Keep or Sell Brand New 1980s SW 357/686 "NO Dash" Revolver

[kbm6893]

Yes, of course I opened the box to check out
what weighed so much inside.
Now it appears to be good enough to keep NIB after reading
above comments. But, I want to see if it is worth selling
or auctioning or just keep it. I noticed used shorter barreled
"no dash" 686's being sold for $1200 to $2500.
And, I noticed many, many discussions and videos
that stated the 6-inch barrels are the longest made.
So, will see if selling vs shooting is best. Cheers

The short barrels always go for more. Check out auctions on gunbroker to get a feel for value, but I'm sure some here would be able to give you a good estimate. For me, I wouldn't spend more than $1000 and that would be high. Then again, I wouldn't spend the $1200 or more for a snub version, either.

I did trade an excellent 686 snub like 7 years ago on this very forum. I'm embarrassed to say what I traded it for, but the trade offer lasted about 10 minutes on the board here before I got an eager offer. I knew I was getting the worse end of the deal but I wanted the other item at the time. Incidentally, I don't own the gun I traded it for anymore, but I DO miss that 686. It must have been a no dash because I recall it had the M stamp in the frame. It also came with S&W Combat grips, which were probably worth $200 by themselves.

Bottom line, don't sell a vintage gun like a NIB unfired 686, regardless of barrel length, for ANY more modern firearm. Once it is gone, you'll never get it back.

 

[rwsmith]

Button on the left......

...behind the cylinder. Push it toward the cylinder and push the cylinder from the other side.

When it opens, right above the hinge will uncover the model number.

Since it's NIB I doubt that it will have the 'M' stamp after the model number that indicates that it has been sent back to the factory for recall involving the cylinder locking up under heavy loads with soft primers.

I have one. I traded a model 10 on it. Now I'm getting another model 10. That is a gun that I would be looking to buy much more than selling it.

Beautiful gun, thanks for sharing.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Toppscore, welcome, that is as good of a handgun as there is fot as any task except for concealed carry. Six shots of 357 is nothing to sneeze at. The number of civilian firearm shootouts requiring more than a few rounds are RARE. If you are looking at unlikely home defense against numerous attackers without a lot of defense practice, you really need a shotgun. I would guess most folks here have a 12 gauqe pump shotgun. Mine is a Remington 870. They are not expensive.

 

[lrrifleman]

Toppscore,

First, welcome to the forum from the Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey!

Please, allow me to muddy the waters. First, when you purchased this revolver over thirty years ago, you wanted the "biggest, baddest revolver". Has that desire been quenched? In over forty years of gun ownership, I have sold a few long guns, but never a handgun. I will presume that like New Jersey, it can be difficult to get the requisite permission to own a handgun.

Unlike you, I currently don't have a roster of acceptable handguns that I am limited to when it comes to purchasing a "new to me" handgun. I would strongly suggest that you look at what handguns are available to you that have made it on the roster that interest you? Does any of those on the roster "speak to you" like this revolver when you bought it thirty plus years ago, when it proclaimed itself the "biggest and baddest revolver"?

Unlike others here, I tend to purchase handguns that I will (and do) shoot. I would not hesitate to shoot your revolver, you might actually find a shooting game that you like that this revolver excels at. If you can afford to purchase another handgun, I would definitely keep this one and invest in something a bit better suited to today's defensive demands that is on roster. In many respects, I would view the sale of this revolver to get something a little bit better suited to defense as a step down.

 

[kbm6893]

Toppscore,

First, welcome to the forum from the Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey!

Please, allow me to muddy the waters. First, when you purchased this revolver over thirty years ago, you wanted the "biggest, baddest revolver". Has that desire been quenched? In over forty years of gun ownership, I have sold a few long guns, but never a handgun. I will presume that like New Jersey, it can be difficult to get the requisite permission to own a handgun.

Unlike you, I currently don't have a roster of acceptable handguns that I am limited to when it comes to purchasing a "new to me" handgun. I would strongly suggest that you look at what handguns are available to you that have made it on the roster that interest you? Does any of those on the roster "speak to you" like this revolver when you bought it thirty plus years ago, when it proclaimed itself the "biggest and baddest revolver"?

