S&W 686-4 4" Price Check?

[Basher42]

Long time lurker here, looking at possbily taking the pistol below in as a partial trade, but as much as I've lusted after a 686, I'm no expert on assigning a value to them. As such, any help you fine folks can offer would be most appreciate!

The current owner got it as a trade as well and has limited experience with it. He says lockup is tight and the action feels smooth, and that he averages 2" groups at 15 yards with factory .38SPCL through it. Obviously, without seeing it in person (he's not local, but is an established member on another forum with a solid feedback history), it's hard to get a good idea of condition.

But without further adieu, the photos!



























If necessary, these can be enlarged for detail. But it does show some obvious use. That having been said, it looks to be in good shape, overall. I'd make an educated guess at $650 plus shipping, as it doesn't include the original box or papers (well, no box or papers at all, actually), nor any original grips, just the Houges pictured. But I'm absolutely open to suggestions. Thanks in advance!

[asphaltdave]

That gun would be worth $600 - $650 in my area.

[Jerryatric3]

Thinking more like $750 or $800 around here. Many say the -4 is the one to have......

[Basher42]

If it helps, this is what I have that he wants to trade it towards:



A now discontinued and rare CZ550 Satin Lux in .308WIN. I'm selling the rifle a) because it's too gorgeous to use (I have other rifles better suited for banging around the brush), b) I'm not actively hunting now and won't likely have time to do so for awhile, and c) I could use the cash. In my mind, trades carry a lower value than cash, as I'd rather sell outright, but also want to make a respectful and honest deal. I'm not sure if that changes anyone's value, but that's the "whole picture."

[black1970]

Any money you get to boot is gravy. The Smith will go up in value over time. The rifle not so much. 686 is worth at least 600. In 5 years it will bring 1000. There is no ceiling on no lock Smiths.

[IAhunter]

I'd say that one is worth $650 around these parts.

Did he say if that 2" group at 15 yards was standing off-hand? My 686 no dash will shoot right at an 1" off of a sandbag rest with the right hand load when I do my part.

[357 shooter]

Originally Posted by Basher42

nor any original grips, just the Houges pictured.

I bought one of my 686-4s brand new in 1994 and the rubber Hogues were the original factory supplied grips.

[llowry61]

That smith will be worth more down the road. 650 in trade would be a fair deal to both parties. You might be able to get a bit more from someone who really wants that rifle. Good luck to you. The -4 4" is generally considered the best of the engineering changes and barrel lengths which makes it a preferred gun.

[StakeOut]

If the 4" 686-4 6 shot is in unaltered condition,with correct timing and tight lockup but without the original box and papers then IMO the $750 price is fair.

The short barrel 686-4 in 6 and 7 shot are the hardest to find in original unaltered condition and are the most in demand.

Most of the 686-4 shipped with S&W logo Hogue rubber grips but a few were shipped with finger grooved wood combats with silver colored washers/combat trigger and RR front sight.

[schutz5]

$650 is righteous.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[atx357]

A few months back I sold one with nicer wood grips for a little over $600.

[OLDSTER]

The 686-4 is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the 686 line. A nice one around here is in the $675 to $700 range.

[rwsmith]

4" barrel is a primo buy. And it looks like it hasn't been used much, much less abused. $650 to $750.

Even if you pay a premium, I think that buyer's remorse would be very mild and short lived. Like until you take it to the range first time.

I love my no dash, 6" like nobody's business.

Just a personal impression. This was one of the last guns that incorporated more engineering improvements than 'fixes' or cost cutting measures.

[Basher42]

We reached a trade value of $700 plus cash on his end to make up the difference for the rifle. I would have liked $600 better, but I'm sure I won't regret the deal. I've wanted a 686 for many moons, and it being a -4 is just icing on the cake!

[kraynky]

It's a $650-$700 gun here as well. You did alright. It's probably $750 $800 gun next year. There are no more pre-locks. Enjoy it!

[apollo99]

when you are trading it's not about price alone, It's about how much you can get from the guy along with the revolver. I would say your Rifle is worth about $1000 the revolver is worth $650, Any thing over the $350 difference is a good deal for you. That is a nice rifle , don't sell your self short on it.

[Triathloncoach]

Your rifle is worth at least $250 more

[Mehutch]

I would stand in line all day to buy that S&W 686. It is a great buy and will only go up in value. I don't care about boxes and papers, so what. But that no lock generation is the real value. I bought this one for $650 and I can't stop smiling at it. Be happy, shoot it heaps, clean, repeat.


It's the one to have, it's the one to shoot.