Hello All,
Considering purchasing a 4" 686 No Dash, at LGS. Excellent condition, look to be original target grips, no box, no dox. There is no "M" over stamp.
What is a fair price?
Is it safe to shoot, without the recall work?
Is Smith and Wesson still doing the recall mods?

Thank you much, for any replies.
George

It would bring 650-700 in my neck of the woods. I have several and they are safe to shoot. I believe Smith will do the modification but I wouldnt and havent sent a couple of mine in. It is a nice solid revolver to carry and shoot.

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J. Mark McCarver

The modification was not needed on every one, it was the 125 +P that caused the problem. If you stick with 158 gr normal magnums, you probably won't have a problem. If you do, I understand they still honor the recall.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Agree with J. Mark on approximate value. We are close to the same neck of the woods.

I have read so many comment on the M modification. My -1 was already stamped when I got it as a LE trade-in from Memphis, TN. I think it hardly matters, but some seem to think it adds to rarity.

My no-dash 686, which I bought when they first came out, locked up on Federal factory .357 ammo, including the 158gr HP. The primers flowed back into the firing pin hole. Mine was modified by the factory using the bushing and firing pin which became standard in later production. Perfect performance ever since. My -4 came with the same bushing and firing pin as used in the M mod.


A LOT of malarkey has been circulated about the 686 initial problem, which only involved soft primers flowing back in .357 loads, period.

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Science plus Art

It depends on market, I agree on the 600-700, but I purchased mine three years ago before everything about the 2nd amendment started for $325.00, from LGS, and he was happy to get that.

Without the box, I'd say $475 - $600 range. Around here it's a $550 gun all day long.

I picked up a dash 1 for 550.
Walt

Thanks, guys!

I just sent my 686-1 4" to S&W after reading the recall post here in the forum. I bought mine a few years ago for $600 and really like it. Never had any lockup problems but wanted to get it fixed for free. They have been very responsive with multiple emails...it's on it's way back after only 4 weeks which I feel is GREAT turn around time.

I got my 4" 686 when they first came out. I carried on duty for several years and was dept training officer. I've put several thousand rounds through this gun, all favors of .357 mags & .38 Spls. I've never had a single problem related to the recall. Won't ever send it in for the mod. I still have it with original box, papers, tools and original stocks. I wouldn't sell mine for $1000!
Maybe $1001

While I don't need any more guns, a 686 4" is my next gun.

I paid $850 for my 4 in 686 No Dash. It had box, accessories, etc. though. Still overpaid, but didn't care since it was like new condition (less a cylinder stop issue I've described in another post and 38 special crud ring that was fossilized). New 686's here go for about that and I like the hammer mounted firing pin, forged parts and surface finish more than the new ones.

$700 would be the top end of how high I think I would go.

Arguably the greatest .357 Magnum ever made.

Just as good as any Python for a third of the price.

Condition is everything. In good shape that gun with no box, tools etc. would go for 650-750 in my neck of the woods.

As far as the recall, that's a personal choice. Some say they've had no issue, some say they've had the gun lock up. If you'll be using it at the range, eh, whatever. Not a big deal to tap the primer back out of the bushing with a small punch when you go home to unlock it. If you're going to carry it, get it done.Better safe than sorry.

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1st smiles,lies.Last,gunfire.

Just got my 686 no dash back from S&W custmer service yesterday. They repaired it and got it sent back in just 15 business days! Wow, that's great turn-around service. The repair work documentation had an item listed as 'Ghost Material'? Has anyone else seen this and what does it mean?