Is it worth it? 5" half underlug 686 plus Dealer Exclusive

[Moo Moo]

Hi everyone

Just had this Model 686 Stocking Dealer Exclusive 7 shot 5" half underlug barrel come up on an Australian Online Firearms website for $1500 AUD / $1130 USD. It has been listed as in excellent condition. The serial number is CJC9432.

I've never seen anything like it before. Are they worth anything as a collectable? (I'd still want to lightly shoot it however). Given MIM parts and the Locking Hole, I would think that this may de-value it a little.

When abouts did these come out and how many were produced?

Of course, there's many questions that I will have to answer myself in regards to obtaining one. I already have a 6" 586-ND and a 4" 686-1.

Any feedback will be appreciated.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

I dont know what your normal prices are on that side of the pond but it would would probably go between $900-1000 in my parts.
What makes it an “exclusive”? The sight?

 

[Lou_the_welder]

I've never seen one of those up close. But a forum member did have one.
If you have a use for it, I don't see why not. The lock and mim don't bother me.

The local dealers would probably have that at $1k.

 

[Kansasgunner]

That’s a very cool combination with the 1/2 lug barrel in 5”. I’ve never seen one. I would be very tempted!

 

[malph]

I dont know what your normal prices are on that side of the pond but it would would probably go between $900-1000 in my parts.
What makes it an “exclusive”? The sight?

I think that means they were built for a specific distributor or group of distributors.

I remember seeing one of these at an LGS when the gun was released.

I still kick myself for not buying it.
.

 

[Truckman]

I think that means they were built for a specific distributor or group of distributors.

That is correct, a contract gun meant to be sold by the manufacturer to outlets signed into the stocking dealer program......Ben

 

[murphydog]

There is a listing in the SCSW for product code 104098FC, 5", Hi-Viz front sight, 7-shot. No mention of production number or distributor.

 

[swagmeister]

It might be priced a little high, especially with no box and full contents of the box. But not priced excessively high like a lot of firearms in the market these days. I can't count the many times I have paid more than the gun is worth, but I had to have it. I like the looks of it and I too have never seen one. Good luck with your decision.

 

[357larry]

I have seen 2 686's with 5 inch half lug barrels. One was exactly like the one the OP has pictured. It had a 2 piece barrel. I passed on it at $650. The other one was a pre-lock with a one piece barrel and normal sights, IE a red ramp front and a white outline rear. It was not for sale. Too bad because I would have bought it.

 

[Doug44]

If I had a grail gun that would be the one. Grab it.

 

[rubiranch]

I sold mine on GB last year for a measly $600. One of only two guns I regret selling.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Never seen one.
One with the regular one piece barrel would interest me.
At $1130? Maybe!

 

[Goblin]

The Ahrend’s grips are worth about $150+ now that they’re no longer in production. I’m a pre-lock fan, but love the lack of an underlug, just for a change of pace. Not that I would wish that for all 686s.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

I have one, it is a one piece barrel, and has the lock. It is a nice revolver.I think it is a good price.They are scarce.

 

[NY-1]

What I wouldn't give to see more partial underlug L-frames out there.

 

[S-W4EVER]

That’s a nice looking revolver.

 

[stansdds]

What I wouldn't give to see more partial underlug L-frames out there.

I agree. I like a full under lug with barrels of 4 inches or less on 357's, but I find them to be overly muzzle heavy with barrels of more than 4 inches.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

What I wouldn't give to see more partial underlug L-frames out there.

Partial underlug?
The 5" 686 is one that i do keep an optic on. Even my wife shoots it. (She says its hers)[emoji28]

 

[CH4]

Love the Ahrends grips

 

[Moo Moo]

Thanks for the feedback.