au laser, au contraire des exemplaires pour le marché américain, qui gardent les lettres poinçonnées. En plus, je bien me souviens que le TargetChampion avait les plaquettes d'origine de chez Nill Griffe: exactement celles montrées par tes images.
Enfin, le guidon était un Patridge de tir, en place du guidon habituel Baughman.

We are on an american forum, then it is polite to write in English. I'll do my best.....even I think I made a lot of mistakes in French too.

CB-x serial numbers according to the "S&W Bible" belong to the period from 1996 to 1999, and they are well mixed up, not in perfect sequence. This explains why we cannot know the year precisely.
The models intended for the European market have the markings laser engraved, unlike the revolvers for the American market, which keep the letters roll marked. In addition, I remember that the TargetChampion had the original grips (stocks) by Nill Griffe: exactly the ones shown in your images.
Finally, the front sight was a Patridge target front sight, in place of the usual Baughman front sight.

 

[Inspector_71]

Thank you very much for your reply Diecidecimi.
So I took a look and Serial Number is not laser engraved, but roll marked. But thought Target Champion was only for international market, not the US one (like the 686 International). So mine could come from USA ?
As I'm really new in S&W revolvers, I don't know differences between Baughman and Partridge. I let you some photos... So should I understand my sights are not originals, or they are originals ? I must admit black on black is really not easy, I would have like to have an orange insert inside...
I do know the Nill Griffe is original.

PS : your French is pretty good !

 

[Inspector_71]

Better with pics :

 

[toddimusnimski]

The patridge front sight has the flat blade face and the Baughman front sight is a ramp. I believe your patridge sight is original on that model. Yes, the black on black sight picture can be a challenge to see properly. Try painting the front edge of your sight with a brightly colored nail polish; that's a common, cheap fix, and easily removed if desired later.

To get your gun's shipping date it's probably best to contact S&W through their website and ask for that info. They do that all the time and are happy to help.

Sorry but the only French I remember from school is “Je ne sais pas”. That may explain the marks I received.

Very nice!

Todd