S and W 686

[Caldernut]

I just purchased a S&W 686 in 357/38+ it is in near mint condition, I would like to find the year of manufacture but the serial number does no work on the S&W site, it is CPE0333, any help would be appreciated

 

[jw8]

i'd call the manufacturer, they should be able to tell you in a minute or less.
the numbers you have don't jive with any references I can find.

iirc, the 686's came out in the mid 90's.

 

[Still alive]

The 686 was introduced in 1981, following the 581/586 which were the first L frames.

I, too, tried looking it up but your SN does not correspond with anything online. You sure you got it right?

 

[Ganderite]

Maybe that is a frame number. Where on the gun is the serial # you are quoting?

 

[Johnnyjellybean]

iirc, the 686's came out in the mid 90's.

1981

 

[Caldernut]

The S/N is on the frame when you open the cylinder, the CFO/RCMP have confirmed it to be a good S/N, like I said it is in near mint condition and I paid less than $600.00 for it

 

[9.3 Hunter]

Thats a new frame serial number, not old

 

[Still alive]

Does it have the locking mechanism above the cylinder release?

If it has the lock, then it’s likely built around or after 2000.

 

[Auggie Doggie]

What dash number is it?

Auggie D.

 

[Meroh]

The S/N is on the frame when you open the cylinder, the CFO/RCMP have confirmed it to be a good S/N, like I said it is in near mint condition and I paid less than $600.00 for it

That is a great price!

 

[Ironheart]

Does it have the locking mechanism above the cylinder release?

If it has the lock, then it’s likely built around or after 2000.

You mean the "Hillary Hole"?

Sorry I had to say it!

 

[sailor723]

No "CPE" prefix in my Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd edition. I'd suggest your gun is post 2004

I don't believe the S&W site has a general dating by serial number function the way colt does. What I see is only for recalled guns that have been repaired. Is this what you used?

https://www.smith-wesson.com/repaired_serials/index.php

 

[enefgee]

The S/N is on the frame when you open the cylinder, the CFO/RCMP have confirmed it to be a good S/N, like I said it is in near mint condition and I paid less than $600.00 for it

You'll learn very quickly that just because they say it's so, doesn't mean it is, they aren't experts. The subject matter is huge, no one org, especially as small as the CFP can authoritatively cover everything. You'll get a better idea from the dash number - on the frame cutout, where the crane fits into the frame you'll see 686-x, that's the "dash number" - it basically tells you what revision number you have. Is it a hammer nose gun - is the firing pin mounted on the hammer face, or is it a "firing pin gun" with a flat face hammer? As noted, does it have a Hillary Hole (integrated action lock). The "serial number" if that is actually the serial number, could be a custom one for a law enforcement agency with a prefix like CPE. Is there anything on the grip frame at the bottom?

 

[wbaad]

If it has the original wood grips, I’ve seen a couple with a date stamp on the inside. Should be close.

 

[4n2t0]

Easy, email S&W with the serial number and they'll tell you exactly when it was made.

 

[Paul_T]

It's probably a -6

OP under the serial number there should be 686-X. What is X on your revolver?
Being a -6 it will also have the Hillary Hole which started in 2001 AFAIK

FWIW my 686 bought new in 2017 is s/n CXT###X and 686-6

 

[Caldernut]

it is 686-6, thanks

 

[Caldernut]

Thanks for the information, yes it does have the Hillary Hole and I have 2 keys for it, the grips are made from rosewood (probably custom made), it is also a flat face hammer, I appreciate the information
Caldernut

 

[Jamiemdonaldson]

I love my 686! Never jams, and always accurate

 

[Still alive]

it is 686-6, thanks

I think the -6 puts it around 2001-2003.