What would be the value of a 98% S&W 686 with 8 3/8 inch barrel and front adjustable sight plus box, tools and all papers. It also has original target wood grips. Thanks in advance.
Herb

Unfortunately, not as much as you (or I) would think. For some reason, 8-3/8" barrels aren't selling well right now and the silhouette versions (the ones with an adjustable front sight) of S&Ws never were and still aren't popular. I say that from watching all kinds of 686s on GunBroker.com. Go there and search for "686" - you'll probably find several silhouette guns and ones with 8-3/8" barrels that are experiencing little bidding.

If you're looking to sell one, that is a gun I would probably hold onto as there will be a time in the future when its collector value will kick in - and then, it might kick in big! If you want to buy one and find a seller who will take the current market value, buy it for the above reason.

Ed

I got one off of gunbroker a while back to use at my local club's monthly match that is an informal PPC type of contest. I had the action worked on and the cylinders chamfered. It is a real tack driver with 158gr .38 spl reloads!

I also picked up a 6" bbl for it on gunbroker that has the silhouette sight as well if I ever want to switch it out. Personally I bought it as a "shooter" not caring about collector value.

The only negative is that the sight can be set up for a neck hold at 50yds, but you need a center hold at 25yds.

The last couple I saw went for around 800.00 to 900.00 one was 6" and one was 8 3/8" . This about 6 months ago on Gunbroker in excellent condition . I thought they are very collectible but deals are out there . My buddy beat me to a table at a gunshow and came away with a 586 with a 6" barrel and adj. front sights in excellent condition for 550.00 . I should learn to walk faster and b.s. less a gunshows .

There are certain parts of the country where the 6 and 8 3/8 are used for hunting and the adjustable front sight is fairly popular there. In other areas thef sit on tables at the gun shows and hardly get a look especially if the dealer marks them up and says they are rare.

+/- $600 for a good one in my part of the world. After you've shot one you may wonder how you ever got along without one.