Hello All,

I am new to the site and I am enjoying working on my phd in S&W. I came across a 686-1 6 in at a local gun show. It looked rough to me lots of holster wear and scuffs on the barrel and the grips had a ton of wear on the right side. He was asking $550.00 for it. I have a 686 no dash w/ a 4in my Dad gave me for college graduation and without a doubt it is my favorite pistol. I passed on it for 550.00, but was wondering what would have been a good counter offer? I have been surprised at how much S&W's have increased in price lately, but I want to add more to my inventory and any buying advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I would've offered him 4 for it, would't pay more than $450 form what you describe, then again I make it a point not to be tempted by junk at low prices. Prices vary from place to place but for the most part anymore they are too high.

But then there's always the very real possibility that in a few months, what seems "too high" today will become an attractive price. Yes, you can find nice 686s for $450 - I've done it - but those days are fading into memory.

Ed

$500....maybe $525 Out-The-Door in my neck-of-the-woods tops for a clean one. The way you describe that one....maybe $475...tops. I'm close to Titegroups.

May have to be sent home as well for the "M" upgrade, if desired or not already done.

I didn't read his description of the gun closely but did after the references to its condition by others. I now agree that $450 is all I would want to pay for that gun. GunBroker.com is full of 6" 686s in nice condition for that shop's asking price for that one.

Ed

Don't forget to consider any taxes and transfer fees the guy may hit you with either. I think most of us are suggesting Out The Door prices.

Well you could have started with an offer of 450.00 and gone from there
scuffs and such are one thing as long as no dings and dents. And grips
are decent with no splits etc, [
That SS can be polished out with mothers mag polish etc. Like previously mentioned over the internet you have shipping and FFL fees alot of ffls
are slowly increasing there fees due to internet sales. Locally 686s are
selling in nice shape for 500.00+-, You will be hard pressed to find one for 400.00.
With Internet sales look at what selling prices are concluding at.

I agree with C.S. 63. The 6" 686 seems to be the least desirable of the barrel lengths. This may account in part for the volume of them for sale, and their relatively modest prices......

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

DaveNC- Welcome to the forum. Clemmons is a nice town, wife's family is from down there, and we always enjoyed the visits.
To give you something relative to the market, search on Gunbroker for a while. I got my 6" 686 no dash in June for $358 plus a fairly high shipping of $55, so total $413, and it was in great shape. I happened on it and was slightly surprised I was able to get it, but the seller's high shipping may have kept others away. Since I got it, there have been several others in the $400-$450 range, so they are there. The 4'' guns do seem to get a little more right now.

Thanks for all the advice and tips! I ordered The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson today and I am looking forward to getting smarter.

That's a great step in the right direction, Dave.......

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Keep in mind that the prices quotes in the SCSW3 were created in 2006-2007. Be sure to adjust the values.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244