What's a fair price for a NIB 686 no dash.

[Kenneth07ex]

I've found a 686 no dash, that's listed as NIB. The guy has it priced at $1125.00. Although he said there's a little wiggle room on price. I'm wondering what you guys think a fair price would be? I've seen lots of these guns lately, but not new in box, so I don't know what kind of premium that adds. Since the gun is a hour drive away, I'll be driving up to look at it before purchase. I'm wondering if there's anything I should look for to help verify that it is actually NIB. Any signs that it's actually just a rarely used piece. Since I'd hate to pay a premium price for a gun I could get a couple hundred cheaper. I know a bit about buying used, but have only bought new guns, from dealers. So I'm completely lost as to what to look for, as to telltale signs. Any thoughts? I appreciate any help.

[H Richard]

On a 686 no dash, look to see if it has the "M" stamp on the frame inside the yoke area by the Model #. That indicates it has been back to the factory for the recall. If it is really pristine, and no stamp it probably wasn't used much.

Look for the usual items, push off, wear near muzzle, high spot wear, cylinder gap and head space. Smoothness of trigger pull without being too light, the DA trigger pull factory would be around 12 lbs, and SA maybe 3 lbs. Are the grips correct, the full cut speedloader targets were the most common it was shipped with. Are the hammer and trigger casehardened or flash chromed? Some very early ones AAA AAB s/n's have been known with case hardened, but most common was the flash chromed. These are great guns and even lightly used have been known to bring near $1000.

[regalsc]

If it's nib it hasn't been fired & most likely doesn't have the m stamp. There are lots of those out there but not nib. I found one that looks as if just a few rounds were fired through it but no box a couple years ago. Cosmetically near perfect & mechanically perfect. I got it to shoot but have hardly shot it. If I wanted a nib like what you're looking at I don't think that price is out of line.

[Kenneth07ex]

The pictures of it show the correct box, and it's in new condition. However there's no mention of what's inside, other than the gun. After talking to this guy, I fully expect everything to be as described. But I just want to be as prepared as possible. I thought the price was full retail, but certainly not unreasonable. He also has a model 66 NIB. It's gonna be a tough choice.

[Bekeart]

Originally Posted by Kenneth07ex

I've found a 686 no dash, that's listed as NIB. The guy has it priced at $1125.00. Although he said there's a little wiggle room on price.

I think it is too HIGH for Kentucky.

Have had one on my table priced at $1000.
I bought it NEW back in early 1980s.
NEVER fired. Snapped a few times.

Bekeart

[BAM-BAM]

I could be wrong.....happened once....... but I can't see even a unfired "new in box" 686 bring more than $1000........... as I write....by the way is it a 4 or 6 inch?.....I'm leaning more to $900 absolute max at a retail LGS.

Stainless..... even most duty guns got replaced with hi-cap 9mm's in less than 10 years......

I'd put more of a premium on a anib blue 586...................

[regalsc]

I didn't see mention of the barrel length of either gun. That can make a difference in value for sure.

[StakeOut]

Probably if I was looking for one in NIB condition with all shipping items included I'd pay $800 in a FTF or pass on it.

Lots and lots of 686s around and NIB show up at every show and in local listings.

A NIB 66-0 snub nose might be worth $1000 in this area but not a 686-0 4" or 6".YMMV

EDIT:IMO the 686-4 is the best of all the dashes.

[Kenneth07ex]

The barrel length on the 686 is 6in. Which is what I'm actually looking for. The barrel length on the 66 is 4in. It's being offered by a guy who usually has a booth at a gun show. So it's not a typical ftf. I'm expecting him to want to stay pretty close to retail. I'll offer him 900, but I expect him not to drop that far.

[BAM-BAM]

Remember; these days, the shorter the barrel the higher the price........Good luck

[rwsmith]

S&W will take it back, do the recall work and send it back stamped with an 'M'. The only catch may be that turn around times seem to be getting longer. Make an offer.

[apollo99]

High for a NIB 6", now a NIB 2 1/2" that would be a different story, but still high. I wouldn't go higher than $750-$800 for the 6" unless you really want it. $800-$900 for a snubby.

[Kenneth07ex]

Originally Posted by apollo99

High for a NIB 6", now a NIB 2 1/2" that would be a different story, but still high. I wouldn't go higher than $750-$800 for the 6" unless you really want it. $800-$900 for a snubby.

I know there are better deals out there. But a guy that has a nib revolver of this vintage is gonna know what he's got. And unless you catch him needing cash, he's gonna hold out for what he knows he'll get, sooner or later. I've been looking looking for a 6in. for a few weeks. And I'd easily spend a hundred or two going to gun shows and pawn shops, or whatever. Especially when you figure time spent, as well as fuel, admission, and everything. I'd rather be spending that time shooting! But now I've got a better idea of where I stand on this. I really appreciate all the input guys! Thanks for all the opinions.

[mod29]

I agree that it's probably priced a bit too high.
But if it's really NIB (or LNIB) with paperwork, correct stocks, etc., it's not crazy-priced.

