Decided! - 686 w/ Lock

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MattJames

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I have a chance at a 686 7 shot but it is a lock version. I'd prefer it not to be but the asking price is $475 - which I think is a pretty good price. I'm not crazy with it being a lock model.
Comments, please? Thanks!
 
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I understand your reservation. I have several S&W's and no lock models among them. However I do have a 686 2 1/2" and if you can get a 686 for $475 and it is mechanically sound get it. I would suggest having a trusted gunsmith check it out before or a three day return period to have it checked but at that price point you will not regret it. Pistol prices are not going down. Good luck.
 
For that money I would own a lock gun and quickly gut the lock in favor of the Plug. I know I would like a seven shot 686+.
 
I just don't understand how whether a gun has the lock or doesn't have the lock should factor into the buying decision. If you feel strongly about the lock, it is a very simple matter to remove or disable it. Depending on how anal you are you can even plug the hole to give your gun the "no-lock" look. But to deny yourself a firearm you really crave, or to pass on a great price because of an easily removed mechanism makes no sense to me.

To the OP - for $475 you should jump on that with both feet.

JMHO

Adios,

Pizza Bob
 
Price is excellent. Buy it. If the IL is simply to much to stand, remove it and install a plug. No big deal. Shoot the hound out of it. Later, if you just are not able to accept that it once had a IL, sell it. It will sell for what you paid... probably more.
 
If the gun is in good shape, at that price, you'd better snag it before someone else does. We all prefer no lock models, but the fact is that IL models are just as accurate and sturdy. Check out the gun thoroughly, or make a deal with the seller to have a reputable gunsmith or Smith armorer give it an inspection before you seal the deal. The 686 is a great gun. Good luck.
 
If you decide not to buy it, tell me where its at and I'll buy it at that price.
 
Thanks for the replies. Of course I wasn't looking or shopping (I just bought three revolvers in the last three months), just talking guns with a friend. He is usually buying or selling something and I inquired if he still had the Dan Wesson with interchangeable barrels (he offered it to me for sale a couple of years ago). He said no but had a 6" 686+ that he'd sell me for $475. He originally said that he didn't think it a lock version but got it out and took a couple of pics of it for me.
The thing that caught my ear most was the price - I said I'd take it pending funds in a couple of weeks and he is good with that.
So, thanks again for the replies... I'm excited all over again.
 
I have a 686-6 6" with lock one of my favorite and accurate revolvers. for 475.00 and in good shape get it you will not be disappointed.
 
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I have a 6" 686+, no lock, and it's a great gun. I haven't had any problems with the lock on my 629 though, so I don't really have any qualms about it. I always figured that if I had a problem with it, I'd plug it, but so far, no issues. I'll echo the other posters above, and I would buy that gun for that price. I've been pricing them lately, and they're running $600-$650 in our area. I also now have my Dad's older 6" 586, so I'm sort of contemplating trading my 6" 686+ for a 4" version. I just can't make up my mind. They're all great guns.
 
I own a 6" 686-6 with lock (unfluted cylinder) that I have no issues with. I've thought about removing the lock, but as it's purpose is target shooting I'm not too concerned. I have a lockless 4" 681 that fills the defensive role.

Congrats on the new gun!
 
I think it's possible the "no-lock" thing has gone from a preference to a principle - people avoid them on principle, or as a matter of doctrine. I'm not rich enough to do that. I have two lock era S&W's that work awesome. No malfunctions. Both bought used.

I ask this question sincerely because I honestly don't know the answer - has Smith and Wesson ever been successfully sued because one of their revolvers didn't work in a gun fight due to a faulty internal lock mechanism? If so, why on earth would they continue to put them on their revolvers? Or why wouldn't they change the system to something else?

I've had 3 failures on Smith and Wesson firearms that weren't the two lock models I own. Why are lock failures worse than other failures, like the ones I had? I still couldn't use my guns, even though they weren't lock failures.

Here's an added benefit of the internal lock system - they're so despised that they bring the price way down on used guns...like a 7 shot 686 for $475.

Enjoy the new gun if you get it.
 
