Smith and Wesson manufacture date

45C said:
Hello
Can anyone tell me when my 686 was made?
AEY959*

Thanks
Click to expand...

It there any dash number. 686-? or is it an original 686 no dash.

Here is some generic info that may assist you.

  • 686 (no dash), 1981 Introduction model
  • 686-1, 1986 radius stud package, floating hand
  • 686-2, 1987 changed hammer nose, bushing and associated parts
  • 686-3, 1988 new yoke retention system
  • 686-4, 1993 change rear sight leaf, drill and tap frame, change extractor, Hogue grips
  • 686-5, 1997 change frame design to eliminate cylinder stop stud, eliminate serrated tangs, MIM hammer and trigger, change internal lock.
  • 686-6, 2001 internal lock
  • 686-7, 2003 Performance Center .38 Super, 6-Shot unfluted cylinder, 4" barrel, Stainless Steel, 250 Made
 
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November of 1984 according to Standard Catalog of S&W, page 400. Prefix AEV-AFJ. That's where yours appears to fall, and sounds right for a no dash 686 (I also have one, in that time frame of 84).
 
Are the no dash models considered better quality?

The one I recently acquired is solid.
But the front sight appears to be filed down ,quite a bit.
 
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I don't know that they were better then later editions, but they are certainly a fine example of S&W revolvers. I think they really hit the sweet spot with the L frame size wise, more robust then the K, not as big as the N, but a goldilocks size. Fits my hand just right.
 
The no dash and -1 L frames had a recall to replace the hammer nose and hammer nose bushing. In those early models there was a bit too much clearance between these two parts and there were reports of hot magnum loads having the primer flowing around the hammer nose and into the bushing, preventing the cylinder from rotating. Guns that have had the modification done will have a small letter "M" stamped inside the crane beside the model number.

I have a no dash 586 that has had the mod done, and a -1 that hasn't. No problems with either.

Auggie D.
 
I am not sure if I am allowed to link to a Smith and Wesson forum (I won't just to be safe), but someone asked the exact question about the 686 no dash, and multiple people answered the year of manufacture was 1985.
 
Hey,
Thanks for the info,I've been really busy lately, so I haven't had a chance to contact S&W.
It's not overly important anyway, as I was more curious, than anything else.

This one dont have the m- modification,but the sights look odd.

I'm going to give her a good rub with some mother's polish and call it a day.

Here's a couple of pics:d:dView attachment 509389View attachment 509391View attachment 509390
 
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