Pre-lock revolvers bring a premium and that's a fact.
And the 686 no-dash is a great revolver.

This one has the barrel length you want, and you can inspect it before you buy. That is not always easy these days.

I would feel better about the purchase at $1,000 or less, but if THAT revolver turns out to be "the one", well, I probably wouldn't let a few bucks stop me.

[Gun K1n6]

If the pistol checks out it's worth $900-$1,000 in the Northeast.

[Kenneth07ex]

Originally Posted by mod29

I agree that it's probably priced a bit too high.
But if it's really NIB (or LNIB) with paperwork, correct stocks, etc., it's not crazy-priced.

Pre-lock revolvers bring a premium and that's a fact.
And the 686 no-dash is a great revolver.

This one has the barrel length you want, and you can inspect it before you buy. That is not always easy these days.

I would feel better about the purchase at $1,000 or less, but if THAT revolver turns out to be "the one", well, I probably wouldn't let a few bucks stop me.

This pretty much sums up exactly how I feel. Except that if it turns out to be LNIB, then the price is high by at least three hundred. Excellent condition examples of a popular firearm aren't rare. Apparently NIB isn't as rare as I would've thought. If it weren't for that lock, I'd be cleaning a brand new 686 right now! I'm certain that he's put that price on, giving himself some bargaining room. He did say that the price has a little give to it. But except for the absence of any noticeable wear, and no stamped M. I really can't imagine what I'd look for to establish that it's new. He did list the condition as 100%. At a grand it better be!

[apollo99]

The OP makes a great point about prior money spent, driving to gun shows, parking , paying admission or driving to gun shops while fun, does cost time and money.Hey "if you like the gun you can keep your gun", No wait that didn't come out right. Enjoy your new revolver.

[StakeOut]

How long has the seller had it for sale.

The 6" is the least popular.

Are you buying it to shoot or sit in a safe?

Once you take it to the range the value will drop maybe 20% so is NIB worth the amount you seem willing to pay.

Don't be in a hurry.There's a lot more very nice condition guns out there for sale at better prices than there were 6 months ago.

If you want a 6" 686 then don't pay short barrel prices.

The no dash is not as good as the dash 3 and dash 4

Check the texasguntrader site everyday.

[Kenneth07ex]

Originally Posted by StakeOut

How long has the seller had it for sale.

The 6" is the least popular.

Are you buying it to shoot or sit in a safe?

Once you take it to the range the value will drop maybe 20% so is NIB worth the amount you seem willing to pay.

Don't be in a hurry.There's a lot more very nice condition guns out there for sale at better prices than there were 6 months ago.

If you want a 6" 686 then don't pay short barrel prices.

The no dash is not as good as the dash 3 and dash 4

Check the texasguntrader site everyday.

I'm definitely looking for a shooter, and it's for target plinking with 38s. I have lots of fun with my 6in python, and I'm looking for something comparable. So it's definitely gonna be a 6in. I really like the way the longer heavier barrel keeps the muzzle and the recoil down. I'm open to suggestions on which model, as long as it's pre-lock. A like new revolver is a must. Doesn't have to actually be nib, or really even have a box. My guns are a lifetime purchase since I don't collect or ever sell anything. But I spend a couple hundred on ammo that gets burned up in an afternoon. So I'm reluctant to buy a gun with questionable history, for six or seven hundred, when for a couple hundred more, I'll have a solid gun, that I know the history.
Edit: Thanks for the tip on the Texas Gun Trader, that site looks promising!

[Tyrod]

I've got a question and several comments. First, how sellers define the condition of their used wares varies significantly from seller to seller. I've seen sellers characterize their auction items as "new" only to later find out that the seller bought the item new, used it for a year or more, then because there's minimal cosmetic damage, it's new in their eyes. Then there are folks that simply don't understand the difference between new, ANIB, LNIB, used, well used, beatup and junk. Some folks think that a well used gun that shows no cosmetic issues are almost new. So don't take someones word for the condition of a gun. I've even seen pics of a gun that conceal real cosmetic damage. I think if someone is representing a gun in premium condition and with premium price, then find out the condition is not what is represented, red flags are going off in my head. I question how valid any other statements they've made may be lies. At that point, I doubt I'd pay any more than for a shooter grade gun. Folks have gotten their purchase home only to find significant damage or repair bills ahead. Buyer beware!

Now for the "M" stamp. Is it a modification of some sort? If so, what are the mods? Is it just an inspection? If so, what happens if it fails? If they don't have a remedy for the failure, I'm pretty sure they won't ship a failed gun back to you. Then what are the options? Will they offer you a new gun out of their inventory. A discount on a new gun out of their inventory. None of these options are very attractive to me. On the other hand, do you want a gun that is potentially dangerous?

