28-2 or 686-4

[Jdavis]

686 guns are easy to find while a 28 is no longer in production. The 27-2 is the jewel of the S&W line and to find a decent one for $500 is a great bargain. You would be wise to buy the 27-2 or the 28-2 because their value will only increase and the quality of those fine gun exceeds any thing in production today.

 

[BAM-BAM]

All three for $1500......... you're saving at least $500 more likely closer to $900-1000 in my market.

 

[steamloco76]

Now that there is a 27-2 in the mix you've complicated things for yourself! The Model 27 is the only Smith with a checkered top strap and rear sight, fine old school craftsmanship you won't find today. If the 27-2 is in decent condition it is a total steal at $500.
I'm with the buy the three for $1500 crowd, and until last year, I'd have done it, now I would have to choose only one, and it would likely be the Model-27.

 

[caleb4387]

27 over 28 28 over 686

 

[caleb4387]

Ask yourself a couple of questions: Am I ever going to want an optical sight? Am I buying it for pleasure and future value increase, or just to own and shoot? Which feels more comfortable in your hand?

If you might want optics and want a great shooter for a long time, buy the 686-4 IF it feels right. No optics in the future-go with the 28-2 as they are taking off in value. I've owned both in four and six inch versions. I'm partial to the 586/686 .357's because they are the perfect size and weight for the cartridge.

Why the 686 for optics?

 

[Voyager28]

In 686 land the -4 is, IMHO, the very best of breed. If I knew where it was I'd beat you to it.

Bob

 

[DD357]

The 27 in a heartbeat.

 

[MajorD]

Perhaps throbs an offer of 1400 for all three?
If you can only afford one consider this:
I agree with posters who find the smaller k or l frame more comfortable in the hand, I had several n frames but never shot them as well as the smaller frames.
I do not know about you but I detest stainless so for me 28. Others like the rust resistance of stainless ( I do not agree even in high humidity I have not had a blued gun rust)
It is a bit easier to find grips holsters and speedloaders for the L frame if that is important.

 

[Xycod]

I ended up getting 2 of the 3. The 28-2 and 686. The 27 wasn't in as good as shape as the 28 but it's still a good buy. This same guy gets the most older stuff I see around here, he had a mint 27-2 nickel for 650 and a 2.5 inch 66-2 for 350 a few mts ago, both mint. I bought the 66 but wish now I would have bought the 27-2 he had. I would post a few pics if I knew how.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Both are 4 inch guns and show no flame cutting or timing issues. Same guy has a 27-2 6 inch blue model for the same price, it's n decent condition but has a considerable flame cut.

I'd be spending $1500.

 

[dmar]

I ended up getting 2 of the 3. The 28-2 and 686. The 27 wasn't in as good as shape as the 28 but it's still a good buy. This same guy gets the most older stuff I see around here, he had a mint 27-2 nickel for 650 and a 2.5 inch 66-2 for 350 a few mts ago, both mint. I bought the 66 but wish now I would have bought the 27-2 he had. I would post a few pics if I knew how.

Wow, I want to live in your town! A mint 66-2 snubby for $350, really...?! I would have snapped that up in a second! A mint nickel 27-2 for $650; good stuff. That said, congratulations, and you picked 'em how I would have picked them. I always consider condition first.

I own a 28-2, a 686, and three 27-2s. Given the same condition, I'd chose the 28 over the 686 (and I really like the 686...). For the same price and condition, it's a no-brainer to choose the 27-2 over the 28-2, but in your case, the 27-2 sounds like it was just in shooter-grade condition, so I think you chose wisely. Still a good deal on the 27, but the 28 sounds nicer. Just keep your eye out for a nice 27, it'll come your way...

Again, congrats, and enjoy!

 

[Engine49guy]

Obvious answer was get both,
Wondering if the 686-4 is a 6 or 7 shot and is it a SB or RB frame ?

IMO a 7 shot 686 gets a premium over a 70's era N prefix 28-2 but not all 28's are created equal in value.

A 28-2 with the S serial prefix and diamond Magnas or targets gets a premium over later N serial prefix guns with non diamond stocks.
A 28-1 or earlier 4 or 5 screw gun gets the bigger premium over all the above .

 

[Mickey D]

Wow, I didn't know there was internet in Heaven.

Very well played!

 

[Xycod]

I stopped by the shop again today and I know this isn't the place, but have any of u guys ever heard of a Colt sist 1911. He has one in great condition. It says 1927 on the slide. I took a handfull of pics. Are these old guns worth much.

 

[Dillyp]

Where the hell do you live?

 

[Tom_R]

Where the hell do you live?

We might be better off asking when he lives.

These prices are about 10 years old.

 

[JohnRippert]

I stopped by the shop again today and I know this isn't the place, but have any of u guys ever heard of a Colt sist 1911. He has one in great condition. It says 1927 on the slide. I took a handfull of pics. Are these old guns worth much.

That is a Argentine manufactured 1911 made on machinery they got from Colt. Heavily buffed and refinished frame so I expect the whole pistol was refinished. I would call it a $300-350 gun. If that was original finish and condition it would be more of a $600-700 gun.

 

[BigBill]

M28 first choice, m27 too? Buy both n frames. I prefer n frames. Check the gun for sale sights online these South American colt 1911's have gone up in price a lot.

 

[Nasty Ned]

Buy them all and sell the one or ones you like the least. That's my vote.

Best of luck. Don't wait too long and miss them all.

 

[Tom_R]

I stopped by the shop again today and I know this isn't the place, but have any of u guys ever heard of a Colt sist 1911. He has one in great condition. It says 1927 on the slide. I took a handfull of pics. Are these old guns worth much.

That is a Colt Sistema. They were made in Argentina, but it is a Colt for all intents and purposes.