Went to the local Raleigh NC gun show today. (Actually went yesterday but the line was about 500 deep to get in). Typical of the times. Insane prices, plastic guns, ammo for $1 a round plus.

Then I spied one of the few S&W revolvers at the show. It was on the table of a gun dealer who is a member here and a very knowledgeable S&W collector. It is a four inch Model 686 CS-1.

He had the gun priced at $1150. I'm no expert on these, but it was only the second one I have ever seen. (I walked away from one at the Greensboro, NC show last year at $850 and I've regretted it since). We talked about a trade and I went home and got two third gens that I never warmed up to and we worked a trade that we were both happy with.

And now without further ado:








I've already got the gun but I would like to know what the knowledgeable folks here think the guns is valued at and its collectibility.

Thanks.

Bill

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Bill

I doubt if I would give you that much for it. But the way that the market is right now. It is pretty much a sellers market.

I haven’t seen a CS-1 for UNDER a grand in a while.

Beautiful gun.

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- Post No Bills -

Nice find. Good price I’m sure.

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SWCA 3255 SWHF 615

Hate to say but more than I would have paid..... but I've had a 4" round butt 686 no dash since 1986. But nice gun you can enjoy for the next 20-30 years. Like you i'd be kicking myself for passing on one for $850

IIRC they came with Pachmayr Professional grips not Uncle Mikes.....could be wrong ..... happened once in 1994.

Now a 3" CS-1 ........ maybe... but I had a 3" 586 that always took a back seat to 3" 66s.


All that said nice gun ..... enjoy.

Recent sale

Smith & Wesson S&W 686 CS1 CS-1 Customs Service .357 Magnum Revolver, 1988 - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 880260359

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Sure you did

Never heard of CS revolvers before - learn something here every day.


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Nice gun! I could only dream of owning or even putting my hands on a CS-1

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-Matt

Gunshows are definitely worthwhile, ya just gotta be in the right place at the right time! Glad this one worked out for you!

I don’t know how to include the link but there is a discussion about these on this forum in 2012.

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Patriots Forever!!

Up until 4 months ago I had 2 four inch CS 1's. I sold one then for I believe $650. That is about what I paid for it. I found both of mine at local gun shows. I knew of a third one I have seen several times in the last 6 months.

The key is that the sellers have no idea what they have. I have explained to them what a CS1 is. They don't really seem to care and keep them at the same price. I'm tempted to sell my remining one at these prices. But I have not seen but really want a three inch CS-1. It would go nicely with my 2-66's, 2-65's, 64 and 13 all in three inch.

It always depends on the gunshow. The Raleigh show was always a good one when I lived in NC.

But then, even if it is mostly beef jerky and cheap knives, if you find a gun you want it it is a good show.

I think you should have bought the other one. I don't care what the GB prices are, they're the Mecum auction for guns and just drive the prices up. 4th Ed. Catalog places ANIB value at $750, although that is 4 years ago. Exc. condition value is listed as $550, so the price of the first one you saw is probably about right. But, if you like it, what does it matter how much you gave. I've paid over market for guns I really wanted.

You are right that I should have bought the one for $850. His ask was $1150, with trade I have much less than that invested in it. It was a deal that we both were happy with.

I was just curious as to what the current dollar value and collectibility is.

Have you shot the Model 29?

Bill

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Bill

No, as far as I can tell it hasn't been fired at all, not even S&W test firing. No evidence at all on the cylinder face or the breech that it's been shot. There is a small turn line, but I imagine it's been "played with" a lot over the years. As grimy as the gun was, I figured it would have the telltale burn rings, but if it ever did, someone did a helluva job cleaning them off. If I had proof it has been fired, I'd take it out tomorrow, but until then I'm assuming it hasn't and I'll keep it that way. I have a M57 I shoot a lot, it's close enough for me when I want to drag out the heavy artillery.

I managed to get in contact with the NCHP Academy Armory Supervisor last Fall, he was going to search records to see if he could discover the original owner or any other information on these guns in general. I haven't heard back yet, I suppose another email is in order.

I want to get back down to Wagram soon, see what else they migh have there. I'd love to pick up a M25 in .45 Colt. I just bought a M48-4 .22 Magnum this past week, so I have at least one magnum revolver from the P&R era in each caliber offered.

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I was at the Wagram shop several weeks ago. They have less handguns than I've ever seen. Their revolver stock was very low.

A friend talked to someone in the armory about the guns and was told the records were on paper and he thought they had been purged years ago.

There is a "legend" that the guns were specified to be shipped without being test fired. There have been many arguments about that and most say S&W's lawyers would not have let them leave unfired???

There was a problem with the sideplates "ghosting" and all were sent back to be checked. Many had to have the sideplates replaced so they could have cleaned them up when they were put back together. Just speculation.

