686 No dash, decent deal?

[retroLS1]

Hi All. First post here on S&W Forum.

Not new to guns, but relatively new to revolvers. I am looking to acquire my first - a 686, 4" barrel model and a local one came up that I think I might snag but wanted to run it by the "experts" first.

Like the title says, it's a 686 no dash model. Serial # AUE6XX, which - according to the S&W catalog - dates it right around late '86 or early '87. According to the seller it is in great condition. Looking at the pictures, it obviously doesn't have the original wood grips - it looks like the Pachmayr rubber grips I believe? This isn't a huge issue as I would probably like to change the grip anyways to something like a Ahrends finger groove tactical square butt grip. Also according to the seller it has very nice tight lockup, no end shake (not sure what this is?) and very minimal holster rubs. The price is $500.

I have seen a few others in local gun stores for around $600+ so I thought this seemed to be pretty good. Let me know what you guys think.

Here are the pictures I was sent (not the best):









Thanks,

Alex

[vytoland]

$500 is a good price for that model. but see if the seller will accept $450--out the door.

you will first want to check the condition of: bore..lock up..timing.. forcing cone .. area above forcing cone (flame cutting) .. extractor rod .. firing pin ...Any rust and/or pitting on the frame, cylinder, bore, under the grips?... Any frame damage?...

this model was recalled by S&W and modifications made. look inside the yoke and see if the letter "M" is stamped near the model. if so, then the recall modifications have been completed. if not, fire a few hundred rounds through it and if it doesnt bind, then your good to go. if the cylinder does bind, then call S&W, explain that you have an early model 686 and what is happening and they will send you a shipping label and complete the modifications free of charge.

[retroLS1]

Thanks for the info. Time to brush up on all the revolver terminology so I can check where I need to to make sure it's a solid gun.

[fyimo]

That is would be a good deal around here for a 4inch in that condition. If it was a 6 inch it would go for about $50 less.

[mtelkhntr]

$500 would be a real deal in my area. The 686 is a very popular rock solid 357 and if you're looking for one, I can think of none better.

[Retired W4]

It's difficult to really tell from the photos but that one looks like it has been around the block a time or two. As far as holster rubs, the muzzle looks like it has been polished smooth from a holster. The finish at the top right of the rear sight blade is worn. That might seem like a cosmetic issue, but it might indicate the life it has led. Also the current owner did not clean it very well, which also makes me wonder how it has been treated. I would look closely at fuction and fit.

Here is another earlier 686 no- to compare it too. AAR serial number. Pay no attention to these grips. They are gone.

[Recruit]

RetroLS1. I just picked up an identical 686 (1982 serial) 2 days ago and paid $500. For what its worth, I'm brand new here but hope this helps validate the asking price on the one you are looking at.

[retroLS1]

Thanks Recruit, good to know.

Looks like I need to pick up a new set of feeler gauges to see how much play the cylinder chambers have with the barrel to make sure it's not too worn out. I am waiting to hear back what kind of use the pistol got - if it was an every day carry, etc. I am also waiting to hear back if it went for the "M" recall. It's a bit of a drive for me to get it (about an hour and a half) so I would rather get as much info up front before I decide on picking it up.

[HotRoderX]

I be all over that if I had the money. I have a soft spot for J-Frames and 686's.

[vytoland]

Originally Posted by retroLS1

Thanks for the info. Time to brush up on all the revolver terminology so I can check where I need to to make sure it's a solid gun.

these links may help...........

Revolver Inspection: How to tell if the specimen is any good.

Two 629s Flame Cutting , Top Strap/Forcing Cone photos and questions...

Buying a Used Handgun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xjoUmWQKgE

[rwsmith]

I bought a 6" barrel that was in almost new condition with Pachmeyer grips for $550 and I'm extremely happy with my purchase. It's good that you are doing your homework.

[retroLS1]

Thanks for the links, vytoland. Very helpful. I have been researching and watching videos most of the day trying to get the ins-and-outs on these things. Luckily came across a pdf version of the original 686 manual with parts diagram blowout which helps as well. Would rather know far too much than not enough.

[Avery11]

Sorry, but I'm going to swim upstream on this one; I would pass at $500.

The original stocks in good shape were/are worth about $50-$75 these days - there are your Ahrends right there.

As stated earlier, this gun looks to have been used as a hammer at some point in its life. It looks like many of the police turn-in guns we see in the 10s and 65s, which sell around $300 or so. Okay, maybe not THAT bad, but it's nothing that would turn my head at the asking.

