686 Sticker Shock

[Nephrodoc]

New member here.
I have been in the market for a new revolver, decided to go with the 686 after shooting a few rentals. I almost fell over when i priced some, new in my area are $800-900, so I also considered used.
Finally found a 686-6 in a 4 inch barrel at a local range, it was a factory refurbished model with documentation. They said that since it is factory refurb, has lifetime service (not % sure about this). After close inspection, I could not pass it up.

I am glad I went with the 686, but they are commanding a premium price these days. I never had a factory refurb, but I am confident with Smith & Wesson.

 

[MacA]

New member here.

Congratulations on your 686 purchase. Almost everyone that owns a few S&W revolvers has a 686 in their collection! I own two 4" "no dash" models. Although I prefer the older versions, you can't go wrong with any of them!

Again, CONGRATS and WELCOME to the forum!!

 

[Maximumbob54]

That sticker shock price tag is the biggest reason I don't own a 686+ yet.

But I bought a new GP100 for not much over $500...

 

[Jeff45]

With a little patience a nice 95% used 686 - 686-4 can be found on GB or others for $500 - $550. These are excellent pre-MIM, pre-lock revolvers.

 

[flgolfer29]

I bought a 686-6 + a couple of years ago...

... for $700 before tax. It's got the 3" barrel and is very accurate. I also added a 686-2, 6" to my small collection this past week for $515..

joe

 

[Research Nerd]

A 686+ will be my next purchase. I'm prepared to pay the $700 for a quality weapon. All the talk/reviews say its built like a tank. I've shot several and they're great guns. So for quality I don't my paying a little extra.

I'm looking at the 4" version, the lock doesn't bother me. I've shot the 4" and 6" and prefer the 4". Either way its a gun I plan on giving to my son some day.

 

[snubbiefan]

686 prices have actually been in a downturn mode in my part of the country for the past year-or-so. Much closer to $550- $600 than $700-$800. $475-$500 is about the most I would offer for one and then resell for as close to $550-$600 as I can get. The 686's are laying on the dealers tables longer around here.

 

[DAdams]

The 686/586 is one of the "must haves". Glad you found yours in the iteration you like. That said if I couldn' afford both I would opt for the Model 66 K Frame. JMO.

 

[jimmyjoe]

I picked up this 686 no dash here in San Antonio at a little gun show from an individual for $450. I was at the right place at the right time.

[/IMG]

 

[snubbiefan]

That's what I'm talking about! You can find them in that price range all the time, especially in 6-inch dress.

 

[Gman56]

I have a 686-1 4in and love it!!It was a 6in but felt point heavy had it rebarreled and she is sweet now!I want a 586-4 or a 686-4 hope to find it in 4in. I got my 686 for $430 otd!

 

[Jeff45]

Yes, all great finds. The early 686's are some of the best revolvers ever made now at bargain prices. This won't last forever.

 

[twomoons]

we had a big gun show in the willamette valley last week.i sqw more 686 guns that i have seen in years.at least 20 to 30,7 shot snubby dash 4 guns,lots of 6 inch 6 shot guns.price was 480 to 550.more young guys are going to the black side

 

[Nephrodoc]

It did take some searching before I found a 686+ in a 4 inch, lots of 6 inch models out there. Out of state deader transfer was not a viable option around here, to much $$.
What sealed the deal was a customer service call, they confirmed the gun was factory refurbished to new specs, and would honor the lifetime service.
Just curious, Anyone had their revolver refurbished by the factory?

 

[L Pete]

I paid $685 plus tax two weeks ago for a new 686, not Plus model. I feel it was too high, but I'm a cheapskate.

 

[Cpt. Obvious]

There are a few 686s at my LGS, all brand new MIM yes-lock, for 700 or so bucks. I personally wouldn't spend it on a new smith when I can find a 27 for the same or less or a used 686 for less. heck, my 681 was $400 before shipping and xfer fees... good luck with the search brah, it's half the fun!

 

[waho]

I've got a 686 in 5" which I, judging from the prices on here, paid too much for. Still a fine shooting gun, love that trigger.

 

[Condition Yellow]

Jimmy,

That is beautiful.

 

[ohiojerry]

I found two late last year that I felt I did OK on. I got this 6" -3 for $550 and a pristine 7-shot 4" for $500, both at local gun stores.

 

[BCDWYO]

I've got a 686 in 5" which I, judging from the prices on here, paid too much for. Still a fine shooting gun, love that trigger.

I don't think I've ever seen a 5" 686...was it re-barreled? Can you post a pic?

 

[VAdoublegunner]

They do seem crazy expensive lately when they show up, especially the 4" and under models.

I think this reflects a more educated gun buying public who prefers the older craftsmanship and aesthetics to the "improvements" of newer models, although I think some of the newer guns are just as good functionally. The ones from the late-80s-90s are probably the pinnacle of S&W's production years.

I was pretty lucky to find a 4" Model 681 just 2 years ago in a local gun shop for $250. Yep, that's right. I started filling out the paper work 15 sec after I opened the cylinder and looked down the barrel. You don't hesitate on those kinds of finds.

 

[SixGunHunter]

Congrats!!

I picked up my 686-1 6" about a month ago. I love it and it is still my favorite shooter.
I passed up 2 new 686's. 1 was a 4" plus and the other a 6". I saved myself almost $400.00 and I honestly believe I bought the better revolver of the 3. Salesman thought the same.
Too be 100% honest....I couldn't get past the hole on the newer revolvers, but that is just me.

 

[BigMike76]

Just picked up a 686-1 2.5" in nearly perfect condition. After tax i got it for $623.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I've got a 686 in 5" which I, judging from the prices on here, paid too much for. Still a fine shooting gun, love that trigger.

We have a sayin' around here-you never paid too much-you just bought it a little early. In a couple of years it will be worth more than you paid for it-be patient.

 

[nipster]

Paid $500 even for a very nice, tight 686-1 6" barrel from an old guy who bought it new in 1986. No box, but had Pachmayr rubber combat grips and the original wood ones. He threw in 2 boxes of ammo and a shoulder holster I will never use. Took it straight to the range, great shooter. I wanted a 4", but after shooting it, I may end up keeping it. I was going to trade it for a 4" 686.

 

[Dregg]

It took me forever to get my first 686. Since then the flood gates opened and I have a 2 1/2 ", 4", 5", and a 6" 686. I'm looking for a 3" model now.

 

[waho]

I don't think I've ever seen a 5" 686...was it re-barreled? Can you post a pic?

Not re-barreled, 7 shot.

 

[Nephrodoc]

I love the 7 shot. I will be looking for another..