686 no dash .357 Mag 1984 with Original Grips

[gdnagle]

Not a revolver guy here but thought someone might be interested. I don't even know if it's a good price for $699 shipped. Looks to have all the paper work but shows no box. They state firearm comes with the original wood grips and the original paper work condition is very good/excellent.


Smith & Wesson Model 686 no dash .357 Mag Model Year 1984 with Original Grips Used Condition (very good/excellent)

 

[RaginRog]

Looks to be in great shape. I recently paid $595 for my 1984 686 which didn't come with a case or paperwork. I think having all the original case candy makes is worthy of the asking price.

 

[H Richard]

The 686 appears to be in excellent condition, and very little use. I do note the "recall" modification has not been done, (and may not be needed). If you are unaware, these models were recalled for hammer nose bushing replacement, which in some cases would tend to lock up the revolver making it un-useable. This condition was usually caused by shooting hot +P 125 gr. loads in it, and this would cause the primer to partially flow back into the bushing recess which would then lock up the gun. Not all guns needed the modification. If you buy it, shoot a couple cylinder-fulls of +P 125's through it and see what happens. If it locks up call S&W and they will send you a shipping label and will fix it for free. The price does appear to be the very top end of these currently on the market.

 

[RaginRog]

To add to what H has said, mine is currently at S&W for the recall work. Not that I noticed any problems, but decided to go through with it.
I called customer service and they sent me an email with the pre-paid fedex label while I was on the phone with them.

 

[Boogsawaste]

I'm thinking it was caused by hot 125 grain 357 magnum rounds, not +p 38 special stuff. Correct?

 

[S&W Fan]

I'm thinking it was caused by hot 125 grain 357 magnum rounds, not +p 38 special stuff. Correct?

Yup, the one I have from my dad (he bought it new in Sept. '81) would bind, he sent it in for the recall. All these years and rounds later it's still clicking along just fine. I think it'd be real difficult to wear an L frame out (not saying it can't/hasn't happened just be a real chore to do).

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The M686 shown in the OP also has the non-standard pinned front sight. In this case a black Patridge blade. The vast majority of M686's from this era had the integral stainless front sight with a red insert. It's possible this is an European re-import or bring-back. To bad the box is missing.

 

[rwsmith]

To beat it to death...

There is a theory that soft primers (foreign) were to blame for the lock ups, but S&W did want their guns to function with any .357 ammo. I've tested mine with hot loads, no problem.

The price is too much for me, but I'm a shooter and don't care about the box and stuff. Collectors probably feel different.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

don't care about the box and stuff.

The gun in the OP didn't have a box. Just the stuff, which seems odd. Some guy threw away the box but keep the junk from the box. Then what? Find another box to put the junk in!