Intro. and a S&W question

[L.C.]

New to the forum and wanted to introduce myself and see if you guys could help me with a serial number question on a S&W 686-3. I just picked up the gun from a buddy of mine (used) and wanted to get skinny on it. Roy Jinks had given me a ship date based on the serial (Thanks Roy), but I was wondering if you guys could tell me what the 639 stamped on the crane represents. There's also a (very) faint "S" stamped below the 639. This is all new to me so I'd appreciate anything you guys might have. Thanks.

 

[SnWnMe]

Welcome aboard L.C.

Smiths are good revolvers and the 686 in particular is a fine 357. The 639 is probably an assembly number that the factory uses to keep fitted parts together. You will probably find the same numbers stamped somewhere on the frame (maybe hidden by the grips).

No idea that the S is, but Smith uses it for refinish marks. Which the 686 obviously does not go through being bare stainless.

 

[Majic]

The "S" could very well stand for stainless to go in juction with the assembly number. When carbon steel parts are in the white (before a finish is applied) they have the same appearance of SS parts.