I like shooters, but they gotta look nice while they're at it and for $500 big ones, you can wait one more payday, add 50 bucks, and do a whole lot better.

686s are neither few nor far between so if you have something else to shoot in the meantime, I'd keep looking.

I would pay no more than $425 for that gun if it checked out (timing, lock-up, push-off, end shake, cutting, crown, etc.).

About a month ago, I picked up a 4" no dash 686 with original stocks in like new condition for an M&P 9C with 3 mags and $75 - about $550 total cash/trade value.

My 686 can be shot and cared for while steadily increasing in value. I'm afraid the one in your OP has little to no collector value left thus, the "no dash" should not factor in - it is just a great tool.

Now is a time to be patient with revolvers - there are some great deals to be had while all eyes are on the black stuff.

Regards,

A.

P.S.
Early on in my collecting, which is not all that advanced, I was given some sage advice: "Quality over quantity, and never let it affect the family". I have stuck close to those words and though I really had to restrain myself at times, I made wise choices on quality firearms when the time and price was right. In terms of cost to value, at this point, I am playing with the house's money and so can you. Best luck.

[retroLS1]

Thanks Avery. Good to hear input from the other end of the spectrum. I think the biggest reason this one is tempting is because of the price and it came up right when I started looking for a 686. I had seen a few at gun stores... Two 6" models, one new for 750 and one used for 635. I only saw one 4" model and it was 600 (used) which was in nice shape. I like the 4" as it seems a little more balance than the 6", but I suppose if a good enough deal came along I would take a 6" instead.

[Smee78]

I would get it ( I would also see if the seller would take $475) The great thing about SS guns is they clean up well, strip it down and clean and polish it up with a little elbow grease and it should be good to go, you know the old saying.....a gun in the hand is better than two you saw at the last gun show.

[Recruit]

Hopefully the places you're looking are close by. It's easy to spend $50 in gas these days.

[retroLS1]

Unfortunately this one from this thread isn't right around the corner - it's about an hour and a half away. The one for $600 at the gun shop was about 45 minutes away. Gas/travel time definitely plays a factor in figuring out if this is really a "deal" or not.

[charlie sherrill]

I have several old "cop guns", which is probably what you're looking at. Most were worn a lot and shot a little. Qualifications usually occur once or twice a year fifty rounds at a time. Even if the gun was on duty for 10 years, which it probably wasn't, the round count would be 1000 or under (probably .38 specials instead of magnums) if the officer didn't plink with it off duty, which most do not. I have been LEO since 1969 and have carried a lot of revolvers. The first thing most officers did when getting a new revolver is to chunk the wood grips in a drawer somewhere and put some kind of rubbers on. Getting in and out of cars and wrestling with bad guys can really make a set of wood grips look bad. The rubbers also absorb the shock of magnum ammo much better. Your gun would go for $400 to $500 around here. If I wanted it I would pay the $500 because as mentioned above, stainless cleans up good. Then I would get an action job as I just did on my new to me 7 shot 686 and enjoy shooting and carrying it.

[Recruit]

My 686 was 45 minutes away and therefore added a few bucks to the overall cost. Of course I checked a few other places and added yet a few more dollars.

For me though, and I'd imagine many if not most others enjoy "the quest" and therefore hard to a monetary value on. I say enjoy the quest first but with perspective on $50 high or low.

[Snakeshift]

If the guns internals are solid, and it doesn't have endshake or some other mechanical problem I'd jump all over that.

I mean really, in the scheme of things what is another $50-$75 towards a purchase of a gun you like/want? What's that like three boxes of .357 ammo?


The beauty of the 686 (or any other Stainless models) is that minor to fairly serious surface wear/imperfections can be polished out with some good ole Mother's Mag Polish or Flitz Metal Polish and some TLC.

Go look at what brand new 686's are fetching, and for $500 you're getting a Forged no-lock S&W.

[retroLS1]

Just heard back from the seller again. It was a duty gun and was regularly carried. Not sure how much it was shot above the typical qualification courses. The 'M' recall has not been done.

I might offer a few bucks less and see if he'll go for it. How does the stainless clean up - is it still the nice satin look or does it end up being polished like chrome? I really like the more satin look to it.

