Smith & Wesson Questions

B

Bocephus

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I have a nice S&W 686, stainless with nice stag grips. Question one, did S&W ever issue factory stag grips? Question two, my serial number is ACL55**, What year was it made roughly? I have a good chunk of change in this gun but I love it.

Many thanks in advance.

Nate

686stag_zps5ab0fd66.jpg
 
Exotic stocks were available in years past but anything since the 1960s would be a custom shop only affair, I believe. Also, I think all factory original stocks have medallions.
 
Stag Grips

Hello, First nice photo. Thanks for sharing. I have a 686, and its my favorite. I am not as seasoned as most folks here, but, I know the 686 was introduced in 1980. All factory made 686's I have seen have some form of a logo on the grips. Some easy to see, some not so easy. Sorry I cannot answer your question, but I would be surprised if the grips were factory original.

Jay
 
For what its worth, those grips will fit a K frame as well. They are K or L frame magna grips. And no, as others have said, they are not factory.
 
S&W Info from the Horse's Mouth

You can call S&W and ask the operator to speak to their historian - I've done it 3 times to determing the year shipped (not built) on 3 of my very early Mod 41 .22 target pistols. I ordered COAs on 2, they were so early but I've sold them now.
The historian is an older gentleman and could not be more helpful and pleasant to talk to.

Hope this helps.
 
Sorry, I was referring to a S&W 686, not the grips. I should have been more specific.
Click to expand...
In very nice condition, and -BEFORE- our whole industry went bat-**** crazy before the election (and all the stuff SINCE that time) when gun prices were a little more predictable, I would expect a 4-inch Model 686 in decent condition to be available somewhere in the $550-$650 area depending on how the dealer has done during that particular gun show.

These are very good revolvers, and are in demand, but they didn't make a small amount of them. The blued version (586) is a little more rare, and the fixed sight versions, blue & stainless (581 & 681) are definitely more rare.

IIRC, my 686-3, a gun from '89 retailed around $420 back in 1989.

As time has ticked on, they've made small changes and updates to the 686 revolvers, and though a few folks have particular preferences, the no dash, dash-1's, 2's and 3's seem to be bit more sought-after or perhaps, thought a bit better-of than the later models. Some of the changes over time aren't all too easy to spot, and some of them are like a beacon & draw your attention.

You've got a great revolver.
 
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