Hello all, first post, serial number help 686

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Hello everyone, I just registered here today. I currently own an M&P 45, a 642, and just got a 686. I live in BFE Idaho, and I love revolvers. I'm hoping someone can help me identify the markings and the serial number date on my 686. It is a no dash model #AFS2703. Attached is a pic of the serial and the other markings. All help is appreciated! Hopefully I attached the imag properly
 

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The odd numbers on the crane as assembly numbers and have no meaning beyond initial assembly. The serial number and model number are the significant ones, and you got those right. Those triple alpha serial numbers are a bear, but yours if very probably from 1985.

WELCOME TO THE MADNESS
 
Any chance you have the original box with the end label intact? If yes, post a pic of that end label.

Meanwhile… your 686 is subject to recall and your recall work has not been done. The masses seem to be divided on the importance of the recall. I'll guess that subsequent posts hash that out nicely.

Basically, the hole where the hammer nose (firing pin) protrudes is too large and some primers flow in to that too-large hole and can/will tie up the revolver.

It's not a safety issue, per se, unless you are facing a charging rhino or meth addict or a rhino with a meth addiction.
 
Sevens, I do not have the original box. I got this from a friend, who got it from his step son, who got it who knows where. I'm aware of the recall (686-M), interestingly enough this revolver just got back from S&W for a barrel replacement (squib bulged the barrel from secondary round fired). One would think they would have taken care of the recall then. Maybe this one was in spec already? Anywho I know what primer flow is and what things should and should not look like. Other than the primer flow potential, are there any other notable things to worry about with a steady diet of hot handloaded magnums? Nothing too crazy, but hot nonetheless. I'm mostly a SAA/Blackhawk guy, and the only other da/sa wheelgun I own is a SP101 in 357, which handles the same loads I'm talking about with ease
 
No other known or expected issues, these guns are pretty fantastic.

It baffles me — the point where it's nearly shocking that S&W had this recently and didn't do the warranty work. That's ludicrous.

The trouble you may have is that -IF- the problem surfaces, it could be a real bear to open that cylinder at all. Could be particularly obnoxious if the rest of the cylinder has loaded rounds, because you would then obviously have a loaded revolver with no way to open the cylinder and unload it.

Many folks have reported that it's never been a problem, others have. My experience is with the dash-3 and later so I've never had to deal with it.
 
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