S&W 986 Not Selling?

8shot

8shot

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Been watching the 986 market on Gunbroker, noticed that there is always a couple dozen and not one bid is given. I'm sure their crazy listing prices aren't helping.

Or maybe folks have figured out that they are actually 38/357 revolvers stamped 9MM.
 
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I rarely find GB pricing for newer guns to be attractive.

Starting bids of just under $1000 +credit card fee for used 986s are not that appealing when I can find brand new 986 snubs for under $1100 and the 5" models for under $1200 by looking around on Wikiarms.
 
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IMHO the M986 makes little sense. Anyone interested in a target / competition traditional style revolver would be better served with the .38 special chambering. IMO the 9mm cartridge is for semi autos, not for revolvers and although S&W has chosen to "make it work" I still disagree with the concept. I can't believe that it would operate as well, with as few problems and still retain longevity as a revolver chambered in 38 special - which to me is a proper caliber for a revolver.

OK - some may think differently, but that is just my opinion. No offense to anyone here that owns one. I sincerely hope they perform well and last a long time.
 
I think they would sell the heck out of it if it didn't have that gaping hole for the internal lock on the left side of the frame. Notice that they don't show that side on their website:

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/l-frame-178055

Like an article online says, "For a company whose revolvers are often thought of as quite attractive, this (hole) was like tattooing the face of the prom queen."

We all.know why the Company did this, and why they probably will nevet do away with it, but after 20 years why not relocate it to a less conspicuous place...?
 
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If I were going to buy an L-frame, 7-shot revolver, I'd rather it be in 357 Magnum than 9x19mm. In 357, I can shoot 357 magnum ammo that can equal or greatly exceed the ballistics of the 9mm, or step down to 38 Special for low recoil loads. I expect a good number of others feel the same way.
 
We have in our collection of 36 cal. Model 10's, 357's, and one 2.5 inch 986. We also have several 9mm autos. While my hands down favorite is the Model 10 I am quite fond of the 986 since it is easy to load, very accurate, and much cheaper to use factory ammo then the aforementioned revolvers. I also feel much more confident in its reliability over the autos. The only drawback I see is that the various wood grips I tried had to be replaced by a Hogue Tamer. It does kick. Overall it is a great gun.
 
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Lou_the_welder said:
I had heard, that when the 547 came out, it didn't sell very well.

Maybe the 986 is a classic in the making?!
Click to expand...
... the Model 547 was developed in response to an inquiry from the French government, in the late 1970’s, to provide a 9mm revolver for police use. One of their requirements was a revolver that could function with the rimless 9mm round without using moon clips. Roger Curran, who was the Director of Research and Development at S&W at that time, led the project. The Smith & Wesson 547: Ahead of its Time? – RevolverGuy.Com

I was a LEO at the time and half of my Department was interested in upgrading from the revolver. The other half of management did not want to, but considered another caliber. Interesting times indeed with the 459/659 being introduced too.
 
8shot said:
Been watching the 986 market on Gunbroker, noticed that there is always a couple dozen and not one bid is given. I'm sure their crazy listing prices aren't helping.

Or maybe folks have figured out that they are actually 38/357 revolvers stamped 9MM.
Click to expand...

Why buy a 986? you can buy a 686+ and have the cylinder cut for clips and 9mm, buy another cylinder and shoot 38 short colt, 38 special, and 357 mag.
 
Bullseye Smith said:
Why buy a 986? you can buy a 686+ and have the cylinder cut for clips and 9mm, buy another cylinder and shoot 38 short colt, 38 special, and 357 mag.
Click to expand...

I have several 686+ revolvers. Interesting is that 38 Colt short with 686+ clips drops right in the 986.

My 986 with 6" Walther 1-9.8 twist .355 barrel shoots really awesome 50 yard groups.
 
9mm revolvers don't sell. Period. Most of the manufacturers have tried that market, none of them have succeeded. It's a niche market. I doubt the 9mm revolver fan base is more than 2,000 or 3,000 nationwide.

I have one. A Czech Alfa brought in my RIA. I bought it on a whim. I've had it to the range once. It works but doesn't really do anything all that remarkable. Moon clips are an acquired taste that so far I haven't acquired.

I would also point out the 986 is about the ugliest revolver Smith has ever made.
 
Very interesting! I will have to try that in mine.
What powder charge?
I've been using Bayou 135s with Bullseye.
986.jpg
 
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