I just bought a 686-4 3"

[Mark6005]

Asking questions here can be a bit more accurate than a book. Since things constantly change well informed members here are a great source of info. By all means buy the book. I'm looking forward to it, so much history about s&w.

 

[stepjo40]

After all the great advice here I'm not going to rush into anything. When I first saw the gun for sale on a local forum all I knew was it was a 3" L frame which was enough really. I buy every 4" and under Smith that comes across that board unless they are over priced or someone beats me to it. I'll clean this beauty up and get some good pics later on this week. I do believe I'll put it up for sale since it has some collector value and I am just a humble shooter/carrier of nice hardware and rarity doesn't figure into that hobby. One other question - does the blue plastic foam lined case have any relevance to the 686.

 

[regalsc]

It's part of the "package". The end label will have the serial # that should be the same as the gun along with the spec ord# that has the date in it. First # is the year & the last 3#'s are the day of the year.

 

[BRatliff]

One other question - does the blue plastic foam lined case have any relevance to the 686.

If it has the end label with the matching serial number etc., absolutely. If not, it's just a box. Congrats on an absolute steal on a very rare and desirable revolver. All of the prelock 3" model 686's are in very high demand. I think you will be amazed at what it will bring on the open market.

Best regards, Bob

 

[jjbrewst1]

After all the great advice here I'm not going to rush into anything. When I first saw the gun for sale on a local forum all I knew was it was a 3" L frame which was enough really. I buy every 4" and under Smith that comes across that board unless they are over priced or someone beats me to it. I'll clean this beauty up and get some good pics later on this week. I do believe I'll put it up for sale since it has some collector value and I am just a humble shooter/carrier of nice hardware and rarity doesn't figure into that hobby. One other question - does the blue plastic foam lined case have any relevance to the 686.

Boxes are always important if original to the gun. These shipped in a Blue Cardboard Box with end label like I showed above. I suppose it's possible the last few shipped in the blue plastic, but all that I have seen came in Cardboard.

 

[jcelect]

Mine must have been a special one

Shipped with Combat Stocks (CS) and A Black Ramp Sight, Shipped in 1994. It is A BRN serial prefix. So exactly opposite of what the Std Catalog says.

Hey jj
I have the same gun with the same grips! Serial number BRL36xx. In my data I have this gun as being made for "Stocking Dealers" and no quantity info available. I think the grips are cut a little different than any of the other K/L frame combats and the finish is a dull satin on mine.
jcelect

 

[jjbrewst1]

Hey jj

I have the same gun with the same grips! Serial number BRL36xx. In my data I have this gun as being made for "Stocking Dealers" and no quantity info available. I think the grips are cut a little different than any of the other K/L frame combats and the finish is a dull satin on mine.

jcelect

Yep. Mine too. These combats came on a few other 686-4 2.5". Only seen them for about 1 year. Some of my favorites!!

This is one of my FAVORITE GUNS!!

 

[stepjo40]

Just as I thought, I've got a few "box and docs" K frames. I got the "case" out and someone has peeled the label off the end,imagine that. All of my Smiths are from the pre - lock days and most are discontinued models.

 

[regalsc]

I can imagine they pulled the label off because it didn't match the gun. I'm not a collector so it wouldn't bother me. You have one I would like to have but never will.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

....I've got a few "box and docs" K frames.....

Is that M13 a -3?

 

[stepjo40]

13-3

It is and not a mark on it except a slight turn ring that I put there.

 

[regalsc]

Nice 13-3. I hope you put the turn ring on it by shooting it!

 

[stepjo40]

You know I did. It was my first 4" fixed sight model and with 158 grain it's dead on POA at about 50'.

 

[Roy P]

self edited

 

[SAFireman]

Open the cylinder. Does it say "CS-1" on the frame next to the model number?

Kernel - The CS-1 guns were all NO DASH guns....just FYI

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Kernel - The CS-1 guns were all NO DASH guns....just FYI

I did know that. I just forgot. So much to remember... the "training" continues. (It does bare a fair resemblance.)

Remember that board game Trivial Pursuits? There should be a S&W revolver version.

 

[old bear]

Step, you already have a nice set of 2 1/2" M-19's, so unless you need the cash hang onto your 686. There is no need to rush into a sale.

I'm with you, I also prefer the feel of K frames to the heaver L frame.

Good luck whatever you do.

 

[629shooter]

BTW. 686-4 2.5" are bringing 1200-1600. How many of those were made.

Even the 686-5 2.5" are getting some $$$..... Not $1200 yet but, give them a few years.

 

[Shark Bait]

BTW. 686-4 2.5" are bringing 1200-1600. How many of those were made.

Really? I bought two 686-4+ 2.5 inch guns this year on GB. Both for about $850 delivered. I haven't seen another one on GB since, though.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I understand you read that in the standard catalog. I'm saying I know these guns as I collect these and sell these. There was no where near 2500 686-4 3" guns produced period.

And I would love to see the AUCTION Where one sold for 765. Like I said somebody may have sold one for 765 without a clue, but at an auction there is not a chance in H**L

I watch Gunbroker by the minute and there hasn't been one on there this entire year.

BTW. 686-4 2.5" are bringing 1200-1600. How many of those were made.

And as I said before. Send me the " 2500" made for a grand apiece. I will gladly take them.

What are 686-4+ 2.5" bringing?????? If someone offered me $1600 for mine, I'd be hard pressed to say no.