Saw a 686 SC Mountain Lite at the LGS. Used with box. I can't tell condition of Ti cylinder. Was wondering about opinions and information about this gun and what you think is a fair price. Thanks in advance.

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Accuracy supercedes Speed

I don't believe there is a 686 Sc. Do you mean an L frame, 5 shot .44 Special? That would be a 396Ti, which was named the Mountain Lite.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Oops, it was a 386 SC, 7 shot Ti cylinder, 357 magnum, light grey colored Scandium frame, tapered barrel. It was very light to handle. I never saw one before but I don't consider myself any kind of authority on older Smiths. Seems like it might be kind of rare?

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Accuracy supercedes Speed

The ones made in 2000 came in the hinged aluminum boxes normally associated with Performance Center revolvers. I don’t know if they all did but I think the box or absence of it affects value. Otherwise, like AlleNframe posts, the three factors determining value are: 1. Condition, 2. Condition, and 3. Condition.

My guess is these are much more numerous than 396 SCs. The .44 special version was stamped with a warning to not use bullets heavier than 200 grain. If mild mannered SAMMI spec. .44 special 246 grain bullets jumped their crimp from recoil careful consideration should be given to whether you’d enjoy firing .357s in revolvers this light. For me it would be a .38 special, sort of an old model 12 plumped up with the 7th chamber and adjustable sights.

There are several versions of the 386, the short barrel version in blue and silver finish, and the longer ones that were marketed as hunting guns. I think the short ones were available without the frame lock, and I would imagine they would be quite snappy with full .357s.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I have the mountain lite with the fiber optic front site. It's abt 20 oz empty. They make a great carry gun, just a little heavier then the J frames. I value mine at 750.00. They don't come up for sale often, Larry

I have one. I'd guess current value in the $700 range plus or minus $100 depending on condition and area of the country. They can be a bit much recoil wise with .357 Mag ammo, but are light weight (18 oz), portable and hold seven rounds. I don't shoot mine much anymore, not because it isn't a useful/fun gun (especially with low end .357s or 38 specials), but because I've gone pretty much exclusively to bigger bore guns.

These are pretty specialized units, mostly for concealed carry or for use as a light weight trail gun -- should excel in either situation. For me, they are orders of magnitude easier to shoot than the Titanium/Scandium J Frames.

Here's a picture of mine. I took the picture to show how "petite" the 3 1/2" round butt .45 Colt (Freedom Arms M97) was in relation to the 3 1/8" L Frame .357. Not the best picture.



Here's a picture of "crimp jump" -- this is factory ammo in the 386 -- I just reseated/recrimped and they worked fine. You need to be aware of this possibility when using any of the light weight or heavy recoiling guns.





FWIW,

Paul

If you end up not buying it, feel free to forward me the LGS's info, I've been on the lookout for one.

Now I want a Freedom M 97.

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Hue 68 noli me tangere