came across a smith model 686 with a 6" barrel for sale, asking price $700. looks to be in good shape, the serial # ADWXXXX.
any opinions?
I've just recently started to collect revolvers and not sure of the differences within the models.

sorry, I know how important pics are, but I cant seem to upload any pics. I'm not to computer savey I guess. I will keep working on it.

bryce

I'm getting better at this computer stuff!

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	smith 686.jpg (131.9 KB, 119 views)

I have a 4” and a 6” model 686 . I like the longer sight picture of the 6” so I probably shoot it twice as much .

B Smith, I'm not up on prices, but that appears to be a clean example. Likely a 1984 production no-dash gun according to my SCSW. It may have an "M" stamp on the frame when the crane is opened, if it went back for the hammer nose bushing modification. Only the no-dash and -1 guns were sometimes affected by this issue. I'm not at all surprised by the $700.00 asking price for a clean, no-lock, no MIM, early 686. I admit I'm a long time fan of the L-Frames, carried one on duty for several years, owned several, still have one and might pay more than others for a clean early gun were I in the market..

My early 586 no-dash did have to go back for the "M" modification due to some .357 primers flowing back into the breech face firing pin hole and tying up the cylinder. I had another no-dash gun that had not tied up yet, but sent it back for the modification just as a preventative measure.

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NRA Life, COTEP 640

I like my 45Colt, 44Rem Mags, and 44S&W Specials.

My Circa '93 S&W 686-3 357Rem Mag 6-1/2"Bbl holds a special
place. The frame size is nice, the trigger is very nice, and it is
very accurate. Always in my Range Bag Rotation.

Excellent Revolver, accept no substitute.

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SD social distanc'n since 1889

Last year I would have said that's a little high for a no box/paperwork/tools gun, but TODAY that sounds about right.

Seven hundred is a reasonable price for a very nice 686, no dash. They are very well made, shoot well and last forever. I probably have nearly 100K rounds through my 586, almost all .38s, and it is still going strong, except not so pretty as when it was new.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

If you don't decide to pick it up at that price someone else will be along shortly and take it. Not a great deal, but it is the going rate. The M stamp is not a show stopper, just something to be aware of. S&W is still ding the mods if you wanted to send it back. In my opinion, they are some of the best pistols made. Have multiple 5 and 6 86's in multiple barrel lengths. The 4" and snubbies command even higher prices.

nice, like it was said, on of the best revolvers ever made by anyone. You could not get that a $ cheaper in this market. Enjoy.

The difference: All Smiths want to be L-frames.

Nice gun, nice price, I would suck that one up.

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U.S. Coast Guard, retired CPO

If you look at the completed auctions of used 686 models ( standard production, 6") on gunbroker.com (guns that were actually sold), almost all of the prices were well above $700. What you want to pay for a gun or think its worth are sometimes at odds with reality.

great info! was hoping to hear that everyone felt that its a fair price, I really wanted to get it. I bought a 38 S&W spl earlier this year and was immediately taken with revolvers so I've been keeping an eye for deals and everyone is right to say we are in strange times and demand is high.

they sent me 1 more pic. don't care for the holster much but I'm assuming this is the original case. I'm going to look at it in person in a couple days.

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100% for certain, that is not the original case. These came in a one-piece flip-top blue cardboard box.

If all the details look right and it’s not torn up, beat up or out of time, it is a solid buy at $700 and a fantastic workhorse of a revolver. The black plastic box is likely MTM, it has no dollar value and the holster is probably Uncle Mike’s and it has less dollar value than the case.

Inspection in person always preferred.
Do you got a Revolver Romeo who can go with you?

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

686s are great guns. Just before the covid hit I got a terrific deal on a 686-4. I shot it as soon as I could (had to wait for the range to open) and it's a keeper. I just bought a 4" 686-4 today--factory rubber grips and the box and papers. The bonus is the Spegel grips--Macassar ebony, nice! A few small scratches on the grips but that's ok--this won't be a safe queen and I won't feel bad about shooting it with the Spegels on. I can't wait to shoot it!

Buy it, you'll love it and the money won't matter after a little while. All of my "keepers" are priceless--I won't sell them!

In my neck of the woods,there is no way anybody would offer that revolver for so cheap!
Have fun with it!

Great revolver Great price I have a 4" 686 and a 4" 586

actually my brother is the one who found the deal. he wanted to buy it but he wasn't in a position to get it, so he offered it to me.
the gun is in GA and I live in Portland, Oregon. the seller is someone he's done business before. the bad thing is I'll have to wait a few months before I can actually fire a few rounds.