S&W has a terrific customer service reputation and an often generous approach to their Lifetime Service Policy. Couple this with the large number of models and model variations the have to find time make and there will be popular versions of these where S&W just can't keep up with demand. The four-inch 617P is a great example where used ones often sold for more than new ones.

Snubby 686Ps at a well known internet sales site are currently out of stock had been selling for $703 factory new and delivered, Here's my track on that model:

Smith & Wesson 686-6 Plus 2-1/2 in barrel. Revolver in .357 Magnum,.38 Special, Plus P. Blue Book of Gun Values (35th Edition) indicates between $350 in 95% condition and $615 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 112 recorded prices for this model gun from $350 to $900 over a period of 10 Yrs 7 Mos ending January 26, 2015. The average price as of that date was $570. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $849.

The last 11 prices I have for this model since 1/1/2014 range from $599 to $875 averaging $734. See what I mean?

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Bob