Some 686 questions

[GKC]

I was in my local gun shop tonight, and in fact had just purchased a gun (Colt 1911), and we got to griping about locks on handguns...so the salesman showed me a used 686. It had a 2.5" barrel, hammer mounted firing pin, but not a pinned barrel. (No lock, obviously.) It looked to be in new condition, although the salesman told me they had cleaned it (very well, I might add.) It only had the faintest turn line. It locked up very well, and all respects appeared to be in like new condition. It had the rounded, full butt wood grips like those that come on some of the special editions (like Talo or Lew Horton) with S&W medallions...but I have no idea if they were added or original to the gun. I didn't get the dash/version number, because I wasn't thinking about buying it...but now, I keep thinking about it.

I know I can call tomorrow and get more information on this gun...but with what I have given so far, can anyone render an opinion on the date range of when this gun was made? They have it priced at $650...which to me seems a little high.

Edited to add: with just buying the Colt, and a NIB S&W 908 a couple of days ago, I am out of gun funds right now. I don't have anything I want to trade, except maybe the 908...I do have other 9mm pistols, but as of this moment, I don't have a .357 Mag, and you don't come across these 686s every day...or at least I don't. Neither do you see a NIB 908 either. If I am going to get the 686, I'll have to trade the 908 (and maybe some cash) to get it...and I'm not sure I'd want to do that.

 

[C/O]

The used ones I do see around here usually run about $575, but those are 4 inch models. If you want it get it.

 

[geotech]

Data point: I sold my 686-3, 2.5" (so same as you're looking at) with box, papers, and cleaning kit over the winter, private sale, for $600.

 

[Wheelgunner840]

Take a look in the classifieds on a few forums (including this one) and I think you will find similar guns for around $550. The thing is that once you figure in shipping, you add a bit to the price.


WG840

 

[GKC]

Take a look in the classifieds on a few forums (including this one) and I think you will find similar guns for around $550. The thing is that once you figure in shipping, you add a bit to the price.


WG840

Yeah, there is that...the shipping, I mean...and I have held this one, and can see for myself the condition. The thing is, I just don't think I want to trade my 908...so, as bad as I don't like to do this, I may have to put it on lay-away, and then I'd have 60 days (at this shop) to come up with the funds without having to trade anything.

I need to find out the date of manufacture, to make sure it is after 1989. S&W told me on a previous older revolver that I bought that they wouldn't work on anything before that date. The good thing about this shop is that they give a lifetime warranty on anything they sell (I need to make sure that this applies to used guns) and they have a gun smith onsite.

 

[GKC]

I called today, and it is a 686 - 1. That model is subject to a recall, so I need to check to see if it is stamped with the "M" on the frame. I wonder if S&W will still do the modification at this point, if it hasn't been? The issue was regarding using hot .357 mag loads and some primer "leak" or something to that effect, possibly binding the gun.

I think I want to get the gun. It's the first 2.5" 686 no-lock I've seen in a long time, and it looks to be in great shape.

Any other opinions?

 

[buck460XVR]

I just looked at a new 686 2 1/2'' about a month ago for CCW. My LGS quoted me $690 OTD.....so $650 for a used one seems pretty high. The lock does not bother me, as I have several Smiths with the lock and don't use 'em, don't even notice the hole.

 

[HotRoderX]

I know around my area a 686 no lock will go for a premium. I seen them at gun shops around here between 550-700 bucks just depending on condition. I have also been offered little over 800 for my no Dash 686 (83 manufacture date) by a Older gentlemen at the range.

 

[GKC]

I just looked at a new 686 2 1/2'' about a month ago for CCW. My LGS quoted me $690 OTD.....so $650 for a used one seems pretty high. The lock does not bother me, as I have several Smiths with the lock and don't use 'em, don't even notice the hole.

I know around my area a 686 no lock will go for a premium. I seen them at gun shops around here between 550-700 bucks just depending on condition. I have also been offered little over 800 for my no Dash 686 (83 manufacture date) by a Older gentlemen at the range.

Around here, most of the gun shops have the new model 686s (and not many of those) for $700, more or less. And of those, I have never seen a 2.5" barrel (in the shops I frequent, anyway.) They are all 4" or longer.

The $650 price is probably a little high, but for a 2.5" 686 - 1 in such good condition, it is worth it to me...again, because I just don't come across them.

And I guess I am moving into the "Older" category...not so sure about "gentleman" though.

 

[mes227]

I called today, and it is a 686 - 1. That model is subject to a recall, so I need to check to see if it is stamped with the "M" on the frame. I wonder if S&W will still do the modification at this point, if it hasn't been? The issue was regarding using hot .357 mag loads and some primer "leak" or something to that effect, possibly binding the gun.

Only the early production -1 models (and all no dash) are subject to the recall, so you'd need to check with S&W based on the serial number. I have a 586 no dash and didn't bother with having it modified since it's not a safety issue, I don't use it for CC, and the primer flow problem was related to just a few primers on the market when these were produced, there's no evidence of primer flow problems with modern primers. I've been told by reliable sources that S&W will still do the modification if you want it done.

These are great guns, I'd buy if if I had the cash!

 

[Old Griz]

I does seem a little bit high, however, the 2.5" 686 is one of the most finely balanced guns ever made. It points so naturally, it's like pointing your finger. If you really want it, you won't even think about the price later. You'll just be happy with your gun.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

The L frame series of revolvers never came with a pinned barrel.I think $650 is a least $100 to high.

 

[GKC]

If you really want it, you won't even think about the price later. You'll just be happy with your gun.

That's usually my rationale...and my experience. I tend to think in terms of $100 = eating out twice at a good restaurant, or going to the movies twice. Those are temporary pleasures, and the satisfaction derived from either is short-lived. However, a gun, even if you pay a little more for it, just keeps on giving and giving.

But then, I can usually talk myself into anything I want to do.

 

[Old Griz]

Today on GunsAmerica.com there were four Talo (fancy wood grips) 686s: a 5” for $720, a 3” for $720, a 7” for $720, and a 6” 686 Plus for $670.

Think you did pretty good.

 

[Florida Guy]

About the recall....
I've read that S&W will not only do the recall for free, but pay postage both ways.

 

[Andy Taylor]

If it is not stamped with the M, S&W will do the recall work and ship the gun both ways. As I understand it, hot magnum loads with soft primers can backflow into the FP hole tieing up the gun. It didn't happen with all guns, but S&W will fix all guns at the owner's request. They mark the repaired guns with a letter "M" to donote that it has been repaired.

To me anyway, a 686-1 is worth more than a new S&W anything.

 

[GKC]

I went to the shop today (they are open on Sundays) and got it. It does have the "M" stamping, so it has been repaired/modified as per the recall. It also came with original box, manual, lock, and warranty card. There was no test fired shell envelope, but I don't know if they were included then.

Pics to follow.

 

[Nightowl]

I think you did ok. Especially with the box and stuff. The 2 1/2" barrels are not commonly found and you could spend a lot of money going to gun shows looking for one, more than the slightly elevated price. It seems that about everything I'm looking or is priced above what I wanted to pay. . But, in five years, I will have have the gun and won't worry about the extra $100 I put in the gun. Enjoy.

 

[GKC]

It seems that about everything I'm looking or is priced above what I wanted to pay. .

I think you have stated a universal truth, at least as it has been my experience:

- When I buy something, it is always more than I want to pay, and others buy it for less.

- When I sell something, it is always less than I want to get, and others sell it for more.

 

[C/O]

GKC, now you must post pictures of your find. You can post here or on the 686 picture thread here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/198254-686-picture-thread.html