Help with two 686's

[swage]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 686-1 2.5" barrel or a 686-4 2.5" barrel 7 shot. I can't find much information on the latter.
Ideally I would purchase both, but I depleted the gun fund on a Model 29-3 3" Lew Horton.

Both are in excellent condition with the box. The -1 is wearing the original combat grips. The -4 has a set of wood grips without the medallion.

Which is the preferred 686 and what is a fair value?

 

[S&W Fan]

Many consider the -4 the pinnacle for the 686 model. I'm a traditionalist and prefer the 6 round guns so I'd grab that one-I also have 2 no dash 686s (4 & 2.5) lol.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! Both are sought after; the first 2.5" 686s were Lew Horton guns and specially marked, but this doesn't sound to be one. Collectors have gone a little crazy about the Combat stocks though. The 7-shot -4 was only made for a short time, about a year if I recall. They would both be in the $750-900 range.

I will be the first (but not the last) to suggest this - if you have enough for one but not both, how about a 50% deposit on both? Lots of help, right?

 

[swage]

After looking at the pictures I'm a little confused about the -1. It has the newer style cylinder release and the Serial number starts with AYA. The -4 has the same style cylinder release (slanted) and the serial number starts with CCD. Both are not local and are offered by the same seller. So all I have to work with is pictures.

 

[murphydog]

The -1 likely dates to early 1997; don't know about the thumb piece style but it's a easy swap if you don't like it.

 

[19leben]

Were it me I'd go with the -1. There's just something "off" about a 7 shot revolver.
Besides to me earlier guns = better guns

 

[swage]

I emailed the seller about sending some pictures of the model number that is stamped on the frame. Something isn't right about the cylinder release being the newer style. It could've been changed at some point in time, but for peace of mind I want to make sure it's as advertised before committing to purchasing one or the other. It may be an honest mistake. He is an FFL so this isn't a private seller.

 

[helmsp]

Really depends on if this is going to be a safe-queen, fun-gun or carry/self defense/home defense.
If safe queen then take the 686-1
If the other two then I'd probably take the 686-4. The seventh shot might be the crucial hit (as in "safe your life"). Another plus is that you got the new rear leaf sight drill holes and have more aftermarket rear sight options.

 

[swage]

I received some additional pictures. It is in fact a 686-1 (M stamped) with an AYA serial number. It has the incorrect cylinder release on it, but is wearing combat grips that aren't reproduction. I committed to buying the -1 this month and the -4 next month. I couldn't make up my mind and ultimately would be wishing I had both.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

... a 686-1 (M stamped) with an AYA serial number. It has the incorrect cylinder release on it...

The slanted style latch came into wide use in 1995. The -1 with AYA s/n would of shipped in 1987, not 1997 as murphydog stated. You are right to think the angled latch is not correct for the -1.

When you get both guns, and the boxes, post some pics of the end labels.

 

[murphydog]

Yes, thought 1987 and wrote 1997...

 

[clevolver]

Get the -4 if you have to choose. Best variant of the line in the opinion of many.

 

[greenmachine]

I would take the -1 with the original combat grips. The -4's are special but (at least to me) 7 shot revolvers are weird. All 686's are great.

 

[jtcarm]

The -4, without hesitation

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The -4 is drilled and tapped. Great if you want optics. No real advantage if you don't. Otherwise, I'd rather have an earlier dash with the flash chromed hammer and trigger, and wood Target Stocks (or Combats!). They just look better. That's all. I'd look for -3 or earlier, 4-inch with a pinned front sight. All the better if it was a round butt. That's the M686 I want.

 

[swage]

They will both be mine eventually. The -1 first and the -4 next month. My recent addiction to S&W revolvers has lightened my wallet considerably. I can't believe it took me this long to come down with this sickness. I've purchased six in two months.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

....My recent addiction to S&W revolvers has lightened my wallet considerably. ....

You've got the wrong mindset. You didn't spend that money. You converted it into another form. You actually saved it... into an inflation proof appreciating asset. Durable goods, baby.

How big will your "savings" get?

 

[swage]

You've got the wrong mindset. You didn't spend that money. You converted it into another form. You actually saved it... into an inflation proof appreciating asset. Durable goods, baby.

How big will your "savings" get?

I swear that is exactly what my LGS said today when I was transferring my M29-3 3" Lew Horton. He also went on to say that you cannot pay too much, just too soon. But this gentleman also admitted to owning over 50 S&W revolvers. So maybe he was trying to convince himself too.