Vintage S&W revolver thread

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zipty6

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Smith & Wesson Chiefs Special (Pre-Model 36.) Shipped in 1955. All numbers match, including the stocks.
CSa1SM.jpg


My Photographic Assistant demanded recognition this time:
helper1SMcopy.jpg


helper2SMcopy.jpg
 
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dancer4life

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Anyone have a way to tell when my S&W revolver was manufactured?

It's a model 686-1 with the fist three letters of the serial number are AVV.

Thanks so much.
 

zipty6

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Anyone have a way to tell when my S&W revolver was manufactured?

It's a model 686-1 with the fist three letters of the serial number are AVV.

Thanks so much.

Page 491 of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition indicates that prefix AVV shipped in 1987. Based on the info on page 324, it looks like the 686-1 was only made in 1986 and 1987. You'll want to check for the M stamp in the same area that the model number is marked.
 

MacFromOK

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MacFromOK

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FWIW, the link I posted explains the "M" stamp...

"In 1987, seven years after the release of the Model 686, there were reports of cylinder binding with some types of standard .357 Magnum ammunition for L-frame revolvers manufactured before August 1987. S&W put out a product warning and authorized a no-charge upgrade to make modifications to the revolver, and as such all recalled and reworked guns were stamped with an M marking signifying they had been recalled and fixed, and thus it is known as the M modification for all 686, 686-1 and 586 - 1 and 2"
 

dancer4life

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Well ok, that's good to know. As soon as I get home tomorrow night I will check and see if I can find a M stamp on the gun. I will let you know what I find. Thanks again.
 

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