Now that I picked up a 686-4, I'm considering another 686 at a LGS. It's a no dash for $600, probably 85-90% (not sure about rating these things), 4", what appear to be aftermarket wood grips. The thing that bothers me is that on the right side seam where the sideplate meets the frame, up towards the trigger and behind the cylinder, there's a tiny ding, as though someone had to pry off the plate with a little screwdriver or something after pulling it up part way. The two screws holding on the sideplate are a bit buggered up as well. Obviously someone has been in there to do whatever. The action of the gun seems fine, however. Question is, considering that I could probably pick this gun up for $600 OTD, would it be worth it?
Thanks for any info.
p.s. No indication ("M" stamp) that it was sent back to Smith for upgrade.

You are not painting a rosey picture of it condition wise. Wrong stocks, condition%. Personally, if you are not in love with it, start at $500 or so. What is the worst thing that can happen? Keep us posted. Bob

I'd be OK with the price if the condition was better, as is I'd be looking to get it at $500 too.

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K & N S&W revolvers

If the screw heads and sideplate are a mess, no telling what's on the inside. I wouldn't buy it. There are plenty of no dash 686's out there. Keep looking.

I think I would pass on what could be Bubba's gun.

Thanks everyone for the advice. Knowing this LGS, if the boss has it priced at $600 he ain't gonna let it go for $500. He really likes his inventory. I think I'll pass.

These guys are generally not ignorant on value/pricing, and there may be a reason it's priced where it is. Buggered up on the outside as well??? Who knows what is on the inside? Make the deal, IF it passes an independent smiths inspection?

Proceed with caution!
Don't sound like that good a price for this Gun to me.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

Are you familiar with checking out a revolver? Push off, end shake, lock up? If so AND the shop will remove the side plate for your inspection, AND you could test fire it, possibly you could make a deal. Without those things, it's a pig in a poke.

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Just Say No - To Social Media

Years back (mid 70s) I needed a 2''.38 for the "off duty" PPC shooting at my club. Finding a good Smith in that era was almost impossible. Was down to my LGS and in the case was a beat up Model 15. It was a cops gun and it and the cop went down a flight of stairs.
Dealer wanted to get rid of it and offered me (a good customer there) a very good price.

I examined it close & I told him if he let pull the side plate and it was good inside we have a deal. Pulled the plate and it was good & the deal was made. Stocks were awful but even on a new gun I would have put Pacs on it. It shot real good, had a decent trigger pull which I made a bit better and replaced the beat up rear sight blade. Won my share of matches, carried it as a CCW for a few months and it still has a home in my safe.

So OP if you can get the price down a bit, you just might have a decent shooter. Sometimes you cannot judge a book by its cover

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

What about a 4" 686-3 in about 90-95% condition for $700 OTD? It has on it what look like Pachmayr grips, but didn't some of these back then come with those grips from the factory?

Sounds better!
Just like most everybody else, I always to buy as low as possible.
But I will pay more for a better gun!
Problem guns are best avoided. (You don't really need to ask me how I know that. Ok! I did buy a 686 with a K Frame sideplate.)
Quality guns stand the test of time, increase in value, and are a pleasure to own.

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