Grail Gun secured

[BabaBlueJay]

My first S&W was a 686-1 4" square butt. Well I just landed the grail, a 686-3 snub with the most beautiful combat grips I've ever seen. I had to break a personal rule of 1k or under but in the long run I think this was worth it.

 

[UKWildcatFan]

Fantastic. Looks awesome. Exceptions are not only allowed, but expected.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rpg]

Very nice,!

You should enjoy it.

 

[CH4]

She's a beauty. The pre lock 2.5" 686 is a favorite.

 

[Gunhohulk]

That's a very nice score! I have a similar "rule" that I don't buy anything that's not a really good dea. But when something comes up that I can't resist and is at market price or a little over I pretend the extra cost is balanced out across the rest of the good deals and I'm still pretty deep into the black.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

I'll post more photos when it is in my hands through FFL transfer. I could not be more excited about this! It was a little more than I wanted to spend, however, this was something I've wanted for a long time.

 

[rimfireshooter]

Use it in good health

 

[JD3006]

You did the right thing. The time to buy it is when you see it. The next time if you see one again it will cost more. Thats my experience.

 

[robertrwalsh]

Congrats. If you are happy I am happy for you. I have a similar rule but with the new additional 11% gun excise tax in the People's Republic of California it will be harder to hold to it.

 

[starlord]

grate choice for a first!

 

[Hawg Rider]

Nice score on a very desirable revolver. Is that a 2-1/2" bbl. or 3" bbl. on your 686-3? If it's a 3", does yours happen to be stamped "CS-1" in the yoke? There was a production run of these for the U.S. Customs Service in 1988, both 3" and 4" barrels. Can you share the Production Code and Special Features on the box label? That could add to the value of your acquisition. Enjoy!

 

[BabaBlueJay]

Nice score on a very desirable revolver. Is that a 2-1/2" bbl. or 3" bbl. on your 686-3? If it's a 3", does yours happen to be stamped "CS-1" in the yoke? There was a production run of these for the U.S. Customs Service in 1988, both 3" and 4" barrels. Can you share the Production Code and Special Features on the box label? That could add to the value of your acquisition. Enjoy!

2.5" I wanted the shortest possible for weight and concealment purposes. The wooden combats were also desired for carry reasons. Some hate finger grooves, but I like them. The rubber grips with grooves fit my hand perfect but stick to my clothes. The smooth wooden ones shouldn't have those issues is the hope.

 

[TheTinMan]

My first S&W was a 686-1. Well I just landed the grail, a 686-3 snub birth year 1988. I had to break a personal rule of 1k or under but in the long run I think this was worth it.

I had a rule like that years ago…

 

[Lou_the_welder]

I paid $1150 for a 686-3 snub. The guy gave me some ammo too. I wouldn't stress over paying too much . In the years that I got mine, I haven't seen another one like it.
If I didn't buy mine- I wouldn't have one.
I think you did good.

 

[lkabug]

There are no rules for grail guns.

 

[USBP SW]

Rules are made to be broken! Besides, baseline price rules need to be constantly adjusted, i e. rarity, condition, inflation, grail, etc...

 

[BabaBlueJay]

I paid $1150 for a 686-3 snub. The guy gave me some ammo too. I wouldn't stress over paying too much . In the years that I got mine, I haven't seen another one like it.
If I didn't buy mine- I wouldn't have one.
I think you did good.

Mine was 1230$ with box and original tools so I am fine with it. As someone mentioned Grail guns are not subject to price restrictions and I got mine.

 

[notsofast]

That's a beauty, round butt 3" .357 in a slightly heavier frame than a k model. I'd like one but I'm gonna be selling instead of buying

 

[ladder13]

Congrats! I'll repeat myself once again. Those short barreled L frames are so pretty and well balanced.

 

[Enzo Rules]

That's a beauty.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congratulations!

 

[llowry61]

That is one sharp revolver. I want one. A forum member sold me a 586 snubby but I still need the 686!

Always looking although there are very few on the buy list nowadays.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

That is one sharp revolver. I want one. A forum member sold me a 586 snubby but I still need the 686!

Always looking although there are very few on the buy list nowadays.

It was the only one I saw, and it was everything I wanted in one revolver. Birth year gun, snub, -3, and S&W 'combat grips with original packaging/tools/manual. Just couldn't pass on that even if it was more than I wanted to spend.

Any advice on defense ammo? I'm torn between 38+p or 357

 

[Igiveup]

Congrats! What is your new grail gun?

 

[Beemerguy53]

It was the only one I saw, and it was everything I wanted in one revolver. Birth year gun, snub, -3, and S&W 'combat grips with original packaging/tools/manual. Just couldn't pass on that even if it was more than I wanted to spend.

Any advice on defense ammo? I'm torn between 38+p or 357

That L-Frame will easily handle .357 Magnum loads...

 

[charlie sherrill]

That's a very nice score! I have a similar "rule" that I don't buy anything that's not a really good dea. But when something comes up that I can't resist and is at market price or a little over I pretend the extra cost is balanced out across the rest of the good deals and I'm still pretty deep into the black.

....and, besides that, it will be more than worth what you paid for it in a short period of time.

 

[Rodan]

Congrats on acquiring a grail gun! It's always satisfying, and pointless to put a price on.

A 2.5" 686 was my carry gun in 1987-88, though I sold it to fund a 3" 629 back in the day. I always regretted that and finally replaced it with a 686-1 2.5" I picked up earlier this year.

As far as ammo for defensive purposes, I like the Buffalo Bore .357 short barrel/low flash/recoil 140gr Barnes bullet loads. Serious, but not as unpleasant out of short barrel guns as the iconic Federal and Remington 125gr JHPs. No exposed lead to deform over time with repeated loading/unloading.

 

[1911haulic]

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing.

 

[llowry61]

No recommendations on SD ammo, IMO any 357 is certainly plenty of power.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

Congrats on acquiring a grail gun! It's always satisfying, and pointless to put a price on.

A 2.5" 686 was my carry gun in 1987-88, though I sold it to fund a 3" 629 back in the day. I always regretted that and finally replaced it with a 686-1 2.5" I picked up earlier this year.

As far as ammo for defensive purposes, I like the Buffalo Bore .357 short barrel/low flash/recoil 140gr Barnes bullet loads. Serious, but not as unpleasant out of short barrel guns as the iconic Federal and Remington 125gr JHPs. No exposed lead to deform over time with repeated loading/unloading.

I think that the 686 will always have a special place in my heart as my first S&W. This one is slightly shorter than my 4" but the learning curve should not be too harsh as I have shot thousands of rounds through my 686.

I am leaning towards silvertips since they worked so well in my 4"