A local forum has a Smith model 686 with a 2.5" barrel and factory combat grips for $800. It is listed as a "686-1" but I thought the 2.5 " barrels weren't introduced until the 686-3 versions became available. I am tempted to get it but $800 seems a little high. Hoping the gurus here can talk me into getting it (or not!). Wanted to get feedback here before I make a decision one way or the other. Thoughts?

I don't recall the story but there were some early M686s with the short barrels. I have a no dash snubbie. I like it a lot.
I saw one at a show about 6 months ago sell for $800. Todays prices.

As mentioned above, there were some earlier models with the short barrel.
I have a dash 1 with combats on it.
That price does not seem to bad, but I have not seen the revolver. I know the combat grips alone have taken a big jump lately.

$800? the way prices are rising, I'd likely injure my wrist getting my wallet out fast enough. I don't see many revolvers at the LGS, let alone quality, vintage Smiths

Depends on where you live (supply and demand). Here in California where nothing is hardly left on the approved list you must buy from a private party to do an FFL transfer. I just paid $900.00 for a used 686-6+ 2.5 inch and was just happy to get it.

Grip,front sight and cylinder latch upgrades are mine.

According to my copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, in 1990 the 2 1/2" barrel was introduced, which was the -3.

However, it's possible that either they have the dash number wrong or it might have been a special run. There was one special run on 1984, that was called the 686 Compact. It was a limited run of 100.

The one I just picked up on Friday for $600 is a -3 snubbie.

What kind of cylinder latch did it have?

__________________
~ S&W aficionado in training ~

I 'stole' a 686-6 with a 2.5" barrel on gunbroker for $640 about 3 months ago. I absolutely love it.

It had the factory latch, the one pictured is the SDM "Improved" Thumb Latch Thumb_Latch.htm

I have a 686 no dash, no "M" with 2.5 inch barrel and combats. It was made for Lew Horton distributors. I believe mine was made and shipped around 1984. I'm guessing that this is what you are considering and if in really nice condition it might be a decent price. Good luck.

My 686 2-1/2" is a "-2."

Aloha, Mark

Maybe someone changed the barrel ? i just did that on my 686-6, it was a 6" but i got this 2,5" barrel almost for free