Help with 686-2

[Saint-Torini]

First time poster.

I own one revolver: a 686-2 2.5” that I inherited from my dad. It’s been sitting in my safe for many years. It has a total of less than 50-75 rounds through it. For estate reasons, I need to assess the value of this piece. I’m a pistol guy and I don’t know much about revolver values. From my limited research, I believe this to be a 1987 -2 model and the serial starts with “BBA”. I don’t have the box or any paperwork, and from what I know the gun is 100% stock. I’ve attached a couple photos below if anyone has any insight on what the value of this thing might be? It’s really one of the most beautiful guns I’ve ever held in my life.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Vtgw938]

Nice revolver and you are correct in your assumptions on approximate date. You probably have the original grips which is great. I would say value is $800 -$1200. All depends if you are buying or selling, and dealing with a dealer or individual owner.

For what it is worth I have a no dash, which is one of the guns made for Lew Horton before the 2.5 inch was cataloged and I have it valued at $900 for insurance purposes but I sure wouldn't sell it to you for that.

Fired a lot or fired little doesn't really matter. Condition is all that matters. If the gun has no rust, no significant scratches, no dings or such and there is no flame cutting I would call it a lightly used, seldom fired gun. There is probably at least a line above the rear of the barrel on the underside of the top strap but if there is no cutting of the metal detectable I would call it seldom fired at least with magnums.

The pic of the serial number shows very little wear.

 

[rwsmith]

Well, here's what I think.....

Surely somebody more knowledgable than me will come along with a better evaluation, but a 686 with regular grips in that condition would probably go for around $950. But that one has some good looking wood grips that would make it more. What we don't know is if that is a Lew Horton or some other premium model that would make it more valuable.

 

[PatriotX]

I agree with the posters above with regards to valuation, but wanted to add that the grips are stunning.

Congratulations on owning one of the best-looking stainless revolvers Smith has offered, IMHO.

 

[Saint-Torini]

Thank you everyone for the great and insightful feedback. I agree the grips on this is what makes it special. I’ve had a number people beg me to sell it to them, but for sentimental reasons I’m not sure I would ever want to part with it. My initial thought on value was $1100-$1200 given condition and grips, which is inline with the comments above. Someone mentioned a special/limited or LH edition. My understanding is there’s really no easy way to tell if it’s any of the above. Would contacting S&W or LH with the serial reveal any more details?

 

[Jeep 1]

At current GB Prices that gun would probably go somewhere around $1000 to $1200 range and if you took those grips off it would probably bring around $900 with just rubber Smith and Wesson grips and those combat grips will bring $400 plus on eBay
Tom

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! You inherited a very nice L-frame Model 686-2 revolver with some outstanding wood combat stocks. The 686 snubbies (2-1/2" and 3" bbl.) are very desirable and extremely durable and dependable. $1000-$1200 is probably a fair value estimate. I couldn't find any connections for your "BBA" s/n (1988*) to the Performance Center or Lew Horton special production models, so we have to assume it's a standard model. It's similar to the Lew Horton (PC 104212) but that version was released in 1984. You could check with Lew Horton and they can probably tell you for sure. Yours is probably a late manufacture 686-2 since the 686-3 was released in 1988. Hopefully some Forum members that are more knowledgeable will be along soon to help out. I'm glad that you're considering keeping your 686-2 as a family heirloom...it will be a great shooter for many years to come. Enjoy!

*Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th. Ed.