Looking for a new 686+

[Sogun]

I live in Texas with a family, and we've decided to get a gun for home defense. I'm new to the firearm world, so I'm looking forward to taking classes and spending time at a firing range.

After a bunch of research I've decided on a 4" 686+, but can't figure out how to procure one--everywhere is out of stock. Is s&w still making these? Could someone with some more experience tell me what they would do to obtain one ite near future?

Many thanks.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

Hello Sogun & welcome to The Site!

When I wanted a M686+ with 3" barrel I went
to my favorite local gun shop (LGS) and ordered one.

I got lucky and received a call the very next day that it had arrived.
The time frame depends on a number of things, first & foremost, do
the wholesalers / distributors, that my LGS goes through, have them in stock.

 

[oysterhead]

Check out gunsamerica.com (search "686-")

Also, consider buying an older model in great shape, which are quite revered. If you go with a 686-4 or earlier, you have forged parts and no internal lock (the lock is not so revered). Or watch the For Sale forum on this site, one just sold today (to me!).

 

[Jimk686]

I ordered a new 686 Plus 3" from my LGS a little over 2 weeks ago. At the time they said they couldn't provide a delivery date, although it was clear it wouldn't be like getting on a wait list for a Shield.

Of course I'm going crazy waiting so I called them 2 days ago to see if they had some info about production schedules or anything that would at least give me some sense of how long. He said that based on what they've been seeing he didn't think it would be longer than a month from now. I don't know if it was just a guess like any other but i do know that in 3 weeks I'll be calling again. I hear it's worth waiting for...

Jim K.

 

[youngda9]

Call around, that's how I found mine.

 

[jdh]

Where in Texas?

 

[Sogun]

Where in Texas?

I'm in Waco.

Thanks for the advice. I'd consider used, but don't feel like I know enough about what to look for, etc. I'll try stopping by a store next week (I'd heard Praco guns and pawn had been recommended somewhere, unless someone happens to know of a better alternative in the area). Hopefully they can order one for me.

I appreciate the help.

 

[Sogun]

I ordered a new 686 Plus 3" from my LGS a little over 2 weeks ago. At the time they said they couldn't provide a delivery date, although it was clear it wouldn't be like getting on a wait list for a Shield.

Of course I'm going crazy waiting so I called them 2 days ago to see if they had some info about production schedules or anything that would at least give me some sense of how long. He said that based on what they've been seeing he didn't think it would be longer than a month from now. I don't know if it was just a guess like any other but i do know that in 3 weeks I'll be calling again. I hear it's worth waiting for...

Jim K.

Wow--never would have guessed it would be so backed up. Hope yours gets in quick.

 

[hsmith9491]

Order one from local gun shop. In the mean time look around for a used one. Lgs can always sale ordered one if you find a good used one.

 

[jdh]

Last place I saw one was McBride's in Austin.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

Might be easier to check local gun shops for used ones, or at least a similar used revolver. Right now is a bad time to be picky about what you want to buy, as everything new (and some used) has been priced almost double what they normally sell for.

 

[Sogun]

Might be easier to check local gun shops for used ones, or at least a similar used revolver. Right now is a bad time to be picky about what you want to buy, as everything new (and some used) has been priced almost double what they normally sell for.

I never would have guessed...I saw a GP100, maybe I'll pick it up and call it close enough.

 

[Hit_Factor]

Order one from local gun shop. In the mean time look around for a used one. Lgs can always sale ordered one if you find a good used one.

Bad advice, you might lose your deposit.

From the perspective of a LGS owner, why would you suggest sticking a LGS with a special order handgun? I appreciate a nice S&W revolver as much as anybody here, but they are not great sellers. I might have capital tied up in that revolver for months or years.

 

[Dirtman]

I have a 686 PP with 6" barrel, love it! My wife has a TRR8 that she loves. Both are 357 mag. Both are very accurate and fit the hand well. If you run into a TRR8 you will like it also, but they are Performance Center guns so a little (maybe a lot now) expensive.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

I never would have guessed...I saw a GP100, maybe I'll pick it up and call it close enough.

I've got a GP100 with 6" barrel. It's been an accurate shooter and one I never plan to sell. They are close in size to the 686, maybe a little more heftier. But I have been able to carry both in same holsters.

 

[Robert A. Geoghegan]

My favorite online gun auction site is GunBroker.com. You can even browse without having an account set up yet: Firearms>Pistols>Revolvers> Smith & Wesson 686 and then look for the descriptors NIB (New In Box) or NOS (New Old Stock). Good luck.

 

[Sogun]

My favorite online gun auction site is GunBroker.com. You can even browse without having an account set up yet: Firearms>Pistols>Revolvers> Smith & Wesson 686 and then look for the descriptors NIB (New In Box) or NOS (New Old Stock). Good luck.

Thanks for all your help here. I got a new 686+ just yesterday that I found on gunbroker.com. It was complicated finding one, but feel it was worth the hassle (and even the premium price) And I'm looking forward to trying to out.

 

[rwsmith]

I don't think you're wrong

I certainly don't think you are wrong in wanting a 686 plus. The market for revolvers isn't anywhere as crazy for revolvers as for semi autos now. Be patient and if you don't find a used one up for sale, order a new one. At least it would be fairly sure that you would get it in a reasonable amount of time. (Personally, I prefer the older 686s)

 

[remat457]

Bad advice, you might lose your deposit.

From the perspective of a LGS owner, why would you suggest sticking a LGS with a special order handgun? I appreciate a nice S&W revolver as much as anybody here, but they are not great sellers. I might have capital tied up in that revolver for months or years.

huh?
Find a S&W Stocking Dealer. If they don't have one they should be able to get one. My LGS always has 4" 686's.

 

[Recruit]

Thanks for all your help here. I got a new 686+ just yesterday that I found on gunbroker.com. It was complicated finding one, but feel it was worth the hassle (and even the premium price) And I'm looking forward to trying to out.

Congrats Sogun!