Black 686 ???

[Hyperbiker]

I picked up a 686-3 that is black, I saw one a few years ago but didn't give it much thought. Its a 6in w/ ser#BBE7071, can anyone give an apx. manf. date and how unusual is it. One of my biggest regrets was selling a 586 a few years ago so this kinda fills that void.

 

[jdlii]

This will be interesting. I have a 686 no dash but am not familiar with your model "in black".

I bow to the experts!

 

[HarrishMasher]

Everyone would appreciate it if you would post some pictures

 

[Hyperbiker]

When I say picked up I should have said Purchased, I'm in good old NY where you have to wait for a judge to add it to your permit before you can pick it up. Probably 2-3 weeks, I'll get some pictures as soon as it happens.

 

[American veteran]

Black 686

I had a 686 6inch and sold it in 1990. I now have a 586 4 inch that I bought in 1994 brand new for $250.00. I always thought 686's came in stainless steel. Is your black 686 brand new or was blued later on?

 

[Smith357]

There were about 2800 6" and 1500 4" Midnight Black 686s produced in 1989.

 

[Hyperbiker]

Thank You that answers both my questions, I hope it shoots as good as the 586 I had. I have a 4" 686

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

686-3 that is black... 6in w/ ser#BBE7071.

The s/n dates to September - October of 1988, but it's not uncommon for a **SPECIAL** like this to ship some months later.

 

[Big Lig]

My first gun was a 686-4, 4". Never should have sold it. Yesterday I was lucky to come across this 586-2. Got it in a trade for my Kimber 1911. Also got a 28" 12ga Mossberg with the 586.

 

[Hyperbiker]

Thanks for all the input, I'm still gonna shoot the **** outta this one even though is unusual

 

[Hyperbiker]

Any other input , my date at clerks office to pick up permit addition is Apr 3rd. I 'll post pictures soon afterwards.

 

[jag312]

I have a 6" and a 4". Pictures later. I was told the black finish is delicate and will wear off with use.

 

[Harkrader]

This is from the SCoS&W 3rd Edition p. 270: "4-inch barrel, finished in midnight black stainless, .375-inch semi-target hammer, .312-inch smooth combat trigger, red ramp, white outline rear sight. 1,559 believed manufactured in 1989."

In the attached picture, the 686-3 BSS is on the bottom, with a 586 on top for comparison.
I call it my "Bet Winner" when I tell someone there is a black 686. The finish is not quite as dull as it appears in my pic, but it doesn't hold a candle to the 586, of course.

Shooting? It's a 686. Nuff sed.

 

[Ranger514]

My first gun was a 686-4, 4". Never should have sold it. Yesterday I was lucky to come across this 586-2. Got it in a trade for my Kimber 1911. Also got a 28" 12ga Mossberg with the 586.

Good Trade!

 

[jag312]

I have a 6" and a 4". Pictures later. I was told the black finish is delicate and will wear off with use.

Better late than never. The serial number of the 4" is BBV62xx, and the serial number of the 6" is BBJ99xx.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Great trade, Big!

Speaking of bet winners, you should see what happens when I tell people I have a Model 10 4" in .357 Magnum. Funny!

S&W does this for us, to make life interesting - black 686 - I had NO IDEA!

 

[Wheeler57]

I have read about the 686 black finish guns here before. They say the black finish wears off. I have not seen one myself.

 

[Hyperbiker]

Finally home

 

[Jamesatrange]

Cool find. Enjoy it.

 

[Ahab]

I have read about the 686 black finish guns here before. They say the black finish wears off. I have not seen one myself.

I've had mine for more than ten years now and the finish hasn't worn off.