So we have a Smith 686 serial number AFS 3318 and we can't seem to find much info in the books about it. purchased in 1984 or 5 which is the first run of the 686. the other stamps on the revolver are B1 S which is for stainless i believe and the numbers 49394. any ideas ? thanks
Smith 686 ID help
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Not exactly sure what the question is specifically unless you are asking about a possible date of manufacture?
I would guess that serial number to be early 1985, but a phone call or better yet, e-mail to S&W customer service can confirm.
If you do not see a capital “M” boldly stamped on the frame flat where the yoke lays, visible when the cylinder is swung open then your revolver is subject to a still supported recall.
Stocks: it would have shipped with Goncalo Alves Target stocks with speedloader cut out.
I would guess that serial number to be early 1985, but a phone call or better yet, e-mail to S&W customer service can confirm.
If you do not see a capital “M” boldly stamped on the frame flat where the yoke lays, visible when the cylinder is swung open then your revolver is subject to a still supported recall.
Stocks: it would have shipped with Goncalo Alves Target stocks with speedloader cut out.
In most cases, random numbers and symbols stamped in different places are used during production so that when various parts are sent through a process, they are eventually mated back up with the frame they came from.
When the revolver is boxed up for shipment these numbers are no longer of any value.
When the revolver is boxed up for shipment these numbers are no longer of any value.
L-Frame recall.......
SMITH & WESSON
MODEL 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1,
586-1, 681-1, 686-1 & 686CS-1, REVOLVERS
RECALL: Reports have been received from the field where the combination of a SMITH & WESSON L-FRAME 357 MAGNUM REVOLVER and some .357 Magnum ammunition has resulted in unacceptable cylinder binding. L-frame revolvers bearing model numbers:
581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1,
681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1
Cylinder binding can cause a failure to fire. Mishandling a revolver while freeing the cylinder can result in accidental discharge.
Cylinder binding can result from a number of causes, including characteristics of an individual revolver or the use of ammunition, which does not conform to industry pressure specifications or is particularly fast burning. Recent developments in ammunition manufacture emphasize the production of .357 Magnum ammunition with increased velocity and greater primer sensitivity.
Although there have been very few reported incidents of cylinder binding, in view of our concern for our customer's safety and the reliability of Smith & Wesson products in all circumstances, we issue the following warning:
In a situation where a failure to fire can be critical - such as law enforcement or personal protection - do not use .357 Magnum ammunition with an L-frame revolver bearing model numbers 581, 586, 681, 686 or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number until you have had the revolver modified.
Those who need to use their L-frame revolver under these conditions prior to modification can safely fire .38 Special caliber ammunition.
Smith & Wesson has developed a modification to improve existing L-frame revolvers. This improvement enables them to fire all .357 Magnum ammunition, without cylinder binding. Shipments of L-frame revolvers from our factory after August 21, 1987 already include this improvement.
You can check if your revolver includes this improvement by looking at the left side of the frame when the cylinder is fully open. If your revolver has been stamped either with a "2" or higher number after the basic three-digit model number or with an "M" above the model number, your revolver includes this improvement and does not need modification. If your revolver bears the model number 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number, it does not include this improvement and your should have your revolver modified.
Smith & Wesson will modify your L-frame revolver free of charge to eliminate the possibility of cylinder binding with .357 Magnum ammunition. Law enforcement agencies wishing to arrange for modification of L-frame revolvers should call 800-331-0852 between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M. Eastern time (MA residents call 413-734-8244). Other users should send their revolvers to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Service Center, specifying "L-frame improvement program" and enclosing their name and return address.
One of the modifications to improve the L-frame revolver is the installation of a new hammer nose. This obsoletes all old L-frame hammer noses (part numbers 4702 and 7513) and all old L-frame hammer assemblies (part numbers 3366, 3378, 3380, 3382, 3391, 4722, 4723, 4726 and 4728) in field parts inventories. Superseded parts should never be fitted into a modified revolver as this may result in malfunction. It is essential for safety that you return these obsolete L-frame hammer noses and obsolete L-frame hammer assemblies for a free exchange to:
Smith & Wesson
Service Department
2100 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, MA 01101
Carter
SMITH & WESSON
MODEL 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1,
586-1, 681-1, 686-1 & 686CS-1, REVOLVERS
RECALL: Reports have been received from the field where the combination of a SMITH & WESSON L-FRAME 357 MAGNUM REVOLVER and some .357 Magnum ammunition has resulted in unacceptable cylinder binding. L-frame revolvers bearing model numbers:
581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1,
681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1
Cylinder binding can cause a failure to fire. Mishandling a revolver while freeing the cylinder can result in accidental discharge.