Unlike others here, I tend to purchase handguns that I will (and do) shoot. I would not hesitate to shoot your revolver, you might actually find a shooting game that you like that this revolver excels at. If you can afford to purchase another handgun, I would definitely keep this one and invest in something a bit better suited to today's defensive demands that is on roster. In many respects, I would view the sale of this revolver to get something a little bit better suited to defense as a step down.

It is definitely a step down to sell the 686 to get some modern self defense pistol. Although prices are stupid right now, you can still get a modern polymer semi auto for $500 or less. Selling the 686 to pay for the new gun and you'd no longer have such a classic weapon and you'd forget what you spent the $500 profit you made on.

I have several modern pistols. But even when my kids were very young(and they're still pretty young) they would look at my guns in the safe and be immediately drawn to the classic revolvers over the plastic pistols. I couldn't imagine passing down a Glock to my children. It would be like passing down a toilet plunger. "Here, son. This has cleared many a toilet and served me well. It's yours now. Use it well".

 

[LCC]

uh, think a bit of trolling go on...as in, pls tell me how much I can sell my gun to you for..lol

 

[Toppscore]

The short barrels always go for more. Check out auctions on gunbroker to get a feel for value, but I'm sure some here would be able to give you a good estimate. For me, I wouldn't spend more than $1000 and that would be high. Then again, I wouldn't spend the $1200 or more for a snub version, either.

I did trade an excellent 686 snub like 7 years ago on this very forum. I'm embarrassed to say what I traded it for, but the trade offer lasted about 10 minutes on the board here before I got an eager offer. I knew I was getting the worse end of the deal but I wanted the other item at the time. Incidentally, I don't own the gun I traded it for anymore, but I DO miss that 686. It must have been a no dash because I recall it had the M stamp in the frame. It also came with S&W Combat grips, which were probably worth $200 by themselves.

Bottom line, don't sell a vintage gun like a NIB unfired 686, regardless of barrel length, for ANY more modern firearm. Once it is gone, you'll never get it back.

Thank for your share and ideas. I won't sell it now in a depressed market, but will call around to see what some experts think. I did check out two auction sites to get an idea. Again, very interesting that many videos and online comments do not know about the 8-3/8" 686 barrels ~ as they clearly state the 6" barrel is the longest. Others state the the 8-3/8 is a valuable accurate competition revolver. Other ratings rank the 686 revolver and the Taurus Judge revolver as the two finest most desired revolvers. Interesting and fun to research. Cheers

 

[Toppscore]

I don't think this has been mentioned...

Assuming you were at least 21 when you bought that beautiful gun, you're at least into your 50's. I'm not sure about you, but as I've aged, the amount of time I can spend shooting a long-barreled heavy gun has become limited. I just can't hold a heavy gun at arms length too long.

That gun would be amazing to shoot and with 38 Special loads, it should be a cream puff. But, you mentioned you want to learn how to shoot. I'm not convinced that gun would be your best choice. If you hold that gun at arms length for a good while, how do your arms feel? Learning to shoot is gonna mean a lot of shooting.
In your shoes, I'd put it back in the box, back in the safe (you have one, right?) AND buy a "shooter". YMMV

Thanks for the good thought regarding weight at arms length. I hope I could hold it for six shots. But, will see. I've time before going to a range and rent some guns to shoot. At least apparently this 686 has high NIB value as is. Looking for a 45acp full sized 5" barrel 10 shot CA legal gun ~ which is fun research in itself.

Anybody live in Nevada? Gun laws better there?
I read the CA gun laws end January 1st 2021 in five months.
Will CA be more strict? Will more guns be banned?
Maybe best to purchase before then?
Eventually will move to Nevada so procuring a gun
that is legal in both states is a big consideration.

 

[Toppscore]

Welcome from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
As noted previously, your 686 is not a self defense gun. Learn to shoot, decide on a gun for self defense and then decide on what to do with your 686. But if you need the money to purchase the self defense gun the decision is much easier.

