Hey all.
I am really enjoying the forum. Learning a lot of stuff.

I am currently considering the purchase of a model 686-1 pre-lock that has a 2.5 inch barrel.
It appears from the pics to be in excellent condition.
What would be a good price for it?
And at what price should I walk away?
Oh, it has no box, papers, or manual.

Thanks in advance!

That barrel is what will increase its value and price. I used to buy the 4 inch 686's from the 1980's for around $325. . .that was 5 years ago. I'm guessing that a nice one today would be in the $500-$600 range; but, a 2.5 inch barrel will really drive up the price. I'm guessing $750, but the experts will tell you the correct value soon.

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Dr. B

It is an early one, probably one of the 2500 produced in 1984. I would guess about $750-800 as a mid-range price, and you have to decide when to walk away...you may not be able . Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

This one is listed at $1099.00.
It really looks nice, but I just have a hard time paying that much for a short barreled revolved. Am I wrong feeling that way?

The last 686-1 with 2" barrel I bought was $650. That was over 4 years ago. I know the prices have skyrocketed,but I have a hard time paying 4 figures for a 686. They are fantastic guns,and I still own a 686 6" that I will never part with, but come on.......really?

It's an epidemic of overpricing in the market today. I feel sorry for new S&W collectors trying to find fair prices on nice guns. The M10 and M36 can still be found with nice ones in the under $400 OTD range. Even those are drying up and going up every day.

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Dr. B

No. That's way, way, way too much. Unless there's something special about it. I'd bet you could buy a 6 incher, have it shortened and still be money ahead.

Thanks for all the answers I received.

Buy it if you have the funds, there's very little out there.

Driving around yesterday with a forum member to a number of shops, we saw maybe 2-3 old Smiths. Prices are high and quality not so good.

The gun shop owners said they're just not coming in right now.

Edit: oh, 1099 is too much

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Sure you did

It's 15 months later, and we've been holding our breath waiting for an answer - did you buy it?

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

lol, got me

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Sure you did

I still haven't got that snobby.
I have started looking at pre-lock 4 inch 686s though.
I also still find it hard to realize a 4 inch 686 should be more than $800.
But time passes and I continue to learn.

Here's my track on the model:

Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 2-1/2 in barrel. Revolver in .357 Mag. Blue Book of Gun Values (37th Edition) indicates between $615 in 95% condition and $735 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 137 recorded prices for this model gun from $350 to $1200 over a period of 12 Yrs 11 Mos ending June 16, 2017. The average price as of that date was $604. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $849. The last 10 prices I have for this model since 8/6/2016 range from $360 to $1200 averaging $688

(The BBGV makes no distinction for barrel length or dash number.)

The average used price continues to increase

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Bob

They will never get cheaper, never be seen in greater numbers, buy now or forever hold your cash.

One of my most cherished...