Cylinder binding can result from a number of causes, including characteristics of an individual revolver or the use of ammunition, which does not conform to industry pressure specifications or is particularly fast burning. Recent developments in ammunition manufacture emphasize the production of .357 Magnum ammunition with increased velocity and greater primer sensitivity.
Although there have been very few reported incidents of cylinder binding, in view of our concern for our customer's safety and the reliability of Smith & Wesson products in all circumstances, we issue the following warning:
In a situation where a failure to fire can be critical - such as law enforcement or personal protection - do not use .357 Magnum ammunition with an L-frame revolver bearing model numbers 581, 586, 681, 686 or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number until you have had the revolver modified.
Those who need to use their L-frame revolver under these conditions prior to modification can safely fire .38 Special caliber ammunition.
Smith & Wesson has developed a modification to improve existing L-frame revolvers. This improvement enables them to fire all .357 Magnum ammunition, without cylinder binding. Shipments of L-frame revolvers from our factory after August 21, 1987 already include this improvement.
You can check if your revolver includes this improvement by looking at the left side of the frame when the cylinder is fully open. If your revolver has been stamped either with a "2" or higher number after the basic three-digit model number or with an "M" above the model number, your revolver includes this improvement and does not need modification. If your revolver bears the model number 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number, it does not include this improvement and your should have your revolver modified.
Smith & Wesson will modify your L-frame revolver free of charge to eliminate the possibility of cylinder binding with .357 Magnum ammunition. Law enforcement agencies wishing to arrange for modification of L-frame revolvers should call 800-331-0852 between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M. Eastern time (MA residents call 413-734-8244). Other users should send their revolvers to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Service Center, specifying "L-frame improvement program" and enclosing their name and return address.
One of the modifications to improve the L-frame revolver is the installation of a new hammer nose. This obsoletes all old L-frame hammer noses (part numbers 4702 and 7513) and all old L-frame hammer assemblies (part numbers 3366, 3378, 3380, 3382, 3391, 4722, 4723, 4726 and 4728) in field parts inventories. Superseded parts should never be fitted into a modified revolver as this may result in malfunction. It is essential for safety that you return these obsolete L-frame hammer noses and obsolete L-frame hammer assemblies for a free exchange to:
Smith & Wesson
Service Department
2100 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, MA 01101
Carter
If it does not have the M stamp And it is in excellent condition especially if it has a box I would not worry about having it repaired unless it's causing trouble, I have multiple 686 without the M stamp, one of which I have put more than 100,000 rounds through it and dry fired it two times that, and shoots perfectly every time I pull the trigger, I shoot it a lot more than I type on the keyboard.
If you have the box and it is pristine I would not send it in to have the recall done, I would leave it original as a collector.
Tom
If you have the box and it is pristine I would not send it in to have the recall done, I would leave it original as a collector.
Tom
As Sevens mentioned, "B-1" is a fitters/inspectors stamp. The 5 digit number stamped in the yoke is an assembly number, which you'll also find on the left side of the grip frame.
Welcome to the Forum! There are lots of L-frame revolver fans here on the Forum and 586/686s are big favorites. The 686 was introduced in 1980 and were the first S&W production revolvers to have the triple-alpha serial number (beginning with AAD-xxxx). Your s/n prefix (AFS-3318) does indicate a 1985 manufacture date, which means your revolver is referred to as a "no dash" (Model 686). The Model 686-1 was released in 1986 with some minor engineering changes. You didn't mention the barrel length of your 686, either. If you could post a couple of pictures it would be greatly appreciated as Forum members like photos. Enjoy!
The U.S. Customs Service issued the CS-1 for only two years. These same issues were the cause of an only two year in-service run. The U.S.C.S. qualification course at the time was sixty rounds. Most of the time at around forty rounds the guns would lock up. Requiring a halt to clean the gun before resuming. In 1989, the service pulled all the CS-1 and replaced it with the 6906 9mm pistol.
