686 thoughts

[azgunz]

Well I was looking for a 686 4" and then kept reading that the 686-4 was the best of them. So after finding a seller here for $550, he went bust.
Then another guy a coupe days later had one and he hasnt responded to any of my emails after him saying that we would meet tomorrow cause he had a good amount to drink that night.
Prior to getting that email we went and checked out this 686-1. It was sweet, had a real hardcore feel when spinning the cylinder rather than the smooth I feel on my 637.
I guess it could be the stainless steel? I havent played with a 686 before then so I dont really know how to compare it to anything.
I went through and did the used revolver check list and it seems just fine. Timing is spot on and everything. Only thing is, its pretty beat up.
Few dings here and there.

He is asking $450 and Im thinking with all the dings, I might be able to get it down to $425 if I decide I want it. He would also throw in a nice holster
Should I go for it?

 

[surfdog76]

What are the features on a -4 that YOU value, that are not on the -1 ?

If you don't know, or don't feel that strongly about them......... The -1 will make you just as happy as a -4.

If YOU place value on those features, keep searching. -4's are not rare and you WILL have the opportunity to own one.
So relax and enjoy the search, and get exactly what you want.

 

[Nightowl]

Some of the -4's have flash chromed hammers and triggers and some do not. I think they are MIM as they were not case hardened like forged parts. I have an original 586 AAA serial number that has shot thousands of rounds with no problems. While the -4's may be the best of the best, the rest of the 686's are great guns too. I would be more interested in how it functions and looks than the dash number.

 

[azgunz]

well it looks a bit banged up

 

[cptdco]

Some of those bangs can be polished out of a stainless gun...do a search on polishing stainless and you'll find some useful information...there might even be something in the FAQ section. No-dash through dash-4 are all great firearms and you can't go wrong with any of them. Actually, the -5s and -6s are great also, but some shooters prefer the non-MIM, non-lock versions. I've built a collection of no-dash guns, but that's simply because the first handgun I bought was a 6" 686 when they were first introducted. I still have that revolver, still shoot it regularly, and I don't think I could wear it out if I wanted to. Good luck with your search.

 

[azgunz]

this are pits in it.

Think of a metal edge or something that sticks out in a glove box and you stick the gun on the door and then shut it. from that distance onto something metal and small.

These can not be polished out and probably not able to be smoothed out by sanding or something alike

as the seller states "this was not a safe queen"

 

[rondo]

I also wanted a -4, took me a while to find a nice specimen and I had to pay a little more than I wanted, but I was/am happy in the end.

Be patient, you will find one that meets your expectations.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

If you get any for less than 500 you grab it and run. I like the -5 myself the best, each to his own. The -4 has been drilled for a scope mount where the -3 and less hasn't been drilled.

 

[PMRet]

I have a 4" 686 no dash purchased new in the early 80's when they were introduced, 1000's of rounds with no problems. I personally like the no dash models such as the 686, 617, etc. with the flash chromed hammer and trigger, old style cylinder release and cylinder stop stud. But, to each his own, so if there are reasons you like the -4, then hold out until you find one. Otherwise, you won't be completely satisfied.

 

[cdr]

I have a 4" no dash 686 as well and routinely carry it and have also shot thousands of rounds through it without a single misfire. Loaded with Federal 357B or Remington .357 125gr rounds is the most accurate and beautiful shooting revolver I own. I would not concern yourself with the dash numbers as much as getting the best conditioned 686 you can find. My preference leans towards the earlier models, mine is from 1983, as I am not a fan of newer MIM parts and in no way, shape or form do I want a revolver with the internal lock. Older Smith and Wesson revolvers are an excellent choice IMHO, but I do love the no dash. Mine looks and feels like new and with the original wooden target stocks is a great "old school" revolver.

 

[azgunz]

alright so you've all talked me into getting it because of the gun itself.
What about the dings? Im not talking scratches these are from banging the gun on something harder.

He is throwing in a nice holster and I know the gun is in great mechanical shape. The grips are not stock but smaller S&W wood grips

 

[snowman]

asgunz:

As I see it, you have to look at the gouged-up gun and ask yourself, "Will I be thoroughly satisfied with having this gun, or will the cosmetic damage bother me repeatedly and make me wish I had waited for a better specimen?" You have to know yourself somewhat well to arrive at the answer. If you're like me, you're relatively picky and appearance does matter to you. If that's the case, you'll want to keep looking until you find what satisfies you. If looks don't matter to you and you just want a gun that is in good shape otherwise, you'll want to go ahead and get this one. Unfortunately you're the only one who can sort that out.

Regarding the differing dash numbers, I have a -3, a -4, and a -6. Each has plusses and minuses. Of the 3, the -3 probably has the most flaws. The other two have about the same number of flaws. In a life-or-death situation, if I had a choice I would probably grab the -6. But then again the -6 is the only one of the three which has a lock and MIM hammer & trigger. If someone hates that stuff(and I'm certainly no fan of it), he'll buy an earlier gun with more flaws just to avoid it.

You can see that things can get pretty complicated here. I'm going to leave it at that. I wish you well with your deliberations.

Andy

 

[azgunz]

well good news, I just got an email about another gun that is in "immaculate" condition and only fired a few times. 686-4

depending on the price, Im gonna go check this one out

 

[Wayne M]

Pass on the beat up -1. I've seen great condition -4's and -5's sell in shops up to $650; a good condition used 686 is worth that and they ain't getting any cheaper.

 

[azgunz]

holy ..

$750. Includes 500 rounds of .357

 

[Wayne M]

Factory ammo ok, reloads forget it. Cardinal rule: Don't use anybodies reloads but your own. If reloaded, dicker for lower price.

 

[azgunz]

all factory ammo
+
Leather galco holster - $80 value, never used
hks speedloader

 

[MWark]

holy ..

$750. Includes 500 rounds of .357

Hell, just the brass is worth a 100 bucks!
I don't love the HK speed loaders but they're 10 bucks each (new).

 

[Wayne M]

Sounds like a deal to me.....if the guns good, buy it.

 

[roaddog28]

Hi,
I never had a problem with my 686-3 4 inch. I have handled other 686s from no dash all the way up to the new ones. Not much different other than the triggers are better on the older 686s. Just about any 686 is worth $450 and more where I live. I would buy it!

regards,
roaddog28