Thanks, Virginia! I see myself as a occasional gun range shooter, not a competition shooter. I envision owning a Ruger 22, 357 revolver, 45acp pistol and a shotgun. Have some fun. Be able to defend myself against intruders. Be competent with gun safety, gun mechanical understanding and proper shooting posture. Also, I see myself buying Smith and Wessons as most all gun manufacturers make good products that'll fit the bill. I like our forum. Cheers

 

[Toppscore]

...behind the cylinder. Push it toward the cylinder and push the cylinder from the other side.

When it opens, right above the hinge will uncover the model number.

Since it's NIB I doubt that it will have the 'M' stamp after the model number that indicates that it has been sent back to the factory for recall involving the cylinder locking up under heavy loads with soft primers.

I have one. I traded a model 10 on it. Now I'm getting another model 10. That is a gun that I would be looking to buy much more than selling it. Beautiful gun, thanks for sharing.

Hi. I added photos of the gun, box end and various serial numbers. Do you see the five photos? I added them the next day after original post. Not sure who can see what. Obviously no M stamp as it is still in the box.

question: you own a model 686 and a model 10 . . . .
which is the gun you'd rather buy than sell?
Also, which do you like more, the 686 or the 10?

 

[Toppscore]

Toppscore, welcome, that is as good of a handgun as there is fot as any task except for concealed carry. Six shots of 357 is nothing to sneeze at. The number of civilian firearm shootouts requiring more than a few rounds are RARE. If you are looking at unlikely home defense against numerous attackers without a lot of defense practice, you really need a shotgun. I would guess most folks here have a 12 gauqe pump shotgun. Mine is a Remington 870. They are not expensive.

Yes. I've been investigating guns. I see owning four (with/without this 357/686 8-3/8" barrel revolver):
Ruger 22, 357 magnum revolver, 45acp semi-automatic, shotgun.
Apparently good guns with cheap ammo, readily available parts and accessories. Cheers

 

[Toppscore]

uh, think a bit of trolling go on...as in, pls tell me how much I can sell my gun to you for..lol

Let me know where to get an honest value?
Otherwise, just having fun from a simple inquiry request
that's generated many great suggestions and ideas.
Many comments have opened up ways for me to have
guns in my life. California appears to be a land mind of
rules and regulations. 686 8-3/8" may be too much gun for me.
Selling it now or waiting. I was offered a Sig P220 in trade?
Then a used 1911 in trade?? So, best I investigate responsibly
and answer all forum comments as respect to this S&W Forum.
I intend to stay and grow. Accomplished quite a bit in a few days.
Cheers

 

[Toppscore]

Toppscore,

First, welcome to the forum from the Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey!

Please, allow me to muddy the waters. First, when you purchased this revolver over thirty years ago, you wanted the "biggest, baddest revolver". Has that desire been quenched? In over forty years of gun ownership, I have sold a few long guns, but never a handgun. I will presume that like New Jersey, it can be difficult to get the requisite permission to own a handgun.

Unlike you, I currently don't have a roster of acceptable handguns that I am limited to when it comes to purchasing a "new to me" handgun. I would strongly suggest that you look at what handguns are available to you that have made it on the roster that interest you? Does any of those on the roster "speak to you" like this revolver when you bought it thirty plus years ago, when it proclaimed itself the "biggest and baddest revolver"?

Unlike others here, I tend to purchase handguns that I will (and do) shoot. I would not hesitate to shoot your revolver, you might actually find a shooting game that you like that this revolver excels at. If you can afford to purchase another handgun, I would definitely keep this one and invest in something a bit better suited to today's defensive demands that is on roster. In many respects, I would view the sale of this revolver to get something a little bit better suited to defense as a step down.

