Tell me about my S&W 686

[shotcalla]

I recently got a "big brother" for my 617. I'd like to know the history, the serial is AEK54XX, the model says "686" and there are some markings on the crane that say "CL3" "S" and "X168X". The trigger and hammer are stainless and it has a hammer mounted firing pin. It shoots great, has a smooth trigger and is more accurate than me.

If you have any information it would be appreciated.

 

[C.R.Sam]

Serial AEK54XX ???

Does not compute for me.

Sam

 

[P95Carry]

Serial # means nothing to me but ..... used to have an early 686 ... which was hammer firing pin ... and only rear sights adjustable.

IIRC, the following model went to transfer bar type firing pin and, had adjustable front sight also.

Thats about all I can think of right now ....... wish I still had the damn gun, even if I had put about 30,000 rounds thru it (and the rest!!) ......

 

[Pinned&Recessed]

Hmmm...Like Sam, I'm needing to Ctrl-Alt-Del my brain here.

My S&W Bible indicates that serial number ADT3000 dates to Jan 1984 and serial number range AEV-AFJ dates to Nov 1984. So maybe between Jan and Nov 1984, your gun was built? 11 Months is a long time.

 

[shotcalla]

Here is a bad picture, I suspect its an older model, 686 no dash, does the "S" stamped on the crane mean it went back to S&W at some point?

 

[Tamara]

The trigger and hammer are stainless...

Actually, the trigger and hammer are flash-chromed.

 

[Steve in PA]

My first handgun was a 6" 686.......loved that gun. If I remember correctly it had a -1 (?) which meant the factory did a fix on it. Don't remember what the fix was. Great gun.......wish I still had it.

 

[SnWnMe]

Is there an "M" in the yoke cutout where the model numbers are? If not then that means your gun has yet to make the trip back to the factory for the 1987 recall mods.

I don't know what the rest of the markings mean, the numbers other than the s/n could be assembly marks to keep the components and the frame together after they are fitted.

 

[C.R.Sam]

Looks like it is an unmodified no dash 686.

You might give S&W customer service a buzz and ask about getting it updated to comply with the recall. Might get it done on their nickle including shipping both ways.

Sam