I really want a four inch 686. I own a 617 with the lock and a 586 without the lock. I want a 686 without the lock. I found a BRAND NEW, never fired 686-4 in the box. Of course this is a pre lock and the same dash as my 586. Being it is new, and a pre lock, what would be the max you would pay for one if you really wanted it? My thinking is it isn't easy to find one unfired and, to me, it is worth more than a new one with the lock. I'm trying to be patient in my search and realize there are many out there. I see the prices on these Colt Python's and understand they are worth more but are they worth 3 times what a Pre lock 686 is worth? I guess I'm trying to justify a stopping point in terms of what I will pay.....THanks

I couldn't see myself giving over $600 for one, of course I'm not in need of one and that may be the problem.

If the example you are looking at is a 6-shot, easily $800-900, if it's a 7 shot (plus), to me something less.....

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.............SmithNut

$1,000 max if I really wanted it. Everyone has that one gun they really want. I may have overpaid for my 28-2 compared to some, but I don't regret it. I love that gun and I can still see myself shooting it 40 years from now.

550-650 tops,there are alot out there.

Yes, its a 6 shot....

I don't understand those saying $5-600 since a new one with the lock is higher than that. I guess some consider a new lock gun more valuable but not me...

What is the cost of a new production IL gun. To me a LNIB pre lock gun is worth at least that, if not more.

Hi:
If this is what you want--pay the price ! its only money and you an't going to take it with you.

7-900. I Just Paid The Most I Was Willing To Pay For A 586 No Dash 4".Like New, Literally I Don't Think It Had Been Fired. Great Gun And Was Within That Above Mentioned Range. No Box Or Papers Though.

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Still got the shovel

I think the $600 figure is about right for me. They are out there, not a rare gun. Good luck.

$800 total. shipping,transfer fee's ect.

The locks dont bother me. Easy enough to disable.

It's all relative. A limit of $600 for me may be the same as a limit of $1000 for you or others.

I'm not you, but if I were considering the same options, I'd pass on this one and find one that's been used (but cared for) and pay less.

I'd probably go to $650 to $750 on the revolver with the box and goodies.

Tough call on an unfired pre-lock 686. Yes, there were many made and not a rare gun...but NIB is not so common. If it was what I really wanted then $700-$800 may be where you have to go...but when you are done you will be very happy and won't look back.

BUT...if you intend to shoot it then I would suggest waiting for the used 95% 686 for $600 or so because once you shoot the unfired gun you have lost what you paid for.

Last summer I paid $650 total for a LNIB 4" 586 no dash. It had been fired but not much and looked like new. That was top $$ at the time in my mind but I don't regret it a bit.

I think $600-$700. I don't understand the Python-mania though. And I've seen .38 Diamondbacks go for $1,500.

$800 to $850

I got lucky with mine, it's a 686 no dash made in '84. No box or papers, but it hardly looks fired and came with the original grips. I'm not sure if they still used wood targets for the -4 guns, but the wood grips alone on ebay are going for near $100. I paid $580 for mine, but got lucky as in my area they are going for around $700 in good shape without the lock, box, or papers. If the one you're looking at doesn't have the wood grips I'd look for one that does. Even if you don't like em you could make back some of your money selling them. I got my gun about a month ago.

If you let it go, you will kick yourself later. The time you take looking to save a couple of bucks, you could be enjoying your brand new, no nicks, no scratches, tight lock up, perfect timing, not screwed up baby.
Buy it.

I estimate a lightly used, no lock version would run about $650, so I would probably top out at $800, for a NIB gun. That price would exclude shipping & FFL fees.

Don't ask me, I just paid $800 for a 66-4 snub that was 99% condition......and don't regret it for a second!

If you are going to hang on to it, and have no plans to "flip" it, then you will not regret it.

Myself, I'd give about $600-$650.

But I'd have it on the range & getting a turn line within 48 hours of picking it up. That it's 'new' isn't anything worth my paying for. Not in and of itself.

There are several questions to answer:

#1: How much can you afford to pay for the M686 of your desires?

#2: Do you care if the the value drops $200 when your NIB M686 becomes lightly used with a turn line after firing 200 rounds?

Summary: If you buy now and pay too much, then you only bought it "early" because in 2 years time the current selling price will match your "early" purchase price.

I wanted a M586 with 2-1/2" barrel. I found one LNIB with all the docs & tools. I believe 6 rounds, 38 Spl, had been fired by the original owner. After the transfer paperwork was done, I did not care that the value dropped $100 after I fired 100 rounds because I had searched for that revolver for 16 months and it was now mine.

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S&WHF 366

i had a table at a gunshow last week and had 600 on my like new,no box etc 686,4 in. and did'nt even get an offer,they are not rare,i'd keep looking.I do think Fla. has pretty good prices on guns tho compared to other regions.It's not for sale now,decided to keep her.

A nib 686-4 is worth at least the same as a nib current 686, actually I think it it worth a little more. The dash 4s are considered by many to be the last of the good ones in that they are pre lock, pre MIM. How many nib dash 4 guns do you run into?

I think only YOU can answer what YOU'd pay for it.

I just got a used 686-4 in a local pawnshop for $440 OTD. Nope, it's not pristine but I'm going to use the heck out of it so pristine was not where my head was at. Pre lock and tight lock up was. That and the fact that the previous owner didn't clean very well was a super plus as to the price paid. 40 minutes clean job and it's a 95+% gun.

On the other foot, I do like LNIB and NIB guns just for the fact that I'm the one putting the wear on them.

So...since it's others opinions you've asked for...for a TRUE NIB gun, I'd go as high as $800 or so. With any sign of turn line though, we're back into $650 or less territory.

Just my .02 (since you asked).

I'm not a fan of Stainless handguns, as practical as they are. So this would effect my decision as to price. To me a A.N.I.B. 686 of any dash would be a max of $700.00 - $750.00. If you really want one and can afford it go for it, at what YOU feel is a fair price, not what everyone else thinks is a good price.

Just a thought...

Wait and get a lightly used 686, save a bit of money, use that money to buy ammo/reloading components, and let one of the collector types buy the NIB 686. They will appreciate the NIB gun, and you will appreciate the extra ammo on a gun you probably cannot wear out. Win-win...

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Proud anachronism

If I HAD TO have that particular gun I would pay $650 or maybe a little more. This is a sought after gun, but with my budget I had to shop for a lightly used one and ended up with a sweetheart. I paid $550 for a 686 no dash 6" in very good condition. Not a steal, but I did want that gun.

A show of hands from everyone who has lost a firearm by being penny wise and pound foolish ...

It is worth exactly what you are willing to pay for it.

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I'm with the banned ...

As seen by the posts, it comes down to, 'What ever floats your boat.' While I could care less if it has the lock, or not, or whether it had been fired, or not, I'd still treat it as a used 686. I would go max of $650. But as I said what ever floats your boat. I just paid my local gunsmith $650 for a ten year old 640. It was in nice condition and not new in the box. I paid maybe $100 more than many would on these boards. We live in insane times. The shops I checked told me to hold my breath until maybe June, or July on getting a 640 from S&W. The new price seems to be $729. Did I overpay for a used gun, even if in great condition ? It does not matter. I wanted a 640 and I now have one. The kicker is that it is not for me, it is a present to my father. I have been searching for a 442, 642, or 640 since Christmas. The Sandy Hook shooting really quashed that venture. I am a happy willing buyer, so it really does not matter. I think similar perception applies to the OP'er. Do you really want it more than you want not to be considered foolish with your money by folks ?

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Hook686