AAA Prefix Serial 586 No-Dash

[Hot Stepper]

Hey all - I may have the inside track on a 586 no-dash w/ 6" barrel - serial # AAA76XX. It looks to be in real good shape and has the original box and tools. Can anyone confirm when this revolver likely left the factory?
From reading posts on this forum it sounds like 'AAA' prefixed serial #s may be somewhat controversial - even yesterday someone referred to the 'dreaded triple-alpha range'. Can anyone provide any details as to what the issue is with AAA prefixed S&W revolvers? I would like to understand this situation better before I decide if I should make a move on it or pass.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Folks borrow the verbiage you quoted from the Standard Catalog
of Smith & Wesson, 4th Edition, by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas.

I have no idea why they call it that. Perhaps an attempt at being
dramatic. There is no problem with the serial range. It's actually
a mighty brilliant system.

S&W introduced the L-frames in 1980, and they were the first with
the alphanumeric serial numbers, beginning with AAA0001. Since
the company didn't produce, assemble, or ship it's products in
serial number order, without asking Dr. Roy Jinks or getting a
historical letter it's anyone's guess as to when a specific serial
number shipped. I'd bet the one you're looking at left Springfield
in either 1980 or 1981, but that's only a guess.

 

[FlyFish]

I think Supica and Nahas use that phrase only because it can be difficult to date guns in the triple-alpha range. S&W seemed to bounce around a lot from year to year, or even within a single year, in the three alpha characters they used. The alpha characters are sorta kinda used in alphabetical order, but there are many exceptions. There's certainly nothing wrong with the triple alpha system itself, or with the guns that have that as an SN.

 

[Sevens]

Since the company didn't produce, assemble, or ship it's products in serial number order, without asking Dr. Roy Jinks or getting a
historical letter it's anyone's guess as to when a specific serial
number shipped.

Seems this is something that needs to be clarified daily?
For most modern S&W handguns from 1983-1984 or later with the dreaded triple alpha serial prefix, an e-mail to S&W or a phone call or if you are fortunate to have the original intact box-end label, you surely can get a very nearly exact date in what could only be accurately described as MOST cases.

For this particular AAA-prefix Model 586, the box end label is unlikely to help us. A phone call or e-mail to S&W very well might get the date you seek.

A couple things we should already know about a 586 with the AAA serial prefix:

— the very earliest L-frame revolvers typically shipped in the last of the old style two-piece dark blue box with the metal reinforced corners, very cool because the next dozen or so years of L-frame revolvers shipped in the one-piece flip top box that says DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER REVOLVER REVOLVER all across the top

— and these very first few L-frame revolvers usually still have the large S&W emblem on the right side of the revolver, emblazoned on the side plate. Very shortly after, S&W moved this emblem to the left side under the cylinder release and they shrunk it in size. They did this to open up real estate on the right side of the revolver for the etching of an emblem or anything acceptable for any group order that was willing to pay for it… LE organization, private security group and/or later, for commemorative or special models.

— a AAA serial prefix L-frame is going to be subject to a still active and still honored factory recall related to the hammer nose bushing. Revolvers that have already been fixed under the recall will carry a noticeable “M” stamp on the frame flat under the yoke.

If the price were right, the revolver you describe would be one I would definitely love to own.

In closing, I believe that Misters Supica & Nahas have created a phenomenal resource for us — and I definitely don’t believe that either of them have any intention of being dramatic. Suggesting so seems silly to me.

 

[Hawg Rider]

According to the "SCSW 4th Ed.", the triple-alpha s/n ranges began in 1980 with s/n AAA on its L-frame revolvers. AAA-xxxx revolvers were manufactured in 1980-1981, so I would guess the one you're looking at (AAA76xx) was manufactured in 1981. As others have stated, S&W didn't always ship immediately after manufacture, so there's no way to determine its actual shipping date without a letter. Model 586 revolvers are desirable, particularly early versions, so if the condition is nice and the price is right, buy it!

 

[sodacan]

I'm posting these photos only because no else is in this thread. I have a "AAA" s/n 581 that is very early. Came in the 2-piece blue box. Also pictured is an early no-dash 586. Just for kicks, I through in a photo of the 586 next to 1972 Colt Python. Which one is prettier?

 

[Hot Stepper]

Thanks for the replies all!

I am going to have a closer look at it this weekend. Thanks for the pointers - I'll make sure to confirm if it has the older metal reinforced box or the later type, which side of the revolver the S&W emblem is on & whether or not there is an "M" stamped at the yoke indicating that it was sent back to the factory for mods as well as how proud the line on the cylinder is.

