686 question

[neverenoughguns]

Have a friend that is trying to make a fair offer on a 6" 686. Not sure of the "dash" number or not. The serial number is AWM17xx. I have not seen the revolver (even a photo) and understand that condition is almost EVERYTHING when valuing a revolver. The term "unfired" has been thrown out by the seller (I understand all guns are fired before they leave the factory) but I am not sure that is very probable.

Can someone give me an idea as to the year and approximate value range? Seems like 10 years ago I could buy a decent 686 for 350 or 400. Now, prices just seem all over the place and skyrocketing. Any range or information would be appreciated.

Thank!

 

[ISCS Yoda]

New ones are MSRP $899.00

Model 686 PLUS | Smith & Wesson

(c) Smith & Wesson 2021

 

[magmag]

AWN is early, I would gamble @ 350 sight unknown.

 

[Sevens]

$350, are you serious?

5 years ago an average pre-lock 686 was a $600 revolver.

 

[lhump1961]

Today an early 6" 686 in excellent condition will bring the price of new. Throw in box and dox unfired and you're over 1K. JMHO.

 

[lhump1961]

$350, are you serious?

5 years ago an average pre-lock 686 was a $600 revolver.

Correct. I paid that for a LNIB 4" 586 several years ago...not today!

 

[llowry61]

850 to 1100 depending on actual condition, if it is a no dash, look for the M stamp showing warranty work. It was an issue with the hammer nose bushing. If it doesn't have it S&W will still do it free of charge. Might take awhile though.

 

[schutz5]

Maybe 1985 vintage.
Could be no dash.
In my neck of the woods,for over 4 years,the used 686 models were going for $900 to $1000 . Now they don't come up often.

 

[Oracle]

I am looking for another 357, 586 or 686 as well as a 17 or 617. Prices on new in box via the usual websites are over the MSRP. LGS's still can't get them. I don't NEED another S&W revolver but I want another.

 

[rwsmith]

I paid close to 600...

$350, are you serious?

5 years ago an average pre-lock 686 was a $600 revolver.

I paid close to 600 10 years ago (after shipping and transfer) for a 6" no dash in like new condition. Selling price was like 550 bucks.

 

[stansdds]

And unfired S&W revolver should show evidence of three chambers being fired. If all six show burn marks, then it is not unfired. NIB these days will be north of $1000. Excellent condition and with box and papers is going to be around $1000. Used, good condition, but no box, probably around $800. Yes, these are inflated prices, but these are inflated firearm and ammo price days.

 

[Ackley1952]

Why does anyone mention or care about what the price used to be? If you want to sell your guns at what the price used to be go ahead. They’ll move quick .

 

[Don Wetzel]

S&W Escort

Im in the same boat. I found a few NIB S&W Escorts at an online auction (local) and not sure if they would be a good investment. Can't find anyone who knows much about future values.

 

[neverenoughguns]

Why does anyone mention or care about what the price used to be? If you want to sell your guns at what the price used to be go ahead. They’ll move quick .

I only mentioned old prices as perspective of how quickly prices on these revolvers escalated.

 

[CH4]

Early 6” 686 will bring $600 - $900 depending on the state and seller’s knowledge of the market and motivation. Sadly, last summer I passed on a clean 4” 686-3 at $595, but I was already there doing paper on 4 other Smiths.

 

[Johnnu2]

And don't forget that S&Ws without the dreaded 'safety lock' seem to get a premium too.... Plus many of us believe that 'older' guns have more built-in quality than the new versions coming out of the factory today.

Just a guess; if it's clean/undamaged: ..... $800 - $1000

As Always IMHO,
J.

 

[Bekeart]

Recent show there was an early 686 6 inch unfired in box with documents marked $1000.
Seller told me nobody was interested, except for some insulting low offers.
I did not need it, so did not try negotiation.
bekeart

 

[BillBro]

Why dies every seller almost say "unfired"? Does no body actually shoot their guns anymore? I get so tired of hearing that. The "unfired"ones I've bought were.

 

[HorizontalMike]

Why dies every seller almost say "unfired"? Does no body actually shoot their guns anymore? I get so tired of hearing that. The "unfired"ones I've bought were.

EXACTLY!...

 

[stansdds]

Why dies every seller almost say "unfired"? Does no body actually shoot their guns anymore? I get so tired of hearing that. The "unfired"ones I've bought were.

Because S&W collectors usually desire and will pay a premium for an example that has not been fired since it left the factory.

 

[Ackley1952]

If smith uses the buying public as quality control department maybe they are un fired . If this is the case maybe the fired guns should bring a little more. Probably a 10% premium should be enough.

 

[stansdds]

If smith uses the buying public as quality control department maybe they are un fired . If this is the case maybe the fired guns should bring a little more. Probably a 10% premium should be enough.

No, they are test fired before packaging for shipping. 3 rounds, so 6-shot revolvers get one round in every other chamber. Test firing is simply to make sure they go "bang", they are not test fired for accuracy or any other reason.