I'm amazed that this thread has been active for so long and truly thankful to everyone who contributed. I have a few S&Ws but am a real beginner when it comes to knowledge about them.

I'm buying a Hi Power from a guy this weekend & he mentioned other guns he's selling. One is a State Department revolver & there's one on GB with a Buy it Now of $2750 which made me light headed. It's has everything with it & I'm sure will fetch a nice sum. My seller originally said he'd sell his (no box, etc) for $700 but after he looked around he backtracked.

He also has a 686 CS-1 w/o box. He describes it as "M686 CS-1 4" bead blasted, gold bead front sight" but after reading this this thread I never saw a gold bead mentioned. He said it was one of his favorites & would probably "reluctantly" let it go for $800.

Is anyone aware of that configuration? He's 3 hrs away so I can't pop over to look at it but if it was the "window" grips wouldn't that point towards a Customs Service gun? We've exchanged 18 emails & some texts but he's a busy guy & can't often respond quickly. I've asked about the "M" markings but haven't heard back so any insight on this would be helpful.

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I'm single, so I buy guns.