The “mysterious” S&W M686 CS-3 revolver…..

[SmithNut]

Have been thinking about this model for some time, having owned the two in this post for over 18 years (bought the 4” in 2000, the 3” came to me in 2004). Always thought they were neat, but now I’m thinking they are fairly rare in the overall scheme of things.

When I first did my limited research, this model was described to me as the “next engineering change” of the CS-1 (more on that later), and that it was left in the line for procurement by other law enforcement departments.

In the Factory letter I have on the 4” gun, it states that the CS-3 was an “over-run” gun of the Customs Service models. This is curious as this model differs from the original CS-1 specification, in that the width of the front sight of the CS-1 was specified as 1/10” wide, while the width of the CS-3 models is of the more standard S&W 1/8” width used on their modern revolvers.

I wouldn’t think the Customs Service would allow any new procurement or replacement for one of their revolvers that would differ from the original spec.

As with later engineering changes in the standard M686 line (the M686-4 specifically), the extractor of the CS-3 is rectangular in shape (rather than round), which is a result of this being made using CNC machining. Now, more curious info, the factory letter for the CS-3 below starts with it saying it is a M686-3 (?), while the guns themselves are just marked M686. This is interesting as the move to CNC machining didn't start with the regular M686 line until the -4 engineering change..... (hmmmm??)

So, aside from the two differences of the CS-3 to the earlier CS-1 models, the visual side of this may lead one to think it was a standard production model with bead blasted finish (?).

Now, here’s one of my questions, has anyone else seen or heard of the CS-3, specifically of any that were procured by and/or used by other law enforcement agencies??

The factory letter I have included is for the 4” gun, I have not lettered the 3” primarily as (see the pics) it is marked on the side plate as “.357 Security Special”, which is notable as export models shipped to the S&W's distributor in Germany (Wischo) were so marked. My notes indicate that it shipped on 10-24-91. This gun came to me from another forum member, and from my recollection he acquired it in Europe and was able to bring it back to the US, my recollection was that he was a service member stationed over there. Maybe one day I’ll letter it, depending on how scarce these guns may turn out to be.

Looking for feedback and info if anyone has one of these CS-3 revolvers.

Most of my pics will show these two wearing factory magna grips (my assumption is that they would have shipped that way), but it would not be one of my pictorials unless I dressed them properly with Spegel boot grips, Gratuious pic added below .

Also note that both of these are sporting a Patridge front sight, that’s how I like em, they originally had the standard ramp front sight used on modern Smith revolvers.

Would love to hear about your CS-3 models.....

Enjoy and thanks for looking.

 

[Dave from Pa]

As always your posts are very interesting to read.I have a 4 inch CS-1 but was not aware the CS-3 even existed.THANKS, hoping others will be by soon.

 

[j38]

I also like the looks of the Patridge front sight on those guns. Very business-like. Thanks for posting.

Jerry

 

[Whit]

I once owned a CS-3 with the three inch barrel. Sure wish I had it back. When I owned it I was under the impression it was an import from Europe although I don’t recall any import marks on it, only the Security Special designation on the side. Your info about them being an overrun for the Customs Service is new info to me. Live and learn. Before seeing your photos, mine was the only one I’ve ever seen. Rare is defined differently by different folks, but I would characterize the CS-3 as rare. Enjoy them and don’t make my mistake by letting either of them go.

 

[Shark Bait]

Once again, learned something new. Thank you. Gotta love any 686.

 

[SmithNut]

Wow

Interesting that there are no others chiming in, maybe the CS-3 is a true Unicorn...

With as many M686's out there, I'd of guessed that some of this version (CS-3) would have snuck out into circulation over the years.....

I might just have to letter the 3" to get some additional perspective on that one.

The more I think about it, the version should be called (other than the CS-3) a M686-3.5, given that these have the newer CNC cut extractors, but they do not have the newer rear sight assembly that came with the regular M686-4, which has both.

Interesting..........

 

[Thuer]

We sold the SC 3 in our gunstore in the Hague the Netherlands in about 1996. Still wish that i bought one to. It came by our German Importer AKAH. I was helping out in that time. I did learned a lot and bought very nice revolvers to.

 

[TheHobbyist]

I recalled from memory your post from 2009, which is crazy because I can't recall last week:

After the CS-1 production run (both for Customs Service and over-run guns shipped to US distribution), the factory left this model in the "line" for future law enforcement orders. Think of the CS-3 as simply the same model as the CS-1 but a later engineering change. The basic CS-1 features are there - bead blast finish, round butt gripframe on both 3" and 4" models, and a pinned in front sight. The CS-3 also has the later - CNC machined - ejector star that appears to be a square cut (due to the CNC machining), as well - the front sight is wider - 1/8" instead of the CS-1 model's 1/10" wide blade.
Many CS-3 guns were shipped into US distribution, but the majority that I've seen were actually shipped to S&W's German distributor - Wischo - and marked on the sideplate as ".357 Security Special". These guns were 3" guns. They were apparently slow sellers and many were returned by Wischo and released into US distribution.

Here's a couple CS-3 guns, the first (3") was a Wischo gun, the second (4") was shipped to a Texas distributor. The standard front sight from the factory was a plain black ramp, I've replaced both of mine with a Patridge front blade, and both wear the requisite Spegel grips.

Smith and wesson 686 cs-3

Smith and wesson 686 cs-3

It was of particular interest to me, because I wanted to purchase one. Your original opinion is still valid AFAIK.

 

[SmithNut]

TheHobbyist

I recalled from memory your post from 2009, which is crazy because I can't recall last week:

After the CS-1 production run (both for Customs Service and over-run guns shipped to US distribution), the factory left this model in the "line" for future law enforcement orders. Think of the CS-3 as simply the same model as the CS-1 but a later engineering change. The basic CS-1 features are there - bead blast finish, round butt gripframe on both 3" and 4" models, and a pinned in front sight. The CS-3 also has the later - CNC machined - ejector star that appears to be a square cut (due to the CNC machining), as well - the front sight is wider - 1/8" instead of the CS-1 model's 1/10" wide blade.
Many CS-3 guns were shipped into US distribution, but the majority that I've seen were actually shipped to S&W's German distributor - Wischo - and marked on the sideplate as ".357 Security Special". These guns were 3" guns. They were apparently slow sellers and many were returned by Wischo and released into US distribution.

Here's a couple CS-3 guns, the first (3") was a Wischo gun, the second (4") was shipped to a Texas distributor. The standard front sight from the factory was a plain black ramp, I've replaced both of mine with a Patridge front blade, and both wear the requisite Spegel grips.

Smith and wesson 686 cs-3

Smith and wesson 686 cs-3

It was of particular interest to me, because I wanted to purchase one. Your original opinion is still valid AFAIK.

Thanks for your post, I actually tried searching past posts about this model but for some reason was unsuccessful, and as for the memory thing..... ahhh, what were we talking about... ??

 

[ironhead7544]

Do these models have the "floating hand"?

 

[SmithNut]

Do these models have the "floating hand"?

No, not on the two I have.........