In your OP, I get the feeling that you've already got red flags going off. Heed your feelings and scrutinize the gun as you've never done before. Bargain diligently, point out all the issues you have found and bid low. Don't worry, even though they may act as if you've insulted then. Oldest trick in the bargaining world. You haven't. Let the other party make a counter offer. Hopefully you'll meet somewhere in the middle. Under no circumstances pay more than you estimate the gun is worth. Be polite, but be prepared to walk away. Walking away always gets their attention. You might get a "hey, wait a minute". Cash in your pocket may turn the bidding in your favor. BTW, IMHO a numberless box is near worthless.

[Tyrod]

Something I forgot. In most cases, the burn ring around the cylinder chambers is the telling tale. I've bought many new S&W revolvers and when S&W test fires new revolvers they only shoot once, maybe twice. So you'll only see 1 or 2 burn rings. If you see more, then it's been more than factory test fired. That makes it used IMHO. So it's not new old stock (nos) or ANIB. Maybe LNIB or worse. It's very difficult to get rid of the entirety of the burn rings on a cylinder. On a blue gun, it's nearly impossible. Anything that will obliterate the burn rings will also wrecks the bluing. So if there are no burn rings or more than a max of 2 burn rings, be suspicious. Use that as a bargaining point.

[cadmike]

IMO don't pay a collectors price for a gun you intend to shoot. Let some other sucker pay $1000 for that 686 just because it comes with a box and appears to be new.

[Kenneth07ex]

Thanks for the input Tyrod. Good point about the burn rings. I'd thought the factory only fired it once or twice, but I'm uncertain on that point. If there's any misrepresentations about condition. Then everything is suspect. And I'll likely pass, unless it gets substantially cheaper. The "M" stamp was because of a recall that was fixed on the next model. So an nib gun wouldn't have it, but if it's not there, that doesn't mean anything. The recall fixed an issue that most owners never experienced. Lots of people still have, and shoot the un modified revolver. As stated above, I have no intention of paying the asking price, but after looking at what other guns have sold for in a 95- 98% condition. I'm expecting him to fix his price at a thousand or just under.

[Double-O-Dave]

Hi Kenneth07ex:

My opinion is that the asking price is way too high. I once owned a 686-0 with 6.0 inch long barrel and it was a very accurate revolver. I currently own a 686-3 with the adjustable front and rear sights, and 6.0 inch long barrel, and it's one of my favorite revolvers. Around here, someone on one of the local gun selling websites had a 686 with 6.0 inch long barrel that he was asking $650.00 for. It sat on the website for several weeks until the seller took it down. From the photos, it appeared to be in very good condition, but it certainly wasn't NIB.

Good luck,

Dave

[regalsc]

Something to think about there is a 6" no dash with the Patrige front sight in like new condition no box on GB. Bid right now is $945 with 2 hours left. I have the exact gun in the same condition including the patrige sight. The price is surprisingly high from the comments on this thread but?

[H Richard]

This thread has gone on too long without a picture.


For those who don't know, the "M" recall for the 686 was for an oversize hammer nose bushing, which would let primers (from hot 125 gr +P 357's) flow back into the bushing hole, and tie up the revolver leaving it unable to cycle to the next round. Not all 686's were affected, but a fix of a new bushing and hammer nose (firing pin) took care of the problem, and S&W will still fix this problem today at no cost. It does not detract from the value of the gun.

[Lordvice]

I am confused maybe not, I have questions I own a 686 6" barrel no dash bought new when they came out. It has the fix "M". Why would a -3 or 4 be better? What are the differences? These days people make all kinds of claims of having a new in the box never fired revolver that is very hard to prove. How can you tell it has never been fired? Why are the shorter barrels more valuable? I prefer 6 " barrels on my revolvers mainly because they are for target shooting. I do have a mod 36 but it is a safe queen and I have never fire it.

[Mehutch]

Pictures, pictures, pictures, here is one of mine.

[41special]

Originally Posted by regalsc

Something to think about there is a 6" no dash with the Patrige front sight in like new condition no box on GB. Bid right now is $945 with 2 hours left. I have the exact gun in the same condition including the patrige sight. The price is surprisingly high from the comments on this thread but?

I sold a pre-lock 686-5 last September for $700 cash, it was LNIB with all the factory papers & the original sales receipt. This gun probably had about 500 rounds down the pipe. It had the 4" bbl & the 7 shot cylinder.


41

[snowman]

Originally Posted by Double-O-Dave

Hi Kenneth07ex:

My opinion is that the asking price is way too high. I once owned a 686-0 with 6.0 inch long barrel and it was a very accurate revolver. I currently own a 686-3 with the adjustable front and rear sights, and 6.0 inch long barrel, and it's one of my favorite revolvers. Around here, someone on one of the local gun selling websites had a 686 with 6.0 inch long barrel that he was asking $650.00 for. It sat on the website for several weeks until the seller took it down. From the photos, it appeared to be in very good condition, but it certainly wasn't NIB.

Good luck,

Dave

I would have to agree with Dave. I would wait, while keeping my eyes on the usual sources, including any shops in your area. Since you're in Texas, I'm guessing that guns like this become available much more often than they do many other places. I would keep looking.

As they say, JMHO.

Regards,
Andy