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Pizza Bob said:
I just don't understand how whether a gun has the lock or doesn't have the lock should factor into the buying decision. If you feel strongly about the lock, it is a very simple matter to remove or disable it. Depending on how anal you are you can even plug the hole to give your gun the "no-lock" look. But to deny yourself a firearm you really crave, or to pass on a great price because of an easily removed mechanism makes no sense to me.

To the OP - for $475 you should jump on that with both feet.

JMHO

Adios,

Pizza Bob
Click to expand...

Note that use of the term "no lock" (or pre-lock) is a form of bragging or request for approval by your peers. Otherwise, why would it be relevant?
 
Jim NNN said:
Here's an added benefit of the internal lock system - they're so despised that they bring the price way down on used guns...like a 7 shot 686 for $475.

Enjoy the new gun if you get it.
Click to expand...

:D
Thanks! I figure the price is right! This will see a lot of range time...
 
Yea...at that price it's a good deal if it's in good shape, even if it has some handling wear and regardless of the barrel length (which I did not see listed).

Many people, like myself, could care less if it has the IL or anything else (original to the gun). I don't buy on dash number (meaning: IL, pre-MIM, etc.). I buy on value and whether or not I can recoup my investment if, or when, I decide I want something different.

I've shot all types and ages of 686's and they're all good.
 
Ranger514 said:
Why the stereotype? Your comment is both absurd and irrelevant.
Click to expand...

Made perfect sense to me. And seems fairly relevant. Given all the commentary and general agitation over a minor feature that seems to have been invented by the folk that saved S&W from going belly up. If that lock saved the company, then I'll suffer along.
 
I paid substantially more than that for 686.
If I had a choice, I'd go no lock, but I have several lock guns and they do me well.
 
My everyday BUG is a 642-2 with the IL. I disabled the lock, since I didn't want the worry of a mechanical failure. S&W still makes great guns. Sniping at each other, name calling, and stereotyping over the lock/no lock controversy isn't necessary. I appreciate the older revolvers, and would love to own some of the current line being manufactured.
 
I have some pre 1980 s&w revolvers and 1 lock model 29 MG. Loving the mountain gun like the others it is accurate and has good attention to detail....paid full price for it new with no regret.
 
Our family has two S&W 686+ revolvers of 2012-2013 vintage and these are among the most accurate and best revolvers in our overlarge collection. I get that some of the fellows don't like the lock, and that's fine, but me I give it no thought whatever. To me the whole lock issue is a bunch of hooey. These are excellent handguns and we really enjoy them. My 686+ 4" is dog-nuts accurate whenever my poor ability can match the accuracy of the revolver.
 
That is a good price if it is in nice shape. That revolver would probably be just south of $600 here. All three of my 686s have locks, I didn't like it at first. But, they shoot so well, I have forgotten the locks are even there.
 
Remind me........what was the problem with the lock again that you could not over come ?

That, my friend is an excellent price for an excellent revolver......close your eyes and just do it......bet it will bring a smile to your face.
 
CatboatWilly said:
Remind me........what was the problem with the lock again that you could not over come ?

That, my friend is an excellent price for an excellent revolver......close your eyes and just do it......bet it will bring a smile to your face.
Click to expand...

I don't think that question, or the mess it would spawn, is to be entertained here.
 
Update: Picked it up today! Seems to be in nice shape. :)

IMG_2927a_zpsb2000a3b.jpg


It's a nice mate for the 617 :)

55ce52e6-c468-4982-80ca-8fd6fa59723d_zps7f7c7750.jpg


Now, for new grips... :p
 
Congrats. My seven shooter is a weapon and not a museum piece. I've never had an issue with the lock. The only holes I'm concerned with are at the target.
 
The lock is annoying, but I have yet to have an "AL" (accidental locking) with my two lock models. You'll forget it's there & enjoy shooting it.
 
MattJames said:
I have a chance at a 686 7 shot but it is a lock version. I'd prefer it not to be but the asking price is $475 - which I think is a pretty good price. I'm not crazy with it being a lock model.
Comments, please? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Your name will be on the wall of shame (beside mine), if you own a gun with a trigger lock.:cool:
 
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