Model 686-3 4"

[Geo9547]

I just bought a 686-3 with a 4" barrel from a friend but he couldn't remember exactly when he bought it. He thinks late 1990's. Is there a way to determine when the gun was manufactured?

 

[M3Stuart]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

Sure, post the serial # - leaving out the last two digits: XYZ134XX or something like that. Somebody will come along and help you out. Be sure to post a pic!

And welcome to the forum!

 

[Geo9547]

Here's a Picture and serial number

The serial number is BPE73--. I just started shooting and buying guns in the last two months. I am 64 and wish I had started earlier.
George

 

[maustypsu]

The serial number is BPE73--. I just started shooting and buying guns in the last two months. I am 64 and wish I had started earlier.
George

Well, it took you long enough but at least you have good taste. She's a beauty. Enjoy it!!!

 

[Gman56]

It is never to late to start!!!You did very well on your first purchase!I wish I found that 4 in 686!

 

[Old cop]

You can also email S&W with the serial and model number. They get back to you in short order w/DOB.

 

[powderburns]

Welcome to the forum and, wow, what a way to start a collection!

 

[Person]

Very nice! Does not get much better than that.

 

[Geo9547]

Thank you all for the warm welcome! I have been really enjoying the forum and learning alot. Of course I have alot to learn considering I never even touched a gun prior to buying my S&W 22A-1. Now if I could only shoot straight!!!

 

[minconrevo]

BPE prefix is November 1993.

 

[youngda9]

That's a beautiful firearm right there. Looks spankin new !

 

[Sealevel]

Welcome to the forum George. You are at the right place -- many knowledgeable, non-judgmental folks here who really enjoy their S&W revolvers.

At age 67 I bought my first S&W revolver (Mod 15-3) this past July just for the h--- of it, then looked at this forum to see what it was that I purchased. (Possibly a mistake if you have a personality that supports addiction.) Five and a half months later and 9 more Smiths plus a couple of Colts and I'm having fun. My wife worries that the office will soon look like the garage which doubles as a surf fishing locker.

Happy New Year George -- lets learn together!

 

[jhde69]

Sealevel

Revolvers and surf fishing it does not get any better. I'm up in the cold north no surf fishing this winter. I also found out you can get in trouble by comeing to this site. I now need every S&W I see.

 

[markeb]

That's a beautiful gun to start your collection with George. My first was a 686-4 6" BRE14XX purchased new in 94. Enjoy, it's a great shooter.

 

[Geo9547]

Sealevel, glad to see your comments. I thought the only one that went crazy after shooting my sons Buckmark 22 and fell in love with shooting. It's like I have become possessed by the gun gods. I had never even held a gun before November 2011 and now I can't get enough of it. I wish my wallet was a little fatter. I have a Glock 17 Gen4 9mm, a S&W 22A-1 and the 686-2 for hand guns and a Ruger10/22 rifle, all in 2 months time. Next up for me (when I can save up for it) is a 1911 .45. Really expensive though.

 

[Sealevel]

Hey George, you got a great one in that 686. That is one model I'm currently looking for to complete my "shooters group" of a dozen or so revolvers.

I have enjoyed shooting since I was a kid. I had a number of nice shotguns and rifles over the years and enjoyed hunting. In my late 40's I stopped hunting. I sold most of my long guns; keeping only those with which there was great attraction.

After 20 years of not shooting I finally got the urge again and acted on it. I thoroughly enjoy these old revolvers made by S&W. It is a great hobby or at least a great outdoor activity.

 

[JDW250]

I also started earlier this year with a 4" 686. Be carefull, they tend to multiply in the safe. It's never to late to join the party!