686-1 with 2.5" barrel

[Patches09]

A local forum has a Smith model 686 with a 2.5" barrel and factory combat grips for $800. It is listed as a "686-1" but I thought the 2.5 " barrels weren't introduced until the 686-3 versions became available. I am tempted to get it but $800 seems a little high. Hoping the gurus here can talk me into getting it (or not!). Wanted to get feedback here before I make a decision one way or the other. Thoughts?

 

[bamabiker]

I don't recall the story but there were some early M686s with the short barrels. I have a no dash snubbie. I like it a lot.
I saw one at a show about 6 months ago sell for $800. Todays prices.

 

[cobra44]

As mentioned above, there were some earlier models with the short barrel.
I have a dash 1 with combats on it.
That price does not seem to bad, but I have not seen the revolver. I know the combat grips alone have taken a big jump lately.

 

[CH4]

Amity

A local forum has a Smith model 686 with a 2.5" barrel and factory combat grips for $800. It is listed as a "686-1" but I thought the 2.5 " barrels weren't introduced until the 686-3 versions became available. I am tempted to get it but $800 seems a little high. Hoping the gurus here can talk me into getting it (or not!). Wanted to get feedback here before I make a decision one way or the other. Thoughts?

$800? the way prices are rising, I'd likely injure my wrist getting my wallet out fast enough. I don't see many revolvers at the LGS, let alone quality, vintage Smiths

 

[ghstrydr164]

Depends on where you live (supply and demand). Here in California where nothing is hardly left on the approved list you must buy from a private party to do an FFL transfer. I just paid $900.00 for a used 686-6+ 2.5 inch and was just happy to get it.

Grip,front sight and cylinder latch upgrades are mine.

 

[SWMod10]

A local forum has a Smith model 686 with a 2.5" barrel and factory combat grips for $800. It is listed as a "686-1" but I thought the 2.5 " barrels weren't introduced until the 686-3 versions became available. I am tempted to get it but $800 seems a little high. Hoping the gurus here can talk me into getting it (or not!). Wanted to get feedback here before I make a decision one way or the other. Thoughts?

According to my copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, in 1990 the 2 1/2" barrel was introduced, which was the -3.

However, it's possible that either they have the dash number wrong or it might have been a special run. There was one special run on 1984, that was called the 686 Compact. It was a limited run of 100.

The one I just picked up on Friday for $600 is a -3 snubbie.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

....and cylinder latch upgrades are mine

What kind of cylinder latch did it have?

 

[FloridaFlier]

I 'stole' a 686-6 with a 2.5" barrel on gunbroker for $640 about 3 months ago. I absolutely love it.

 

[ghstrydr164]

What kind of cylinder latch did it have?

It had the factory latch, the one pictured is the SDM "Improved" Thumb Latch Thumb_Latch.htm

 

[loeman]

I have a 686 no dash, no "M" with 2.5 inch barrel and combats. It was made for Lew Horton distributors. I believe mine was made and shipped around 1984. I'm guessing that this is what you are considering and if in really nice condition it might be a decent price. Good luck.

 

[ma96782]

My 686 2-1/2" is a "-2."

Aloha, Mark

 

[Knigge]

Maybe someone changed the barrel ? i just did that on my 686-6, it was a 6" but i got this 2,5" barrel almost for free