"In the process of buying a 686 and he said there are two # but not sure which is the serial # first one is 5412x and the other is AFK253X I would like to know which is the serial and how old it is "
OK, I'll give this a shot but please bear in mind that I just got my "Standard Catalog of S&W, 3rd Edition" so I'm still on the upslope of the learning curve....
There is a note that there is a three year transition period from 1980-1983 where S&W started using a three letter prefix followed by a four digit number. The dates are start dates for those serial number runs. I am using "Appendix 2, Serial Number range by years - Approximate" to find this information. This appendix starts on page 395 of my book.
It lists Serial Nos. of the AEV-AFJ range as November 1984 and then jumps to AHA 0667 in January 1985. I cannot find a listing for the AFK prefix. This information is on page 400 of my book. Others more knowlgeable in the use of this reference book please feel free to cross check me as I would like to learn if I'm doing it right or not.
"S&W .32, blue, 6", good condition #B2494XX. thanks "
B prefix, Model 61 Escort, 1970-1978 B-1 to B-65438
Your number falls outside the range listed and has six digits but this is the only B prefix reference I found. I have the Blue Book of Gun Values, so if you can give me the Model Nos. I will try to look them up for you.
"S&W .38 special, 4" nickel plated, fair condition #E 130XX."
I can find no E prefix data, sorry.
I guess I need some help with using this reference source. Again, if you are more familiar with the Standard Catalog of S&W, 3rd edition please help point me in the right direction so that I can give more useful help to those requesting it. Thanks in advance for any pointers.