Info Request 686-3

[bryan2]

Hi,
I just got a used S&W 686-3 SN BEJ6977. Under the yoke.
It has a 6" barrel, stainless, with wooden grips.
Previous owner bought it in the late 90's also used.
Any info on manufacture or ship date appreciated. Likely bought in Canada originally.
Thanks,
Bryan

 

[mikesal34744]

Not sure about your model, but you'll love the 6 inch version. It has an epic look and shoots amazing. Heres mine. I put Altomonte grips on mine.

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk

 

[bryan2]

Very nice! Mine has brown wooden grips.

 

[Sevens]

Mine is a BEBxxxx and it was the first handgun I ever bought -- with some money from my first "real" summer job and leftover paper route money. That was June, 1989 and I was 16. MSRP at that time was $422, if memory serves me well. I paid less because we had a family friend who was a kitchen table FFL right up until the Clinton years tried to kill off the breed.

The 686-3 was also offered with the trick adjustable FRONT sight. Back then, I thought it was hideous looking but if I had it to do over again I might get it!

Mine also came with the wood stocks. Pretty sure that EVERY 686-3 did. Mine never took a shot with them, I had a new set of Pachmayr waiting even before the revolver came in!

They made a lot of no-dash and dash-1. I rarely see a dash-2 so I can only guess they didn't make a slew of dash-2. Dash-3 and dash-4 are quite prevalent. I believe dash-4 was the last hammer-mount firing pin, which changed to frame mount for the dash-5.

Oh yeah, my 6-inch 686-3 is a total sweetheart.

I think you bought a fantastic revolver. When I got mine, it was a great revolver but not yet a "legend." Now in production since 1980, it may certainly be a legend by now -- or perhaps well on it's way.

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! You are certain to enjoy shooting it. My 686-3 (1989) & 586 no dash (1983). Bob

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

....S&W 686-3 SN BEJ6977......

The SCoSW says.........

September - November 1989.​

Give or take. But I've seen "BEJ" s/n prefix on guns with ship dates in 1990 and 1991. Most s/n prefix are routine and follow a normal calendar sequence. They you get prefixes like yours that don't.

For example, the BEJ prefix was used for the 6-inch Model 617's that had no barrel underlug (100567). Those are super rare, super desirable, and super expensive. Some of the most sought after Smiths of the modern era. Sources say they were made in 1990. Their boxes don't have the normal date code most Smiths do.

Bottom line, I think it's most likely your gun shipped in January to February of 1990. Too bad you don't have the original box. It would be nice to get another BEJ data point.

 

[bryan2]

Thanks Crittenden for the info.

It is in very good shape so it was not shot a lot. The guy I bought it from hadn't used it for over 20 years after he got it from a club member.

 

[ontargetagain]

Congrats Bryan on your acquisition, I too have the same gun 686-3. I've done some action work and changed out springs and have a wonderful DA and SA shooting gun! Weight and balance is great as I also have a few larger frame revolvers that I love in 45acp and 44mag.

Your grips look awesome, I acquired my gun with rubber grips but did a little work on a gun for a guy that had an older 586 that he didn't like the wood grips and wanted to trade for my rubber grips, no brainer for me and now I have the nice S&W vintage wood grips.

Enjoy it! Very very nice piece
Karl

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Thanks Crittenden for the info. ...The guy I bought it from hadn't used it for over 20 years after he got it from a club member.

Now that I think about it, maybe that BEJ s/n, and the fact that something about is different and out of sequence, has something to do with the gun being exported to Canada. Like S&W set aside that prefix for special projects.

 

[Browns fan]

the 686-3 is the best version of the 686. square butt no mim no lock factory target grips flash chromed hammer and trigger it does not get any better.

 

[bryan2]

Now that I think about it, maybe that BEJ s/n, and the fact that something about is different and out of sequence, has something to do with the gun being exported to Canada. Like S&W set aside that prefix for special projects.

Thanks, that's very likely. Most manufacturers make guns to be exported to Canada on a special run. There are no guns sold here with barrels shorter than 4.1" or mags more than 10 rounds. Other guns with shorter barrels are classified as prohibited and can't be generally acquired, all others are restricted and must be registered. Handguns can only be fired at a range.

 

[AveragEd]

What BrownsFan said! I traded a like-new 4" 686-4 for a similar 686-3 just for its square butt. It's the bottom gun in this photo of my 686-3s (I installed the color-casehardened target hammer and trigger).

You can't put beautiful factory checkered target stocks, as uncomfortable as they might be for some folks, on a round-butt gun.

Ed

 

[bryan2]

Nice collection of Smiths AveragEd!