Considering selling 686 4”

[cmichini]

Hi forum!

I'm thinking of thinning the herd and the first item I'm looking at is a stainless 686 4" that was passed down by my father in law.

We have a few from him with meaning, but this is just a modern gun he had.
I've got small hands, the wife's are smaller so this just won't get used.

No box, no papers, etc. just the pistol and a S&W zippered gun rug.
It's nice and clean, just slightest ring on the cylinder, marked "MOD. 686", no dash, no lock, red ramp, wood stocks.

Trying to think of value to put in it and that's where you knowledgeable folks can help.

Thanks so much for anyones input!!

I'm working on pix (darned iPad).

 

[PatriotX]

In my neck of the woods, a clean no-box 686 no-dash as you describe would fetch between $750-$900.

The big auction site may net a few bucks more, but be sure to account for fees.

 

[cmichini]

Thanks Patriot!
That's about where I expected to be.
It's a really nice revolver but like I said, just too big for us.
Have a great day!

 

[clang444]

Before getting rid of the 686, try putting a set of K/L Frame square butt magna grips on it in place of the target grips. You might find it a lot more comfortable with the smaller grips.

 

[CH4]

In my neck of the woods, a clean no-box 686 no-dash as you describe would fetch between $750-$900.

The big auction site may net a few bucks more, but be sure to account for fees.

I concur Expect to pay $750 to $900 with factory stocks, but there are deals out there. Start at $900 and go down if needed.

I regret passing on one last August at the Reno show for $525

 

[cmichini]

Before getting rid of the 686, try putting a set of K/L Frame square butt magna grips on it in place of the target grips. You might find it a lot more comfortable with the smaller grips.

That's a thought. I'll give that a look before I actually list.

 

[Lucifer]

I just sold a BNIB 686-6 4" with an extra set of G-10 grips for $750.
FWIW: It was not an immediate sale and it took a few weeks to get it sold.

 

[StakeOut]

The 2 1/2" 686-4 and -3 are getting the most but like everything else it's all about condition and what a buyer is willing to pay.
Original box,sealed tools and papers would greatly help find a buyer quickly but without them the revolver still has good value because of stated condition and it's pre lock and pre mim that is important to many revolver buyers.
The 686 is still in production and sells well if you like what it offers.
If the gun is unaltered(no smithing or bubba work)just like it left the factory it could fetch $1000 if not in a rush.

 

[S&W629]

If you do not "Need" to sell it......hang on to it....it will only appreciate in value.

and do try other grips...my 686 no dash...came with the wood grips....too pretty to scratch up....went with Hogue soft over molded....palm swelled

 

[cmichini]

Thanks for responses to my requested info, and the insights and perspectives leaning toward giving it a little bit more of a chance.

I am not in a rush, don't need the money, running out of room, etc.

I'll give it a little bit of time, maybe put on something smaller and give it another whirl.

Thanks again and everyone stay well!!

 

[oysterer]

among the best guns the factory ever made and not really easily replaceable. I'd wait and revisit it at some point.

 

[Chukar60]

In my neck of the woods that gun would be about $800 maybe a touch less.
What I am going to suggest will have the puritans howling but it may change your mind on selling.
Go down to you local gun store and get a set of Hogue Mongrips and slap them on. I have small hands and those are my go to grips on any Smith other than a J frame. Ugly? Yeah if you are a wood snob they are hideous. Comfortable and tame recoil? If you have small hands they are the best I have found.
Remove them once in a while to make sure they are not trapping moisture and or dirt and grime and no harm will come to your gun. May find you love that 686.

 

[357 shooter]

What I am going to suggest will have the puritans howling but it may change your mind on selling.
Go down to you local gun store and get a set of Hogue Mongrips and slap them on. I have small hands and those are my go to grips on any Smith other than a J frame.

Same here , about as perfect a fit as I have ever found for revolver grips. I even have the wood versions on some Smiths.

 

[Silver-7]

I had 686 square butt that I was going to sell and then I tried a set of the uncle mikes grips that Craig Spegel designed and WOW did it make a difference! Definitely not selling it now.

 

[ladder13]

Any 686 up to -5 is valuable.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

First:

running out of room,

Well, stop buying so much!!!

Second:

This is how my 4" 686+ - 6 came from the factory; I have no problem with those factory goodyears and it's one of my favorite guns (the lock doesn't offend me much).

Third:

"MOD. 686", no dash, no lock, red ramp, wood stocks.

pre lock and pre mim that is important to many revolver buyers

Those prices above 1000 bucks have to be collector prices. You can buy a brand new M686 for MSRP $893 and a 686+ for around 60 dollars more so figure less at many stores or gun show. Pre-lock, pre-mim, and the rest are for S&W aficionados who hang out on this Forum or ought to be here. Tom, Dick, and Harry wheelgun buyer don't care.

A few years ago I bought this 3" M686+whilst not caring about such things, from a Forum member no less! I had a 2.5" and that 4" above so I wanted one in the middle - I'm way more of an acquirer than a collector. As are most folks out there.

Model 686 PLUS | Smith & Wesson

(c) Smith & Wesson 2022

 

[Truckman]

Well, stop buying so much!!!

Sacrilege!...Get a rope!......Ben

 

[StakeOut]

Most online places I checked show current production 686 as Out of Stock.
Attached is my 2 1/2" 686-4 wearing Hogue Bantum grips.

 

[Taos4]

I'm new to the forum but have been soaking up knowledge from the members here for awhile.
I have the same type 686, no dash, 4" and wouldn't sell it.
In my opinion, as close to perfect as it gets.
Great gun

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

I regret passing on one last August at the Reno show for $525

Which major distractions were occurring to miss that deal?
1)Women
2)Booze
3) Women and booze.