I have the possibility to buy here in Italy a M686 in a limited series for European market, with its original Nill Griffe stocks and box (but without papers and tools). It is named Security Special, and it is a 3" barrel.
This barrel lenght is unusual and apparently sought after ,these days.
I know this is a boring and abused question, but I'd like to have an estimate on US market of this revolver
Thanks for the help

I did a search on Gunbroker of past sales or closed auctions. Only one pre-lock model 686 3"-barrel guns showed up. It was one that many people feel is the best, engineering and production changes iteration. The 686-4. It was complete with box and papers but had some unattractive magna stocks. From the photos provided, the gun itself appeared to be in excellent condition. It sold for $1213.00. I would say that buyer, was very lucky, to get it at that price. One 2 1/2" version gun went over $1500 and two others sold for over $2000. All three had combat stocks. I would have thought the 3" gun would have captured a higher price considering the scarcity. Historical sales on Gunbroker, seem to cover the past two to three months. The only other 3"-barrel guns I recall seeing of late were CS-1 versions and they were sold in excess of $2000. I have been collecting S&W revolvers for the past 13 years and I have never seen a European version like yours. For perspective, the newer 3" 686 guns with the internal trigger lock sold used and new from a range of $575 to $850. Many others listed between $879 and $1000+ have gone long periods of time with no bidders.

The one shown that you are considering has the later MIM trigger and hammer but no lock, which means it is probably a 686-5. If that gun was at a gunshow or gunshop in the U.S., I doubt that you were see it listed for less than $1200.00 and probably more. I have never seen one and it is certainly a unique and beautiful weapon in great condition. Just because of that alone, dealers would jack up the price on it and make a big deal about it. Good luck.

That is a handsome revolver and I would love to have one like that in my Gun Safe.

Thank you for sharing and good luck.

I’d say that if it is within your means to buy it I would jump at the chance. You likely won’t see another one. The Nill Griffe stocks alone are worth a couple of hundred .

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I reckon so

The earlier version of this gun is occasionally seen here in the US as the CS-3 and usually engraved Security Special. I don’t think I have ever seen a later version of this model sold here but agree one would be $1200 +.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Via, via forza!!!

Go for it!!

I don’t mean to be a downer as it’s a beautiful gun but are we sure this is factory limited series? I don’t recall seeing a factory gun with script or the S&W logo on both sides of the frame. That said I know nothing about S&W exports to Europe or special editions.
PS - I love the grips.

Two quick questions: Are there CS markings (1 or 3) on the frame, and what is the width of the front sight blade? Oh, and what extractor does it have?

That was three. I love the Nill’s too.

To op you stated that this is a limited edition gun made strictly for the Europeon market, like the CS-1 guns here in the US. When encountered
they are rare variants which means Buy if you want. Because chances of
you encountering another true example will be far & in between.
This is a gun that US collectors may never see or encounter 1,2 or 3 known examples here in the US if ever. I say buy it if you can, if it fits into your collection and if its affordable. That's a definite future collectible, very near future collectible at that.

those 686 Security Specials are a catalog item of German distributor WAIMEX. Predecessor WISCHO had them catalogued too at least since the early 2000s, you can find them in Germany used without the lock and even with hammer mounted firing pin. Standard is barrel length in 3" and 4", RB and Nill Combat grips.
They go in Germany used between 750 and 1000 *, but no idea about US market.

regards from Germany
Ulrich

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Life is too short to own a bad gun