Smith and Wesson 686-3 Serial Numbers: A Complete Guide for Collectors and Owners
# Smith and Wesson 686-3 Serial Numbers: How to Find and Decode Them
If you own a Smith and Wesson 686-3 revolver, you might be curious about its serial number. What does it mean? When was it made? How can you use it to learn more about your gun?
In this article, we will explain how to find and decode the serial number of your Smith and Wesson 686-3, and how to use online resources to look up information about your firearm.
## What is a Smith and Wesson 686-3?
The Smith and Wesson 686-3 is a double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. It is part of the Model 686 series, which was introduced in 1980 as a stainless steel version of the Model 586.
The Model 686-3 is the third engineering change of the series, which was made from 1988 to 1992. It features a new yoke retention system, a floating hand, a hammer nose bushing, and a new cylinder stop design.
The Model 686-3 is also known as the Distinguished Combat Magnum, and it is popular among law enforcement officers, hunters, and target shooters.
## Where is the serial number of a Smith and Wesson 686-3?
The serial number of a Smith and Wesson 686-3 is located on the bottom of the grip frame. You can see it by removing the grips from the gun.
The serial number consists of three letters followed by four digits, such as BDN3XXX or BEJ6585.
## How to decode the serial number of a Smith and Wesson 686-3?
The serial number of a Smith and Wesson 686-3 can tell you when the gun was shipped from the factory. However, it does not necessarily indicate when the gun was made, as there could be some delay between production and shipping.
To decode the serial number of your Smith and Wesson 686-3, you need to compare it with the shipping dates provided by the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (SCSW), which is a comprehensive reference book for Smith and Wesson firearms.
According to the SCSW, the serial numbers for the Model 686-3 range from BAA0001 to BJC9999. Here are some examples of serial numbers and their corresponding shipping dates:
- BAA0001 - January 1988
- BDR2XXX - May 1989
- BEJ08XX - January 1990
- BFF13XX - April 1990
- BHL89XX - September 1991
- BJD14XX - September 1992
As you can see, the first letter indicates the year of shipping, while the second and third letters indicate the month of shipping. The digits indicate the order of production within that month.
## How to use online resources to look up information about your Smith and Wesson 686-3?
Besides using the SCSW, you can also use online resources to look up information about your Smith and Wesson 686-3. Some of these resources are:
- The Smith & Wesson Serial Number Database: This is an online tool that allows you to enter your serial number and get information about your gun, such as model name, caliber, barrel length, finish, grips, sights, etc.
- The Smith And Wesson Forums: This is an online community where you can ask questions and share information about your Smith and Wesson firearms. You can also find threads where other users have posted their serial numbers and shipping dates for their Model 686-3 revolvers.
- The Wikipedia Page for Smith & Wesson Model 686: This is an online article that provides an overview of the history and features of the Model 686 series. You can also find links to other sources of information about Smith and Wesson firearms.
Using these online resources, you can learn more about your Smith and Wesson 686-3 revolver and its serial number.
smith and wesson 686-3 serial numbers
## Conclusion
The Smith and Wesson 686-3 is a classic revolver that has a lot of history and value. By finding and decoding its serial number, you can discover when it was shipped from the factory and learn more about its features and specifications. You can also use online resources to look up additional information about your gun and compare it with other models. The serial number of your Smith and Wesson 686-3 is more than just a random sequence of letters and digits. It is a key to unlock the story of your firearm.
## How to care for your Smith and Wesson 686-3
If you own a Smith and Wesson 686-3 revolver, you want to keep it in good condition and maintain its performance. To do that, you need to follow some basic steps of cleaning and lubricating your gun.
Here are some tips on how to care for your Smith and Wesson 686-3:
- Before cleaning your gun, make sure it is unloaded and safe. Check the cylinder and barrel for any ammunition or obstructions.
- Use a cleaning rod, a bore brush, and a solvent to clean the barrel and the cylinder chambers. Use a patch to wipe off any residue or dirt.
- Use a toothbrush and a solvent to clean the frame, the yoke, the crane, and the ejector rod. Use a cloth to dry them.
- Use a cotton swab and a solvent to clean the firing pin hole, the hammer nose bushing, and the cylinder stop. Use a cloth to dry them.
- Use a light oil or grease to lubricate the moving parts of your gun, such as the trigger, the hammer, the cylinder release, the ejector rod, and the yoke. Do not over-lubricate your gun, as it can attract dirt and cause malfunctions.
- Reassemble your gun and check its function. Make sure the cylinder rotates smoothly and locks in place. Make sure the trigger and the hammer work properly.
- Store your gun in a safe and dry place. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your Smith and Wesson 686-3 revolver stays in good shape and works reliably.
## How to value your Smith and Wesson 686-3
If you want to sell or buy a Smith and Wesson 686-3 revolver, you need to know how much it is worth. The value of your gun depends on several factors, such as its condition, its rarity, its features, and its demand.
