My neighbor just brought over a new gun he picked up today for $250. I thought it was a good deal then I looked at the model #. Its a Blued 686-3??????? As far as I new 686 was SS.
Hi, your friend's gun was made in 1988, and per the Standard Catalog of S & W 2876 were made in this finish, so it is an uncommon variation. As John mentioned above, he could easily double his investment and then some if he wanted to sell it.
When I first read the OP I thought it might have been a mislabled 586 but with the responses I have learned something new. If this is his first S&W then he found a great example of a quality revolver.
I seem to remember reading on here that the finish on those 686's was easily worn or damaged. I always though they were pretty cool and I would love to find one....especially at that kind of price!!
The guy he bought it from had it under his car seat. I spent all day yesterday cleaning it. Came out OK but the finish is gone in places around the trigger guard. Wasn't shot much though, so he got a good shooter at a bargain price.