These are the best pics I could come up with, and I have my own thoughts using the available guides (i.e., Blue Book photo guide). What are your thoughts, and ballpark value? Thanks.

EDIT: "After" pic added. Not sure you can see that much of a difference. It actually looks better in person, but still obviously a much carried gun.

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That would have to be a real bargain to interest me at all. It has been poorly taken care of. The grips sanded off and refinished badly. No telling what condition the internals are in or what has been done to them. Personally I would rate it as poor condition as far as value no way would I put a figure on it without the gun in hand but it would be LOW.

I hear ya. I was thinking maybe 300 bucks.

I would look at it if marked $200, but might not buy if in hand.

If it locks up good and barrel clean and top strap looks good<no flame cut> $375-$400 for a shooter or truck gun. 60%? Looks like it is not beat up and was carried a lot. That would be a good gun to test loads. That is close to my shape.

Two bills tops, but more likely would just walk away from it anyway. Do not waste your money.

That's what I like to hear. I'm still going to take a look at it in person just to see what's what. Usually pics online make it look better than it is, but once in a while you actually find it's better than the pics would lead you to believe. While even in these COVID days you still see a 686 from time to time in these parts, I can only remember ever seeing on other pre-lock 586, and that was pre-COVID.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on it once you inspect it.

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Who watches the watchers?

Pretty rough, $300 tops.

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Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life

To a collector, its about worthless. But, to a shooter, it may be a good deal, depending on the price. If it times and locks up properly, no bulges in the barrel or push off, it would probably make a fine field gun that you don't have to baby.

I am not really up on todays prices, but I would think a finish challenged .357 L frame that was otherwise tight and right is at least a $300 gun all day long for someone who is looking for a user.

Larry

Hows timing lock up? Endshake? I would prob give 3max if it was mechanically sound

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This is the way....

If it was mechanically sound, would make a killer truck gun for $250 to $300.

Have to handle it ........... could be a dog ......... could be a find at low $$$s

It ain't no rose.

That guy lived under a seat or something. I'd give a few hundred bucks for it, as long as it function checked. Probably wouldn't buy it without an in hand inspection.

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Just Say No - To Social Media

I paid $238 for a 3" Baby Chiefs Special that was worse looking than that one, but there are a total of ten (10) 3" Baby Chiefs in the U.S.A. that are known to forum members.

I would have no use for that 586. Too new, and too abused.

Best of luck with your decision.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

If it locks up tight and the barrel isn't trash it should clean up half way decent. You should be able to find a new set of grips that aren't destroyed like the pair on it. If the internals look decent I would see $300-$375 for that. It would make a great truck, tackle box or camping gun. Clean it up and Cerakote it and sell it for $400-500 in today's market.

It has character!

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Life NRA, Life TSRA, C&R FFL

The pictures are not the best, but it looks like the cylinder notches have very little peening. I'm guessing she'll lock up tight, and have the stiff action of a gun shot very little.

I would be in for 300, and might go as high as 400 if I really needed a beater gun.

Offer 250,and learn the refinish/ restoration trade. Do the best job you can

I wouldn't put a condition name or finish percentage on it; I'd call it "moderately to heavily worn" and leave it at that.

As mentioned above, mechanical condition is everything regarding value. Paying $300 or so for it even leaves you room for the factory to redo the finish if its appearance bothers you; the current bluing method will make it look very close to original. Good luck in your decision.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I actually like it. I'm with the "if it's mechanically sound" crowd. If priced right I would buy it and other than a good cleaning I would not change a thing on it. Refinish or cerekote, for heavens sake, no! Let the old man live a little. Take him for a truck ride and a walk in the woods. Let him slay a can, snake, or coyote or two. I have a soft spot for S&W orphans......But that's just me.

Took a chance on it for $300. Gave it a good cleaning and hit it with 0000 steel wool, cold blue, a pass with Mother's, and a couple coats of RenWax. I don't think it could look any better without refinishing, which I'm not going to do. Mechanically sound and gives the impression that the gun was carried a hell of a lot but not shot all that much. (I've only ever picked up one used Smith that had what you might call a "bank vault" lock up, and this one is maybe a tad looser than average, but I didn't do a side by side so tough to say.) Not much evidence of flame cutting or forcing cone erosion. It's a pity, since a little better care over the years would have made it a great find, but of course then it wouldn't have gone for $300. May very well not be a keeper but wanted to give it a try.

Pic posted above as well with original pics for comparision.

BTW it's a no-dash with serial beginning with "AAH," circa 1982, with no "M" stamp.

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You did well at $300. In a gunshop or pawn shop, it would have been considerably higher. I like it. Even with the high amount of wear on it, I can't remember the last time I saw an L Frame of any condition for $300.00!!!!

that would be at least $800 here

Actually, it was a pawn shop. It was priced $400 but the owner of the 4 shops happened to be in at that location, and he sees me as a good and regular customer who he can shoot the breeze with, and he hasn't adopted the "no deals or discounts" b.s. policy of some of his competitors (aka greedy ba5tards). I think he probably had $150 - 200 in the gun so he made a pretty good profit with no effort.

Holy cr4p, really? That can't be. Where are you, roughly speaking? I mean, it's more of a $250 gun here but I was feeling generous.

I think you made an excellent deal at $300, especially after the cleanup.

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Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life

Great find for $300! Its always nice to have a quality gun you can use hard guilt free.

The wear is so even that it looks almost "relic'd" - purposely made to look old. Maybe done to cover or hide some authentic wear. If, as you say, the wear is all cosmetic with little sign of actual shooting, this could be a possibility. We know there are folks around who like the look of aged handguns, calling it the patina of age, and we also know there are factory relic finishes for which you (not me) pay more. Not saying that's the case here but with such even wear over the entire piece it raises the possibility.

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ol' country Jim

Yes, sort of like the "battleworn" Glocks and similar that I used to see frequently a couple years ago. Those crack me up.

I think this one came by its wear honestly, and if it had any dings or significant scratches I wouldn't have bothered, but it doesn't. It was, however, dropped on the rear sight which bent the blade down a bit on the one side. I have a kit but won't replace it unless I figure it's a keeper. I'd say roughly every other "vintage" revolver I've seen has been dropped on the front sight or rear sight or both. At least the rear sight can be fixed easier than a non-replaceable milled-in front, although it's still a PITA.

Just west of Brenham TX, its horrible for used guns.

Yeah, I guess to be "worth" anything you have to find it first.

A couple weeks ago a LGS had a LNIB recent production 586 for $729. Not unreasonable, and I gave it some thought, but I just can't get too excited by the post-lock guns. I do like that the "Classic" line has the square butt and not the round butt Smith insists on putting on everything else, although the wood laminate grips do nothing for me.

Olivehead1, I think it looks pretty darn good seeing your pics in post #23 what with all the clean up/re-blue, etc. you did. I'd be interested to see how she functions/shoots.
Hopefully you can post a range report and let us know.
Good luck, Buckshot Bill