[mtelkhntr]

In two years of looking around here, I've seen only one 686 priced under $500 and I bought it. It too was a duty gun and as alluded to in an earlier thread like the one you're looking at, mine was carried more than shot. It too is a 4" no dash without the mod, has no mechanical issues and the amount of shooting it had before I picked it up honed the trigger to nothing less than wonderful. I've only run a couple hundred rounds though it and have had no issues so sending it back for the mod isn't on my radar. Collector/Shooter? More Money/Less Money? Depends on what you want.

[retroLS1]

I am more of a shooter, not a collector. I suppose I have probably just seen and handled too many bright and shiny new ones and I feel like I will be slightly disappointed if it's less than that, but I'm just not really being realistic. It's a 25 year old gun that was carried by a police officer so it isn't going to be perfect.

Hopefully going to look at it and possibly pick it up tomorrow. Unfortunately the seller is pretty firm on the price but we'll see how she looks. If I do grab it, I will have some better pictures here for you guys. Thanks again for your help.

[Avery11]

A roll of 20 dollar bills has a funny way of softening a firm price.

Seriously, the psychological effect of the money being presented will get you about $25 - the rest is up to you. Strike a deal after you establish a rapport. People like to talk about themselves so listen intently.

Let us know how it turns out. If you have to talk yourself into it, walk.

[dw910s]

I picked up a similar 686 a couple of months ago for $475. I was very pleased with the deal and if it looks and feels right to you offer $450 but be willing to pay $475. Most people price things up so they can come down and still get what they really wanted.

[Buttugly072]

I would consider that a fair deal for both parties. You didn't get a steal and the seller didn't
get ripped off. My 4" 686-4 is one of the finest handguns i have ever fired. In regard to it being a
duty gun and as stated above may not have been fired alot i would take that with a grain of salt especially considering its age may be in the 25 year range and the history of its previous caretaker
will probably never be know.Although some LEOs are not avid shooters and don't shoot their firearms beyond the annual requirement to maintain proper accreditation, in my experience if you want to put a gun throughits paces and find out its full potential and shortcomings give it to a law enforcement agency.From the perspective of a firearms instructor that gun will get the piss shot out of it in every conceivable position and condition until it falls apart. Still that 686 is a nice piece and one tough nut to crack.
GL and have fun
Dave

[wproct]

There are valid reasons to either buy or not to buy the revolver you are looking at. On one hand I'm sure that there are many years of service left in this particular revolver. However, wishing will not make it the pristine specimen that you dream of owning. There are plenty of 686-4 or less revolvers out there, it just may take a little time and more money to own one. But, if you buy the one you are looking at, you aren't married to it, you can always trade up for one in nicer condition in the future if you choose to do so. Looking forward to hearing what you decide to do. Good luck.

[les strat]

I got mine for $399. Offer a bit less and see what that gets you. All they can say is no.

(mine, at top)



That said, compared to a new one, that is still a great price for a great revolver.

[UnderDawgAl]

Avery11 offers sage advice.

[retroLS1]

Looks like I won't be able to meet up to check it out until next weekend as the seller is out of town until Weds. I am keeping my eyes peeled though in the mean time to see if anything pops up around here. The seller is firm on the price apparently so we'll see. Still very much on the fence on it.

[Recruit]

Looking forward to hearing how it goes retroLS1.

[retroLS1]

Well I checked it out this morning after work and was pretty disappointed. Definitely not in "awesome" condition like advertised. It generally felt about its age. Lock up was fairly tight but it just looked like it needed to be gone through completely and cleaned and tightened up. Add on top of it the holster wear in which half of the gun was polished shiny, I passed on it. Guy wouldn't budge on the price.

On the flip side, I stopped at a local gun store on the way home and they had a 6" model I couldn't pass up. Once I picked it up I didn't want to put it down. Deal was ok - $550 for it. Serial is CNZ5xx which (I don't have the S&W catalog in front of me) puts it back a year or two. 686-6 model. Very clean, super solid. Just excited to finally get one - my first wheel gun.





Thanks for all of the help folks.

[HotRoderX]

Grats and its always better to pass on something you question your self about.

[Buttugly072]

Nice piece. The weight of that gun and barrel nicely offset any recoil associated with it at least when shooting a mild to moderate load. I know you will enjoy its smoothness and follow up accuracy.
gl and have fun
dave

[rwsmith]

Congratulations finding a great choice. I was almost ready to settle for something less expensive but I'm soooo glad I got what I really wanted instead.

[retroLS1]

This also just means I need to add a 4" version to the stable in the future as well

[Recruit]

Lookin good retroLS1.

[wproct]

Congratulations! You have a very fine looking revolver.