Here are some ways to value your Smith and Wesson 686-3:
- Check the Blue Book of Gun Values: This is a comprehensive guide that provides current market prices for various firearms. You can find the Blue Book online or in print. You can use it to compare your gun with similar models and determine its condition rating.
- Check online auctions: You can also look at online platforms such as GunBroker or GunsAmerica to see how much other people are selling or buying Smith and Wesson 686-3 revolvers. You can filter your search by caliber, barrel length, finish, etc. You can also see how many bids each listing has received and how long it has been on the market.
- Check local dealers: You can also visit local gun shops or pawn shops to see how much they are offering or asking for Smith and Wesson 686-3 revolvers. You can also ask them for their opinion on your gun's condition and features. However, keep in mind that they might have different motives than you when valuing your gun.
- Get an appraisal: If you want a more professional and accurate valuation of your gun, you can get an appraisal from a certified firearms expert. You can find one through the National Firearms Association or the American Society of Appraisers. They will examine your gun in detail and provide you with a written report of its value.
By using these methods, you can get an estimate of how much your Smith and Wesson 686-3 revolver is worth in the current market.
## How to customize your Smith and Wesson 686-3
If you want to make your Smith and Wesson 686-3 revolver more unique and suited to your preferences, you can customize it with various accessories and modifications. You can change the grips, the sights, the trigger, the hammer, the barrel, etc.
Here are some examples of how to customize your Smith and Wesson 686-3:
- Change the grips: The grips are the part of the gun that you hold in your hand. They can affect your comfort, your grip strength, and your recoil control. You can choose from different materials, such as wood, rubber, or synthetic. You can also choose from different shapes, such as round butt or square butt. You can find grips from various manufacturers, such as Hogue, Pachmayr, or Altamont.
- Change the sights: The sights are the part of the gun that you use to aim at your target. They can affect your accuracy, your speed, and your visibility. You can choose from different types, such as fixed or adjustable. You can also choose from different styles, such as iron sights, fiber optic sights, or night sights. You can find sights from various manufacturers, such as Meprolight, Trijicon, or XS Sight Systems.
- Change the trigger: The trigger is the part of the gun that you pull to fire it. It can affect your trigger pull weight, your trigger travel, and your trigger reset. You can choose from different types, such as single-action or double-action. You can also choose from different styles, such as smooth or serrated. You can find triggers from various manufacturers, such as Apex Tactical, Wilson Combat, or Cylinder & Slide.
- Change the hammer: The hammer is the part of the gun that strikes the firing pin to ignite the primer. It can affect your hammer spur size, your hammer weight, and your hammer profile. You can choose from different types, such as exposed or bobbed. You can also choose from different styles, such as combat or target. You can find hammers from various manufacturers, such as Power Custom, Wolff Gunsprings, or Brownells.
- Change the barrel: The barrel is the part of the gun that guides the bullet to the target. It can affect your barrel length, your barrel twist rate, and your barrel accuracy. You can choose from different lengths, such as 2.5 inches or 6 inches. You can also choose from different twists rates, such as 1:18.75 or 1:16. You can find barrels from various manufacturers, such as KKM Precision, Bar-Sto Precision Machine, or Storm Lake.
By using these accessories and modifications, you can make your Smith and Wesson 686-3 revolver more personalized and functional.
## How to compare your Smith and Wesson 686-3 with other models
If you want to see how your Smith and Wesson 686-3 revolver stacks up against other models in the same series or category, you can compare it with various criteria and features.
Here are some ways to compare your Smith and Wesson 686-3 with other models:
- Compare it with other Model 686 engineering changes: The Model 686 series has undergone six engineering changes since its introduction in 1980. Each change has added or modified some features of the gun. You can compare your Model 686-3 with other changes by looking at their differences in yoke retention system, floating hand design, hammer nose bushing design, cylinder stop design, frame-mounted firing pin design, internal lock design.
- Compare it with other Smith and Wesson revolvers: Smith and Wesson has produced many revolvers in different calibers and configurations over the years. Some of them are similar to the Model 686-3 in some aspects. You can compare your Model 686-3 with other Smith and Wesson revolvers by looking at their differences in caliber (.357 Magnum vs .38 Special vs .44 Magnum), frame size (L-frame vs K-frame vs N-frame), capacity (6-shot vs 7-shot vs 8-shot), finish (stainless steel vs blued steel vs nickel-plated), etc.
- Compare it with other .357 Magnum revolvers: The .357 Magnum is one of the most popular and versatile revolver calibers in the world. Many manufacturers have produced revolvers chambered in this caliber for various purposes and markets. You can compare your Model 686-3 with other .357 Magnum revolvers by looking at their differences
## Conclusion
The Smith and Wesson 686-3 is a remarkable revolver that has a lot to offer to its owners and users. By knowing its serial number, you can find out when it was shipped from the factory and learn more about its features and specifications. You can also use online resources to look up additional information about your gun and compare it with other models. You can also customize your gun with various accessories and modifications to make it more unique and suited to your preferences. The serial number of your Smith and Wesson 686-3 is more than just a random sequence of letters and digits. It is a key to unlock the potential of your firearm. b99f773239