Im about to buy a 686 Prelock, which one! Help!

[girvin02]

I just did a quick search on GB. There are currently more than a dozen pre-lock 686's with 4" barrels. The ones with high starting prices have zero bids. There are currently 4 with bids, ranging from $455-$650.

[edit]
I'm glad to see that you went with the 6" gun. That is a much better deal and it looks like you scored some k-frame combat stocks in the deal. The value in the stocks makes the deal all that much better.

Looks very nice, congrats!

 

[nachogrande]

INFLATION.

I paid 325$ each for good condition used 640 ND & a 681 ND in 2011. I believe I'll make my $ back & will have been using them for free.

 

[DocB]

I got a -4 last year with a 4 inch barrel at my favorite pawn shop for $450 and it sure is nice. I would save the money and get the 6 inch barrel. . .more velocity and muzzle energy. Great for hunting too. He is way high on the 4 inch barrel in my opinion.

 

[JAREDSHS]

switched to the 6" Dash -2
Bought her, just now

NOW THATS WHAT IM TALKIN ABOUT !!! SAWEEET !!

 

[johnny_yuma]

Choice came down to fact that I already have a 3" .357 I already have a 4" JM625....(N frame). It dawned on me that a 6" high velocity .357 would fit in nicely. -And since I handload, -I'd get a chance to load up some real asskicking loads delivering some serious energy out of the 6"

Besides... those grips! It just called to me.... "Johnny...."

 

[Tom_R]

Thanks and the advice means alot. Talk about tough decisions. By the way, Pre Lock 686 4" are going for $1000-$1200+ and they have been going up up up over the last several years. Two years ago there were several online for $600-$800. Those days are gone. These are scarce items. The 6" are going up also, but dont carry the cult following willing to pay nuts money like the 4" and shorter. Im really in a hard to make decision and its going down today at the Local Gun Store in a few hours. I'll be sure to let yall know.

Johnny, where are you located?

$1000 - $1200 for a pre-lock 686 is not something I have seen at all. I am telling you that is out of whack, and I am sure others will concur.

I'd like to understand where you are seeing these prices.

I'll bet there are 10 4" 686's on GunBroker right now that could be had for $700 or less.

Something is amiss if you are consistently seeing the higher prices that you mentioned.

 

[Tom_R]

switched to the 6" Dash -2
Bought her, just now

Congratulations.

You stole that 686.

The grips alone are worth ~ $300 - $350.

In fact you may want to take those off and put a cheaper set on to keep those Finger groove Combats pristine.

 

[llowry61]

Those grips make them a dream to shoot. That thing will shoot like a dream. Once you shoot it you will know why there are so many fans of the L frames. Perfect weight for recoil management. I shoot really soft 357 reloads through mine and it is just a pleasure. Be sure to post a range report.

 

[johnny_yuma]

Johnny, where are you located?

$1000 - $1200 for a pre-lock 686 is not something I have seen at all. I am telling you that is out of whack, and I am sure others will concur.

I'd like to understand where you are seeing these prices.

I'll bet there are 10 4" 686's on GunBroker right now that could be had for $700 or less.

Something is amiss if you are consistently seeing the higher prices that you mentioned.

Brother, I scanned gunbroker hard. Yes, there are a limited few 4" 686 Prelock that can be had around $800... but most without original grips, box and paperwork. I remember just a year ago, a quick scan would find many 686 Prelock from $500-$750. The walls are closing in. Prices on Prelock S&W are going up. And they will continue to go up, because like Land, Smith and Wesson aint making no more.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Another vote for buy both. The 4 inch is more versatile in that it can (at the big end) be used for carry. If not for carry, I would go for the 6 inch myself, but it depends on what else you have and what it is used for and what you like. My 686 has a 4 inch barrel although it is a seven shot new one. My other full size 357 magnums are six inch barrels. I hope that whatever you get serves you well.