Decided on a 686 4"

[Sparkyshooter]

Went to a gun show today and found a nice little 686-1 4" for just 400 dollars used. Pre-lock. Should stand up to whatever target shooting drills I'm going to be putting it through.

I hope I made a good decision buying a used Smith. I usually buy things new. I'm interested in others' experiences with this gun used.

Now I gotta wait my ten days and then drive out 2 hours to pick it up. BUT I CAN'T WAIT THAT LONG!!!

 

[Sparkyshooter]

Went to a gun show today and found a nice little 686-1 4" for just 400 dollars used. Pre-lock. Should stand up to whatever target shooting drills I'm going to be putting it through.

I hope I made a good decision buying a used Smith. I usually buy things new. I'm interested in others' experiences with this gun used.

Now I gotta wait my ten days and then drive out 2 hours to pick it up. BUT I CAN'T WAIT THAT LONG!!!

 

[Sparkyshooter]

Serial number AUW0894.

Can anyone help me look this puppy up for the manufacture date?

 

[Wayne M]

I'd say 1986. Nice gun, you'll enjoy it.

 

[Dale53]

I have a 686 4" Treasury model and am VERY happy with it.

You'll like yours, also!

Dale53

 

[Sparkyshooter]

Wow, 20 years old? What are some tell-tale signs of badnews wear and tear to look for before I finalize the deal?

 

[m657]

My limited use of 686s indicate they are quite robust. My own 686-4 has been through hell and went back for a second helping with no ill effect. The original owner neglected to clean it but did apply copious amounts of gun oil such that it leaked like an AMF Harley. Got it cleaned up, degunked, devarnished and lubed properly. It functions perfectly and looks amazingly 'like new'.

I love mine.

 

[Sparkyshooter]

This one hasn't been fired for four years but spent a decade or so in competitive target shoots. It's def seen a lot of action, probably ten thousand rounds or more.

 

[Sparkyshooter]

m657 - any way to get some of the scratches off the surface or at least cover them up a little bit?

 

[bountyhunter]

Originally posted by Sparkyshooter:
m657 - any way to get some of the scratches off the surface or at least cover them up a little bit?

You can polish stainless steel like chrome if you want to work at it long enough. We all do that when we first get them... and then don't ever do it again.

 

[m657]

I just rubbed mine down a bit with some knife polish....I think it was called 'simichrome' or some such. It really didn't need much. And I didn't want a Disco style shine, just a little clean up.

I prefer the grooved Hogue style grip for it also, unlike many other forum members.

I took it to the range and shot all one afternoon side by side with my 4" Python. They used the same speed loaders IIRC. And they were amazingly near-DNA twins. I *DID* manage to shoot my Python just a tad tighter groups, but that 686 STILL has an amazing trigger!

For a gun that even now doesn't retail for even 1/4 of a clean Python....it's eerie how close to the each the other handing remains!

 

[Sparkyshooter]

Some people say they use scotchbrite pads but I'd think those would be too abrasive...?

 

[Wayne M]

It's not broken in at only 10K.

 

[mulehide9]

Sparky.... I need to tell you that the 586's, and 686's no dash, and 1 dash both have a recall. Something about a bushing. If the serial number in the yoke area has an "M" it has been sent back to the factory.No "M", no fix. You can check with S&W, the recall is still in affect.

 

[stevieboy]

My two 686s are my pride and joy. I love everything about them but, most of all, I love their accuracy. At 10 yards both of them will give me one big hole. I have no doubt they'd do the same thing at 25 yards if I were only up to the task!

 

[Nframe]

The 686 is a nice one!

My new to me 686-3 with Spegels.

 

[notsobigal]

I decided to buy a 686 also. The dealer I usually buy from said $625 for a new 4 inch 6 shot. That's a pretty good price isn't it?

 

[Sparkyshooter]

notsobigal - That's a good price new, for around here anyway. Around here they go for about 800 new, 600 invoice price.

Considering that this thing's seen a lot of competition, I'm going to guess that it either has already been recalled or maybe doesn't even need it. I'll contact the dealer tomorrow and ask if it has the recall stamp on it.

This thing has a really cool iron sight on it. No orange dot (I know its useful but still). It is really classy looking.

 

[Dyerbill]

I bought a 686-3 4 inch; I love it. Cylinder wear, lock-up and cleanliness are the main factors of a used gun. Great winter carry gun.

 

[powerkicker]

I have a 686-4 and you definitely made a good choice. For shooters, the L frame beats the pants off the K frame in my honest opinion.