Recent content by mattbiel

Thank you! Yup they still make them. You can't see it in my pic but the frame is visible all the way down the back and at the bottom. I like the small bantam grips because it's a small gun (3"). I bought mine at midwayusa.com

Hogue cocobolo checkered bantam

Thanks a lot everyone. Very helpful. OK, I'm on Calguns now will hope for a private party sale within the state!

So I know the one I want. It's a 686 3" prelock pre MIM. Problem is, I can't get one in California because all of the prelock ones are no longer on "the list". Question: Can I have a friend buy one (he lives in AZ) and can he then bring it to me the next time he comes to visit in CA and...

I'm looking for a 686 with a 3" barrel, must be prelock and preferrably preMIM. Would love to get one in like-new condition. My price range is $500 to $800 depending on condition.

Thank you so much Avery11 and everyone else! I have gained so much knowledge I feel like I owe everyone here a beer. I will use $800 as the top of my range. I will be patient. I will savor the hunt for "my" gun. I will search and scour and get the word out to my local shops and when the...

Thanks everyone for the very informative posts, and so quickly! I'm looking forward to being a S&W owner, it's obvious that there are a lot of great owners out there. I know that it may seem unreasonable to be so set on the 3" prelock, but I do have my reasons. I am fortunate to have a good...

You said you would buy two of what's in the picture...what's that in the picture? It looks like the same gun I was asking about but with nice wood grips? Sorry if that's ignorant, I am new to this.

I am going to be a new gun owner. I have spent time at the range and countless hours online. I know now that I want a 686 with a 3" barrel and WITHOUT an internal lock. This gun looks to be it. I am hesitant to buy something online, but the sellers says "new in box". have three...