[skootr]

First of all let me say hello, I am a long time lurker here and newly registered user. This is my first post.
I currently own a 686-6 and I am very happy with it. I have recently had the chance to purchase a 686 no dash model. I am wondering if anyone could give me info as to the date of manufacture.

S & W Model 686
S/N AJV XXXX
Also stamped 19X66

The gun is not pristine but still in very good condition including the grips. Owner is asking $300. Fair price? Any info you can give will be much appreciated.

 

[diamonback68]

1985, a very fair price. I would buy.

 

[snafu]

skootr, First off... welcome to the forum. If you've been lurking awhile you know posting a pic is "almost" a requirement , we love pic's. The 686 no dash you reference, by the advanced serial # (AJV) would indicate manufacture in '85/'86, about the time the -1's were coming out. In "very good" condition it should be about $375, depends on area of the country of course, could go much higher especially in todays "buying frenzy" market. $300 should be more than a fair deal, on the verge of a "steal". Also check for a "M" stamping inside the crane area indicting it was returned to S&W for the recall modification (686's & 686-1's affected in recall). Not sure what the 19X66 might indicate. Best Regards........

 

[skootr]

Thank you for the replies. No "M" stamp in the crane area. There is a "S" stamped into this area running paralell to the barrel. What were the reasons for the recall?
Looks as if I should grab this one up. I'll try to post some pics when I get a chance.

 

[Boats]

It's a bargan,

I am after one at a shop just South of me next state though, he wants 550 and 75 bucks shipping plus I have to pay my dealer 25 for the out of state transfer. We may come together on the price and ship US Mail instead of overnight but still will be landing the gun at 550. It's near perfect finish wise & 4 inch which is more desirable to match shooters. I want it to shoot IDPA with and if one had some finish issues would still be well worth 400 plus to me.

Boats

 

[onenut58]

A friend of mine bought one last summer in 98% condition and paid 500 for it. I looked every where for a month for one for him for less.The going price was 500 to 550 for every one I could find.You are getting a real bargain for sure.

 

[skootr]

Thanks again for your responses. I am going to buy the gun. Still wondering what issues were addressed by the recall.

 

[carl418_resigned]

skootr,
I don't remember all the facts about the recall, but I'll pass on what I do remember..

The early 586s and 686s (no-dash and maybe dash-one) models were affected by the recall. The problem was that the firing pin/hammer nose would sometimes stick in the primer after firing, thus locking up the cylinder from turning.

S&W's fix was to replace the firing pin and bushing. When that was done, they stamped a letter 'M' behind the yoke.

The fact that there was a recall does not mean that every gun had a problem. Lots of people sent them in to be checked but at the same time lots of people did not, because they weren't having problems.

If you buy the gun, I believe that recall is still valid. You can contact S&W and ask.

Whether you send it in would be up to you.. Is this going to be a self defense gun? If it is, and it were up to me, I'd send it in just to be safe. If it's not, I'm not so sure that I would.. But, that's just me.

 

[James Clifton]

I p/u a 686 4" last week for a very good price(no dash..1985 model).
Dealer at the GS knew what I paid & asked if I wanted to make a fast $300 extra! Told him ...no thanks.
Jim

 

[Geoff40]

The stamp "M" stands for modified. It was no big deal, most of these revolvers had the modified bushing installed by various gunsmiths at their own shops. It wasn't even neccesary to return the gun to the factory and S&W tried to avoid taking them in to save $ on the shipping expenses. I know 2 gunsmiths right here in NH who each were performing the work and stamping the M inside the crane, per S&W authorization and request. One of these gunsmiths who has done this modification to 100s of L frames tells me that there are also a lot of them out there that have had the work done, and were never stamped with the M.

 

[James Clifton]

Guys,
As stated my 686 is a no dash...#above that is AH56301,I think this is the serial #??Other than being a SN....does it help with identifing the yr??
Thanks,
Jim

 

[carl418_resigned]

Jim,
What is the number stamped on the butt of the gun? This is the main place to look for a serial number.

The number you're referring to is likely an assembly number, and doesn't help with finding the shipping date.

 

[James Clifton]

Carl,
Thanks,will ck.tonight after work!
Jim

 

[James Clifton]

Carl,
Got it My 686 no dash SERIAL #AHS6301!Where can I get a book that shows me how to find this information?
Thanks for your time & help,
Jim

 

[carl418_resigned]

James,
It looks like July 1985.

The book you want is the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd Edition, by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas.

Very informative book, and good reading too..