What does the "3" in S&W 686-3 refer to?

[Azz]

Dumb question, maybe , but I've done google searches and haven't come up with an answer. I see Smith 686s up for sale all the time and they have a number after them, like 686-3, or 686-4, etc. Is that a generational thing, or does it refer to specific features, or what? If it's a generational thing, what's the different between different generation Smiths?

Any input is much appreciated!

 

[space_ace]

It's a generation thing which refers to the years that that version was produced. I believe the current gen is a -6.

 

[Azz]

Thanks, that answers that question. Do you have any idea what the differences are between generations, or is there a web page that spells it out?

 

[44Bore]

As above--it generally means there was an engineering change of some sort--either to improve performance or reduce manufacturing costs.

44Bore

 

[JohnC]

I beleive -1s and -2s had counterbored charge holes to fully enclose the rim ( not sure about 3s) I think starting with 5's they went to MIM parts- they may also have introduced the handcuff key operated hammer lock as well at that time

 

[ian_in_vic]

In the old days they would have actually called it a "Third Change" which is not only more elegant but more effective at telling you what they mean.

 

[Cerdan]

It's a generation thing which refers to the years that that version was produced. I believe the current gen is a -6.

I believe the 5", 7-shot model is a 686-8.

 

[Silverback]

From my SCOS&W:

686 (1980) Begin regular production.
686-1 (1986) Radius stud package; floating hand.
686-M (1987) Recall by S&S and overstamped to indicate a modification by the factory or warranty station; applies to 686 and 686-1 only.
686-2 (1987) Change 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, introduce Hogue grips.
686-5 (1997) Change frame design to eliminate cylinder stop stud; eliminate serrated tangs; change to MIM hammer with floating firing pin; change to MIM trigger; change internal lockwork.
686-6 (2001) Internal hammer and trigger key lock.
686-7 (2002) Performance Center variation in .38 Super.

I have a 586 no dash and it does not have counterbored cylinder so I doubt that any 686 did either, especially since this practice was discontinued in the model 27 and 28 N framed 357 revolvers in 1982 with the -3 change.

 

[BC Mike]

Here's some more info on various models and how they have evolved (some say de-volved) over the years.
http://www.handloads.com/misc/Smith.Model.Changes.asp

 

[Master-G]

I beleive -1s and -2s had counterbored charge holes to fully enclose the rim ( not sure about 3s)

To confirm what Silverback speculated above, no 686's had counterbored chambers--I've got one of the original "no dash" models and it has the same non-recessed cylinder used today.

 

[rick357]

I believe the 5", 7-shot model is a 686-8.

Just had a quick look at one and it is definitely marked 686-8.