686 CS1 in 3 inch

jay72 · Dec 28, 2022

Found a CS-1 686 in 3 inch. the revolver has a lot of scratches
as it looks to have been carried and used a lot. Wrong grips. The guy wants $1,200. I know these are rare and have seen better examples sell for much more. Does this price sound reasonable even though its well used?

Lonestar57 · Dec 28, 2022

Pics would be great but taking your description for face value save your $1200. Not saying you'll find another for that price but use it in getting a better example. Good luck.

joedegs · Dec 28, 2022

I think $1200 for a 3” prelock 686 is worth it. For a few hundred more dollars you can find someone to re-bead blast it. You can find a nice used pair of Pachmyers.

But then again, you did say well used. Maybe keep your money for another project.

sodacan · Dec 28, 2022

They're not that rare, regardless of the anecdotal stories you hear. People tend to hold on to them, because of those stories. They are, however, pretty cool revolvers. Well used is a nebulous term. Cosmetics are one thing. Mechanical issues are another, and can be a real wild card.

Goblin · Dec 28, 2022

I’d say add $300 and get a new 3” Colt Python, but that’s just me. Apologies for the blasphemy.

Marshal Tom · Dec 28, 2022

I have one that I purchased NIB several years ago for much less of course. I would not pay that for one in the described condition. Wait for a better one even if it is a bit costlier.

Beemerguy53 · Dec 28, 2022

Goblin said:
I’d say add $300 and get a new 3” Colt Python, but that’s just me. Apologies for the blasphemy.

Funny you should say this...

I saw my first 3" Python in the metal a couple of weeks ago, and as soon as I picked it up and examined it I realized I had to have one. It's beautiful, very well-made, and ergonomically perfect. It will definitely be my next acquisition...

jframejoey · Dec 28, 2022

Joedegs beat me to my opinion.

Baxter6551 · Dec 28, 2022

If you buy it send it to S&W for Combat Revolver Package which includes bead blast. $265. Had my 3 inch 65 done about 15 years ago - photos attached. Asked S&W to replace screws and leave shiny which they did. I later had the hammer and trigger polished and the red ramp added. Compare their pricing for the individual services vs the package price. Well worth it.

Performance Center(R) Precision Gunsmithing | Smith & Wesson

gunny4053 · Dec 29, 2022

Marshal tom said:
I have one that I purchased NIB several years ago for much less of course. I would not pay that for one in the described condition. Wait for a better one even if it is a bit costlier.

Sorry, just not possible. You may have purchased a NIB 3" 686, but you didn't buy a NIB CS-1. The 686 CS-1's were left over/undestroyed revolvers from the US Customs Service. There were only about 1500 3" models saved from destruction, so they may not be rare, but there are 1500 lucky ***'s that have them, and I'm not one of them.

3", satin finish, came with Pachmayer Compact grips. Where's this guy at, I'd trade every pistol I own for that, even at the cost of having S&W refinish it.

Rodan · Dec 29, 2022

Even ratty CS-1s consistently bring over $1500 on the auction sites, at $1200 I'd be all over it if the finish was salvageable.

A new Python is apples and oranges. It's like recommending a new BMW over a low numbers classic muscle car. Not even in the same ballpark.

Beemerguy53 · Jan 2, 2023

Baxter6551 said:
If you buy it send it to S&W for Combat Revolver package which includes bead blast. $265. Had my 3 inch 65 done. Well worth it.

My 3" Model 65 is there now, awaiting the Combat Revolver Package. Please post photos of your revolver...thanks!

CH4 · Jan 2, 2023

I’d buy it in a heartbeat for 1200 bones and have S&W refinish it, because I’ve ever see one in the wild.

chief38 · Jan 2, 2023

PASS! As I have posted many times, I'd rather see you spend a little more and get one in excellent shape! This way you will get what you want from square one and won't have to spend the time, lots of money, incur ridiculous wait times and take the chance of someone ruining your gun. You will actually wind up spending more on a beater in the long run and you will not have an original after it's revitalized.

As exited as you are - let it go. This case scenario is a modern day version of the "Maltese Falcon". One of the hardest things we must learn as collectors and fans is self discipline. You asked and that's my .02 centavos.

Glashaus · Jan 2, 2023

I bought a 3" 686 CS-1 like the OP described back in the late 90's, during a time when nobody really cared for them for around $300. My LGS at the time was about 70 miles West of DC and had a lot of ex Fed's as customers. He had the 3" CS-1 and a 4" CS-1 in like new shape. He also had a Galco black Miami Vice shoulder rig for it. I went back the next day to pick up the 4" but it had been sold, I did get the holster. My CS-1 has been a favorite of mine for many years, I was shooting it at the range last week.

How many CS-1's in any condition do you run across? You can always pick up this one, shoot it enjoy it and then down the road look for a nicer one. Personally I would rather collect guns that have seen the light of day rather then the dark confines of a safe, only to see the light of day once or twice a year while being fondled and called my precious

greenrunner · Jan 2, 2023

Little over a month ago I paid $1750 for this CS-1. It has been fired but not much and is pretty minty to the point I am reluctant to shoot it. Came with the original grips. It was worth it to me.

clang444 · Jan 2, 2023

If you want a 3" CS-1 and this one functions fine, I recommend you get it. You probably won't find another one at this price.

I bought mine maybe 15 years ago. It was also well used. Paid about $450, but that was a different time. I cleaned it up myself and it's a great gun:

Shutthefrontdoor · Jan 2, 2023

I’ve got to tell you, in my experience with both the CS-1 and NY-1’s is that the more “used” they are - the better they shoot. On top of that, to me, at least is they were specked as serious duty guns - They should look and be used. It’s almost odd to see a ANIB CS-1; it is, I know, I have 4 with one ANIB.

$1200.00 is good price, but consider looking past some cosmetics for a (possibly) sweet trigger and action.

One thing to note unique to the CS-1 is the front sight. It is unobtanium being 1/10th and not 1/8”. A fellow forum member had to have one made - before 3D printing…

Jeep 1 · Jan 2, 2023

I have 3 CS-1’s all three of which came from private individuals none from gun broker, not saying I wouldn’t buy one for the right money, but it took almost 10 years to find three in that manner
The first one was the 4 inch with the combat grips a friend of mine, called me one evening and said his brother had a 4 inch Smith & Wesson 686 he wanted to sell
I ask him if it was a square butt or round butt? He replied that it was round, I asked him to open the cylinder and tell me what it said in there and my heart nearly stopped! Best $400 I ever spent on a set combat grips and got a CS-1 for free!
The other two came to me at more money, but one of them has a very interesting history.
The 3 inch has the original box and the grips with it and
the second four-inch has the original grips also.

Baxter6551 · Jan 3, 2023

Jeep - great guns. Interesting history on one ???

686 CS1 in 3 inch

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Attachments

US Veteran

SWCA Member

Member

Member

Member

SWCA Member

Attachments

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Attachments

Member

Similar threads