Mine looks exactly like yours in that there is zero fouling on the gun.

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Bill

Doesn't surprise me. I was in 3 different gun shops on Saturday, looking for .22 magnum ammo, and all 3 had lines to the counter, with multiple people filling out the forms to buy, and the countertops covered in firearms boxes. it looked like Macey's on Christmas Eve. I actually found one box of 200 rounds of CCI, priced at $80. I bought it.
I suppose that the burn rings might be cleaned off nickel plating with enough effort; Flitz sure worked wonders on all the oxidation and grime on mine when I got it. Stainless is another matter. You get a black halo around the chamber throat that nothing will take off completely. i sure would love to know more about these guns than what is already known. A M29 back in those days was quite something, and to have them offered in a commemorative would have been very special. I once worked with a guy who had been a NC Trooper during those days of 428 Ford and 440 MOPAR patrol cars. He had some great stories to tell. Haven't seen him in close to 40 years, hope he's still around and maybe I should look him up.

Nice Gun!
What’s a Gun Show?
I would love to go to one.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

I would say that it was a bit high for a 4" 686 CS-1 from what I have seen over the years but at todays prices who is to know. I have a 3" CS-1 with box etc and I know that they are going for a lot more than that. I had never seen one and obtained two of them within a few weeks of each other at gun shows. I sold one to a forum member to off set the cost of keeping the other. Should have kept both in retrospect.

Very nice find. I saw one sell lately for $1,000 + locally. I started to go to the Dixie show, but I heard the line was ridiculous. There is a show this coming weekend here in Wilmington. Hopefully there will be something to look at.

Saw one at the gun show today. Didn't know what the CS-1 stands for, still don't know as the seller had no Idea. Priced at $749.95. Caliber didn't start with a 4 so I left it.

WCCPHD, How crazy was the show. Were people wearing masks. Did they have any limitations on the number of folks allowed in or was it a usual pre covid show, elbow to elbow? Maybe after I get the vax I might try a big Ral show but not now. Glad you found a gem.

Wife bought an CS-1 in the mid 1980’s, for $350.00 OTD.
She shot it very little, being an L frame it was too front end heavy for her, for me too. I never really cared for the L Frame. Nice guns, just doesn’t suit me.
She sold it 9 years ago for $1000.00 including shipping.
I love my 3” 65-5, I find it has a better balance for me.

I bought a CS-1 when they first hit the market (4" barrel). It has been one of the best revolvers I have ever owned (and I have owned a pile). I do not consider myself a collector but a SHOOTER. My scores with the CS-1 were elevated from the first shot I fired. I have used mine in the field for years and it is a dandy. I LOVE the barrel heavy feeling. My holds are much steadier with a barrel heavy revolver than they are with a light front end. Maybe, that's just me, but that's my call.

I consider it a true treasure. In fact, it shot so well for me, that the next couple of gun shows I looked and found a 6" 686 and took that one home too (it was a like new estate gun and was priced quite reasonable).

FWIW
Dale53

I used to live in Ohio, and frequented the local shows. Probably at least a quarter of my Smiths came from there. Pre Covid. Bought stocks there, brass, and some WONDERFUL JERKY! Bob

Bill, you always seem to do much better when I’m not with you.
Strange how that happens.

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Sure you did

If I ever want a cheesy knife, roasted nuts, or conspiracy theory books I know where to go.

Appropriately priced firearms, I know where not to go.

Forgot scented candles and home made jewelry.

We are good at talking each other out of buying. I have no willpower on my own.

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Bill

It's only too much if you regret paying that for it. Other wise, enjoy your new "heater."

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

I sold this LNIB 686 no-dash about a year ago for $1000. Box and papers included.

It might go for more today.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

I've never been to a gun show.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

Chinese made “military style” clothing and backpacks here.
This year I will skip the $.50/primer sellers.

I have gone to shows on and off for decades and very worn gear and firearms priced higher then my LGS sells them for is all I end up seeing. So great for those that find deals.

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balin
NRA Life Member

What does CS mean ?

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I like Ike.

CS stands for Customs Service


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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

Thanks. I would not have figured that out

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I like Ike.

Well, based on a gunbroker sale last night I got a good deal. A CS-1 in the box with tools brought $1928. This gun appears to be in similar condition to the one I traded for, but did have the tool bag included.

At least four bidders thought it was worth over the $1150 asking price for mine. (Based on trade, I don't have that much in it).

S&W 4" SS MOD 686 NO DASH CS-1 CUSTOMS SERVICE ORIG BOX PAPERS & TOOLS - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 889245197

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Bill

Proof, you never know what you’re going to find amongst the CBD oil vendors.

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Sure you did

I need somebody like that to make me keep my hands (and my money) in my pockets when I go to a show.

I have willpower; it's that little voice in my head that says, "If you pick up that gun, you WILL buy it".