Here is a fun response . . . . during the past week of online investigation with no gun experience, I've kept notes of desirable self-defense guns to investigate for purchase:

1) FN Five-Seven FDE, 5.7x28 ammo, 10 rounds, 4.8" Barrel, CA legal
2) Sig Sauer P220, 45acp, 10+1 rounds, 4.4" barrel, CA legal
3) Heckler and Koch HK45, 45acp, 10 rounds, 4.4" barrel, CA legal???
4) Springfield Armory Range Officer 1911, 45acp, 7 rounds, 5" barrel, CA legal
5) Beretta 92fs, 9mm 9x19mm, 10 rounds, 4.9" barrel, CA legal
6) Colt Government 38 Super Automatic Rock Island 1911, 9 rounds, 5" barrel, CA legal
7) Smith & Wesson 1911, question: are there any S&W 1911 pistols that are CA legal???

I understand the CA gun laws change January 1st 2021.
Hope to buy before then. Cheers

 

[Toppscore]

It is definitely a step down to sell the 686 to get some modern self defense pistol. Although prices are stupid right now, you can still get a modern polymer semi auto for $500 or less. Selling the 686 to pay for the new gun and you'd no longer have such a classic weapon and you'd forget what you spent the $500 profit you made on.

I have several modern pistols. But even when my kids were very young(and they're still pretty young) they would look at my guns in the safe and be immediately drawn to the classic revolvers over the plastic pistols. I couldn't imagine passing down a Glock to my children. It would be like passing down a toilet plunger. "Here, son. This has cleared many a toilet and served me well. It's yours now. Use it well".

Phunnyist comment of the day
I'll keep it.

 

[kbm6893]

Hi. I added photos of the gun, box end and various serial numbers. Do you see the five photos? I added them the next day after original post. Not sure who can see what. Obviously no M stamp as it is still in the box.

question: you own a model 686 and a model 10 . . . .
which is the gun you'd rather buy than sell?
Also, which do you like more, the 686 or the 10?

The Model 10 is the best general purpose revolver you can get. Any .38 K frame is, but that's a whole other topic. The Model 64 is the stainless steel version of the Model 10. The Model 15 is basically a Model 10 with adjustable sights, and the Model 67 is the stainless 15. The Model 10 and 64 came in two different barrel types, standard and heavy. If you want to see the difference, search for pictures of a Model 10-5. That's a standard barrel. A 10-6 has a heavy barrel.

The Model 10 will safely fire mild wadcutters to +P self defense ammo. The 686 will do the same, but will also fire .357. But it's a heavier gun, even in identical barrel lengths. The 4" 686 has a way different feel than a 4" Model 10.

If I were to keep one revolver to kind of "do it all" it would be a 4" 686. A bit heavier than a Model 10 but capable of .357 if you felt the need.

 

[rubiranch]

I sold my LNIB 4" M686 back in Nov for $1000.

 

[Toppscore]

I sold my LNIB 4" M686 back in Nov for $1000.

Assuming Like New In Box. Sounds great.
Any idea of a NIB 357 686 no dash 8-3/8" worth?

 

[rubiranch]

Assuming Like New In Box. Sounds great.
Any idea of a NIB 357 686 no dash 8-3/8" worth?

I have no idea.

 

[OttoLoader]

Toppscore.

Welcome.

Being in California and having that roster. Older handguns are Californis prices are higher than prices in other states.
This is collector interest an California off roster.
Consider keeping it.
Regarding what to use now
Check for on roster handguns.
Some examples.
The more cost effective on roster would be a gen 3 Glock. If available.
S&W has some revolvers in .38 or .357 mag.

If looking at new S&W revolver buy and inspect before taking ownership. Just on case such as clocked barrel etc.
Older consignment sales may have some good choice.

 

[Sevens]

Most of us have a good idea of the market... but California is a different market. I believe that you could sell for about a thousand, but you'd have to sell it like an enthusiast would sell it. If you just take it to a gun store, it would be a miracle if they gave you half that.

Above you said "it might be too much gun for me" or something similar... I can assure that it is NOT too much gun. .357's are fantastic in that way as they can digest .38 Special ammo which runs at literally half the pressure. And the larger and heavier the gun, the easier it is to shoot assuming you can hold it at arm's length, which anyone except the injured/elderly can certainly do.

If you also consider that the PRESENCE of a firearm is quite often enough to end a confrontation... the presence of a huge 8-3/8 full lug 686 may well introduce defecation on the part of the aggressor.