AAA Prefix Serial 586 No-Dash

[H Richard]

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

Yes, the large logo is on the side plate. The box is the one piece flip top box.

 

[Sevens]

Wow! Original box is the one-piece but the emblem is on the side plate?

First occurrence of this I have heard!
(To be fair, I rarely run in to L-frames early enough to have the emblem on the side plate)

 

[woodsltc]

Two early 586's: First pic is of AAA6287 (logo on the side plate) ... I have the original stocks but I like the look of the presentation stocks that someone customized. Second pic is of ACU2740 ... again, I have the original stocks but I carry/shoot this one often and I like the packmayrs on it.

Don

 

[66L72]

Mr. Richard, thanks for the information on your 1982 NO DASH 686. So still the Trademark is on the right side of the gun, and they switched from the two-piece box to the one-piece flip top box in 1982.

Much Appreciated.

Pat

 

[66L72]

Don, thanks for the information on your AAA 586 NO Dash. Looks great in the photo. Did you ever send for a factory letter? Just wondering with your serial number if it shipped out in 1980 or 1981?

Thanks
Pat

 

[woodsltc]

Don, thanks for the information on your AAA 586 NO Dash. Looks great in the photo. Did you ever send for a factory letter? Just wondering with your serial number if it shipped out in 1980 or 1981?

Thanks
Pat

Didn't request a letter on it, but I did call S&W and was told it shipped in 1980.

Don

 

[BigMuddy]

Just for kicks, I through in a photo of the 586 next to 1972 Colt Python. Which one is prettier?

Is that really a question??

No doubt in my mind. I always lusted after a Python but always preferred shooting a S&W. When the L Frame was introduced it was truly my dream gun. Have had (and sold) a few 686’s but my 4” 586 nd isn’t going anywhere. IMO the best .357 Magnum ever built.

Dan

 

[ODB]

No new information, just confirming what has been said. My 586 no dash (w/ the M) serial # is AAA7286, I purchased this 12 years ago from a gentleman in a parking lot. As has been stated the Standard Catalog of S&W, 4th Edition (p. 491) shows AAA prefix 586s were manufactured in ’80 w/some going into ’81. My spreadsheet shows the note “first 6 months of ’80”. Not sure where that came from, it’s possible I just interpolated the first six month date based on what I have read here. It has target stocks (nice), combat hammer and trigger, patridge front sight and blacked-out rear sight. It’s my only S&W .357, I do however have two K frames, a -4 & -6.

Edit to Add, S&W Letters of Authenticity are now $100 if not a member of S&WHF or the S&WCA Letters of Authenticity