New wheelgunner gets an early 686 - Q's...

[Rocko]

Realized that with 30+ guns in the safe now, I've never owned a revolver. Decided to remedy that at the local funshow this weekend, and so went armed with the excellent "Revolver Checkout" instructions tacked at the top of this forum.

Think I did pretty good - $285 plus tax for a 686-nothing, police trade-in, little apparent use and since it is stainless, not much visible wear. I guess my remaining questions are the different variations and upgrades in the 686 revisions. As mentioned, mine is an original 686 (no revision number), serial AAF3XXX. Lots more stampings, and I'm not sure what they all mean and if they are significant. Please forgive any incorrect terminology - as mentioned, I'm new to wheelguns.

Only stamping I've found for certain w/ significance is the "M" above the model, which means it got the 89(?) recall repairs. Please let me know if any of the following are significant:

- "H" above serial number
- "A4" and "4244X" on crane
- "S" in barrel ejector rod recess
- "S", "G7", and "4244X" on left side of butt
- "C7530" "U" in circle and "0" in triangle on right side of butt

Any of these mean anything? Upgrades done (ala the "M")? Am I really missing out on anything having gotten an original 686 vs. one of the later revisions?

Thanks,
Rocko

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Rocko

Your Smith & Wesson 686 was made between 1981
and October of 1982. The letter "M" stamped above
the model number does mean that it has been back
to S&W on factory recall; and the necessary fitting
has been completed.

As to the rest of the number's, more than likely
they are assembly numbers, used while that weapon
was in production?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member