Seeking help with production date

[TonyS&W19]

Need help trying to find out if my New Model 686-6 3in. deluxe is recent production or old stock. Has been shipped back to S&W twice now for twisted barrel, canted not lined up properly, etc. Serial number DDF81XX.
Customer service has been great. Quality workmanship not so good.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

On the box label, assuming you have the box, there will be a number floating around, something like......

101516​

What is that number?

 

[H Richard]

The -6 is a 2001 change to add the Internal Lock and Trigger Key lock. The only newer version is the -7 which is the Performance Center Variation in 38 Super, so yes it would be the current version. You would have to contact the company to attempt to get a shipping date, the triple "D" date is very difficult to tie down. The 686 probably has more variations than any other S&W. In the SCSW4 there are 3 full columns of Product code's with variations.

 

[TonyS&W19]

Will have to get back to you. The gun was just shipped back yesterday to S&W for repairs. Thanks for your help. I'll get back to you when the gun is returned.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Based on the s/n, I suspect the ship date was in.....

October of 2016.​

So, it's current production.

 

[TonyS&W19]

You got it right, the date on the box is 102416. Just got it back from S&W but still not right. Thanks for the help.