CS-1: Real or Bogus??

[SAFireman]

I plan on getting the lettering. It is definitely an odd ball. It truly has never been fired. Not a mark on it. Top strap is spotless. Which is kinda a bummer cause I prefer to shoot vs safe queen.

I would very seriously doubt that it was never fired. S&W test fired at least 3 rounds when it was new, and I would bet that whoever made the changes fired it for function after the work was done.

 

[Just1more68]

I agree. I ran a dry swab through and there was a little soot. Also a little in the chambers. It wasn't fired much though. Sent off the form for the letter. I am also thinking it is a rebarrel. I am looking into getting that cant corrected.

 

[Rodan]

I'm guessing it was bead blasted so the frame/cylinder finish would match the barrel after it was installed. This would have the effect of removing most normal evidence of use.

 

[K Frame Keith]

Still a great looking 686. Bet it ends up a good shooter!

 

[stansdds]

I am the guy who won this auction. I was really just looking for 3" K frame and saw this and it seemed nice as it was unfired. The pictures on the auction were not great and I didn't even know about the CS-1 models till now. The front sight does measure .10 inch. The rear sight is stainless. The barrel is slightly canted. The trigger is very polished with some tool marks on the side. The action is very nice and smooth. It was a little more than I wanted to spend but I think it was fair seeing what all the no-lock Smiths are going for. I will be calling S&W today to see about the recall and to get the barrel aligned.
I attached some pictures I hope. This is my first post. I also have a m66 4".

Based on your pictures and description, it's likely not a genuine CS-1, but S&W can tell you the configuration in which this 686 left the factory.

 

[Retired W4]

...You might try a magnet on the rear sight to see if it is in fact stainless...

S&W's stainless steel attracts magnets.

 

[mrchick]

I plan on getting the lettering. It is definitely an odd ball. It truly has never been fired. Not a mark on it. Top strap is spotless. Which is kinda a bummer cause I prefer to shoot vs safe queen.

Then shoot it! Nice looking revolver.

 

[Rodan]

Bumping an old thread to see if @Just1more68 ever obtained a letter on this 686?

 

[grip frame]

Another thing that identifies the CS-1 is the unsightly gap they all have between the top of the crane and frame when cylinder is closed. Why is this so bad on CS-1 models. Almost like it is on purpose for some reason? The revolver in question from the OP does not have this excessive gap. So another indicator it is not a CS-1.

 

[Rodan]

Another thing that identifies the CS-1 is the unsightly gap they all have between the top of the crane and frame when cylinder is closed. Why is this so bad on CS-1 models. Almost like it is on purpose for some reason? The revolver in question from the OP does not have this excessive gap. So another indicator it is not a CS-1.

It's not a gap, but a bevel on the edge of the crane.