What year did S&W start making the 686 in a 3" barrel and what dash would that be?

[sgc]

What year did S&W start making the 686 in a 3" barrel and what dash would that be?

Thanks, just curious.

 

[BrBa]

I would guess 1986 with the first run of the CS-1.

 

[Hawg Rider]

According to the "SCSW 4th Ed.", the first Model 686s with a 3" bbl. were the U. S. Customs Service (CS-1; PC 104228) revolvers released in 1988. I couldn't find any 3" that were manufactured prior. However, earlier leftover manufactured frames (i.e. 686-1, 686-2, 686-M) may have been used by S&W to build the CS-1s.

 

[BrBa]

US Customs Service 686 CS-1

Previous thread on the history of the CS-1 with factory letters dating to 1986.

 

[sgc]

Were these 6 shot or 7? Are the 686 +'s (or 7 shots) newer?

 

[SVT-THUNDER]

Were these 6 shot or 7? Are the 686 +'s (or 7 shots) newer?

If I remember correct, the 686 “plus” was first introduced in 1996 on the 686 Distinguished Combat Magnum. I believe the first gun that carried the actual 686 number was also a DCM in or around 1981.

**EDIT**
Just reread your question. I don’t recall what barrel length/lengths apply to my answers.