Actual condition and the above details aside, what do you reckon the current price range is - lower & upper-end - for 586 no-dashes w/ 6" barrels and original box/tools?

 

[Sevens]

What you describe if it were a mid-80’s Model 586 with no box at all would probably be tagged $900 or $1,000 at my big gun show. (one of the best shows in the nation)

Very high condition with the old-school two-piece box? HIGHER.

 

[Nightowl]

I have a 586 6 inch barrel with serial AAA92xx that shipped in June 1981. I bought it new and have fired many, many thousands of rounds through it. It is still in great condition with some blue wear and of course, a turn line. If the gun you are looking at has the Patridge front sight, I would consider that a bonus. I would think anything in the $1000 range would be a good buy for what you are describing. I would not worry about whether it has the M stamp above the serial number. That can be addressed if there is a need.

 

[22hipower]

I have a 586 6 inch barrel with serial AAA92xx that shipped in June 1981.

That's interesting, I have AAA1195 which shipped in September of 1981. Odd that one 8000 SNs later would ship three months earlier. LIFO rather than FIFO inventory management I guess.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[66L72]

AAA Prefix First Production

I have a 686 NO Dash, 4 inch with a serial prefix of AAB, that was shipped in August of 1981. Serial number after AAB starts with 4.

Question I have is I understand that the AAA prefix guns were first manufactured in 1980. Does anyone know when in 1980 that the L Frame models first started to be manufactured? January or mid year say June/July of 1980.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks

Pat

 

[Sevens]

I don’t know the answer to that but I’m interested in any stories that appear.

For your AAB-prefix Model 686… do you have the large emblem on the side plate, or small emblem under the cylinder release? And have you got it’s original box with end label?

 

[S&W Fan]

Here’s my AAB serial prefix no dash 686 in it’s original box that my dad bought new Sept. 19, 1981. I inherited in ‘92 when he passed. Large trademark on the side plate.

 

[66L72]

Trademark location

For my 686 NO Dash, the Large S&W Trademark is on the Right side. I have the two piece Smith and Wesson original box that came with the gun.

Pat

 

[66L72]

8000 Serial Numbers After

That is very odd that a AAA prefix serial number gun manufactured 8000 after another AAA serial prefix gun would ship 3 months before the lower serial number gun. Who knows what was going on then. Remains a mystery.

Pat

 

[Hot Stepper]

Hey all -

Following up on my original post - I was able to get up close and personal with that AAA prefixed 586 no-dash this weekend.
I was able to confirm the following:
-The box is in fact the earlier two-piece dark blue box with the metal reinforced corners.
-The S&W emblem is on the side plate on the right side of the weapon.
-There is no “M” stamp on the frame flat under the yoke.
-Looks like it does have the Patridge front sight.

We agreed on a price of $900. We still have to transfer it and, living here in Cali, I have the damn 10-day wait before I will actually have it in hand, however I am very excited to add this Smith to my small collection!
See attached pics.

 

[66L72]

Congratulations

Congratulations on your purchase! You did well on the price. Welcome to the L Frame NO DASH club. You will enjoy it. Looks great.

Pat

 

[H Richard]

One story circulating in the 80's was the AAA prefix 686's were the first produced and most all were hand assembled in the custom shop before production lines were set up.


My AAFXXXX was produced June 82 it has a great trigger and very accurate. I can't imagine how many thousands of rounds have gone through it, it's still as accurate as ever.

 

[66L72]

1982 manufacturing items

Mr. Richard, great looking 686 NO Dash. Couple of questions. 1) the S&W trademark. I do not see it on the left side by the cylinder latch so I am assuming it is on the right side of the gun like my AAB prefix 686. 2) Do you have the original box? If so, is it the two piece blue box or the flip top REVOLVER marked blue box?

I am just interested how they were still doing things at the factory in 1982 as compared to 1980 and 1981. Also interesting note about the AAA prefix guns being made in the performance center division at S&W.

Thanks
Pat

 

[stoneke]

I own AAA8586 which was received in Minneapolis, Nov 1981. Our Bloomington PD pistol team first encountered the model at the 1981 NRA Revolver Championship matches in Des Moines, Iowa. Roy Jinks was extolling the design virtues of the 586 at the S&W table. Three of our members just HAD to have one and orders were placed after our return to Mpls in Sept or October. All were shipped with the high Patridge front sight. I later earned my Distinguished Badge with mine. Many thousand rounds fired and still tight and in perfect condition. Now rests in the safe!