Smith & Wesson S&W Model 686-3, Midnight Stainless 104248 Black Stainless Double Action Revolver 1988

SOLD FOR: $1,111.11
LSB#: 170404DD01

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 686-3, The .357 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless, Product Code 104248

Serial Number: BBV6159

Year of Manufacture: The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson lists 1988 under the product code section and under Variations has a 1989 retail price. We suspect that it was manufactured in ’88 and retailed in ’89.

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “S.&W. .357 MAGNUM”. The left side of the frame has S&W’s monogram logo, the right side of the frame has the four line Marcas Registradas. The butt is marked with the serial number. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model number, the yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspector marks.

Barrel Length: 6″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with red plastic insert integral to a rise in the solid rib. The rear sight is a flat top, white outlined, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: None

Type of Finish: Midnight Black Stainless

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There appears to be a few marks in the bore… These are no bulges, but there is mild damage to the rifling. Perhaps from a bad cleaning? We have not seen anything of this sort before, but there is no evidence of a bulge visible from the exterior and perhaps this is just very heavy fouling in patches that we were unable to remove?

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The cylinder has a light turn-line, not through the finish, the barrel has a few scattered light marks on the right side. The checkering on the hammer spur and cylinder latch are sharp. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun is in about Excellent condition as missing the grips.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action trigger is smooth and the single action trigger is very crisp. The cylinder has almost no play on each chamber when the trigger is depressed. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a two-piece blue cardboard box with metal reinforced corners. The box is of the correct type for Smith & Wesson, but is completely unmarked. Also included is an aluminum-handle S&W screwdriver, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual, and wax paper. The box has faint wear at some edges and corners, in about Fine-plus condition.

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson 686 needs no introduction. Their full-frame stainless .357 Magnum is a staple in the revolver world, renowned for its quality, durability and style. There are many variations in barrel length, sights, hammer, trigger, etc., but one of the less common variants was a small production run from 1988 with a “Midnight Black” finish on its stainless steel frame and cylinder. One could be forgiven for mistaking it for a 586, but the model number is marked “686-3” and the serial number is in the correct range for the Midnight Black guns. It is in about Excellent condition with 97% of its finish, a bright bore with a couple of spots of light erosion and strong mechanics, though it is missing its grips. This is a great find for the Smith & Wesson collector as production was limited to approximately 2,900 revolvers. Please see our pictures and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This handgun CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California. This handgun CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. All cartridge firing handguns (even C&R’s and antiques) sold to a California resident must be DROS’d. This does not apply to out of state residents.