Info on a 686

[spclayne]

Talking to a guy here in Alabama and he wants to make a trade with me. Says this is a 686, never been shot, in perfect condition, no dash (?), and made sometime in the 80's.

Looking at the pic, can anyone give me any info on it, perhaps a value or some info about it's quality or place in the revolver world. Thanks!

[doublesharp]

Looks right to me. $550-650 is the Kentucky gun show price where it will sell. Most are priced higher and don't sell. I'm a big fan of L frames in general and 686/586/681/581 in particular. I've never shot one that didn't have a good trigger pull.

[spclayne]

Thanks for the reply, I'm from Louisville myself and will be moving back after I retire here in a year

Thanks for the info...he priced it around $750, and if it is indeed in perfect condition and unfired, I think I could stomach that.

[spclayne]

Also, if this doesn't have a dash, is this a gun I'd have to send to S&W or is that actually desirable as is?

[BJoe]

Originally Posted by doublesharp

Looks right to me. $550-650 is the Kentucky gun show price where it will sell. Most are priced higher and don't sell. I'm a big fan of L frames in general and 686/586/681/581 in particular. I've never shot one that didn't have a good trigger pull.

Same with Ohio. For $600 it MAY sell. Real strange because I feel it is the best frame size S&W ever made. I keep a 686-4 with C.T. laser on my nightstand and another in my car.

[doublesharp]

This 686-4 7 shot snubby is my desk drawer gun.

[silvershot]

Originally Posted by spclayne

Also, if this doesn't have a dash, is this a gun I'd have to send to S&W or is that actually desirable as is?

That is a very desirable piece and I would pay 600+ for it if it were in front of me right now. And no, absolutely no reason for you to send a no dash 686 in. The majority of them, including mine, work perfectly.

[loeman]

I think you've found a fair deal. Out here that gun with box, manual and tools in new condition would sell for what he is asking. I especially like the 4 inch barrels. I have a 686-3 with 4 inch barrel that I consider the most versatile gun that I own. I also have a 686 (no dash) that I like very much too!

Since you didn't mention that the gun did or did not have an M near the model/serial number I would assume that it does not, especially since it is in new condition. There was a S&W recall on the early 686 models for a modification. Many owners sent them back for the modification, many did not. The guns that were modified were stamped with the M. Like silvershot said above, my 686 no dash works perfectly too and I'm not sending it back. If you buy the gun and choose to send it back, S&W will cover all costs. You can find LOADS of info and discussion on this topic in this forum. You can do a search here or a Google search will get you many threads that discuss and educate you on this issue. No M wouldn't bother me.

Bottom Line: I'd buy the gun and forget about it.

[spclayne]

OK, that is great advice thank you. I am selling an ACOG for $950, and he offered me this gun plus $200 cash, so that is what I was trying to weigh as whether it was worth in the 6 or 7 hundred dollar range. It is a beauty for sure.

[lamarw]

It sounds like a fair deal to me. I bought my 686-1 a little over 2 years ago and have never regretted the purchase.

Reading between the lines of your post, I am guessing you are stationed at Ft. Rucker. I pulled a tour there on my return from Nam with the 46th Engineer Bn.

Good luck with your trade.

[S&W Fan]

The no dash ran up to '86 when the -1 came out. As the others have said I'd do that deal too & would only send it in if you run in to it binding up on you. The 686 is a great revolver, I have my dad's that he bought new in '81, good luck to you on the trade.