How too much is $900 for...

I've seen 686s go easily over $700 around here with no box etc. If it's in really good shape and well cared for I'd say it's a little high..but not horribly so. If it's a -4. If it's a -5 I'd keep looking for that money. I prefer the old style hammer and trigger though. That one is more of a personal choice.
 
Not very many pre lock 686 Plus snubs out there.

Nothing wrong at all with a 686-5. The replaceable front sight is an advantage over earlier designs.

Those telling you that the price is too high have not been watching the market recently.

I would put the value at $800 minimum. Even if it was not a 7 shot model it would be a $650-700 revolver.

Being a snub,pre lock and 7 shot model takes the demand and value up.
 
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Doubt you'll find a 686 snub pre-lock for under $800 in 'pristine' (unless you're really lucky)...
Buds is currently selling NIB 686-2.5" for $661 shipped (add your FFL and your close to $700)... So the spread is about $200.
If money's not a big issue, get the pre-... in a year you'll probably forget what you paid for it anyway... and you'll be happy with the gun.
 
andyo5 said:
If the lock really turns you off, and if you can afford the price, then buy it. Eventually it will be worth what you paid.
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Good grief. If someone would like to pay me $1500 too soon for my 6" 686-4 plus, I'll happily take their money. I mean, in 10 years, you'll forget what you paid, right?

Otherwise, paying "too much, too soon" just inflates the market for your next purchase.

Just the view from here. You guys do what you want.
 
If you try to find another one and factor in the cost of gas (seems to be rising again), gunshow admittance and parking, and your time, the $150 difference is next to nothing! Plus, you'd get to fondle/shoot it NOW! Buy it.
 
The West Virginian said:
I've tried to talk him down, Sail, but the rascal won't budge lol. The problem is our area, in my opinion. Excellent condition pre-lock Smiths are rare in these parts, and, sadly, go for more than they probably should.
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If prices for pre-locks are elevated in your area, your options are to pay the local increase, or buy on Gunbroker, GunsInternational, etc., which may or may not save you all that much considering those are national markets.
 
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Bullet Bob said:
For me it would be a $650.00 gun at best. Too heavy for me to carry, and I don't like shooting .357's out of short barrels because of the muzzle blast. I'm also not a collector or deluded investor.
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She is a heavy darling, Bullet, but it would be a carry piece for me during winter when I can conceal it under a jacket. Most likely, I'd go for a good shoulder holster like the Monarch from Andrews Leather. The weight and muzzle blast for me are inconsequential as my current cold weather carry is a Ruger Alaskan .454 with .45 Long Colts as the carry ammunition. I am definitely not a collector; I own it, I use it. I also have better investments than firearms lol.
 
Sailfish 40 said:
MSRP on a brand new one is $849. I'd much rather have the one you found.
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If it wasn't for the lock, Sailfish, I would grab a new one in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, I just can't get past an unnecessary feature that has even the slightest chance of causing a malfunction. The pre-lock models are not only more attractive, they're more reliable, in my opinion.
 
murphydog said:
It's a little high in the current market, but...you're hooked :). Pay the man his money and get it over with!
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I'm trying, murphy lol! Unfortunately, I'm a few folks down on his list of prospects. I give the gentleman kudos for having morals and scruples as I'd have paid him on the spot. Unfortunately, there are others who have expressed interest and he is giving each a chance to buy or pass. I'm hoping to know something definite by tomorrow or Wednesday. Fingers crossed.
 
I think it's only $100 too much. So, it comes down to how much you feel like wasting $100 versus how long before you'll see another one of these?
 
I can tell you this........

The West Virginian said:
Pre-lock, SA. He says it is a 686-5. I confess much ignorance of Smith revolvers as my interest in them beyond the J frames is just starting to warm.
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You WANT that gun. If it's as nice as you say you won't be disappointed.

Consider this. Do you want the 2 1/2" barrel? 6" are much less in demand and 3-5" are in high demand and get higher price. I'm poor but i love my 686 no dash 6"

I don't have to worry about making an investment or show piece. To me it's a great shooter and if I sell it one day I have no idea what the market will be then and I don't seem them getting cheaper.
 
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Location, location, location. Most of us don't live in areas where prelock Smiths are plentiful. Heck, most of the gunstores and pawnshops in my area don't know what a prelock Smith is, much less sell them. I've got a 686-5 plus snubby that's up for trade right now in the classifieds. It's in great condition, though I do shoot it and clean it regularly. For me personally it's worth a straight trade for a blued 4" 586-4 or 5. Great gun, I have a 3" though and need a nice blued revolver to replace the 2.5". Like most have said, it will only get more expensive. And if it hasn't been brought up before, there isn't an infinite supply of prelock 7 shot snubbies. Most that have them aren't willing to part with them. From what I can tell just from gunbroker and the classifieds right now, $900 locally is a fair deal.
 
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