Model 686 .357

[mitranoc]

Hello. I've been on this forum for many years, just haven't really posted. I have had this 686 pre lock version for some time. Do the pre locks carry more value than the newer version?

 

[stansdds]

For those that abhor the internal lock, yes. For those who are looking for a shooter and don't care, no.

 

[Jocko-44]

you must be new here.... lol

 

[swagmeister]

Yes!!!!

 

[413Maxwedge]

Most collectors want pre-lock guns and pre-MIM guns.
Your 686-5 Plus is the in-between since it doesn't have a lock like the -6 but it does have MIM action parts.
The pre-lock guns also have a nicer profile with the round "scoop" in the frame where the hammer is. The lock guns changed this to put the lock in.

*I love my -5 because it has a pinned front sight and I like to install night sights.

So long story short, it's not $$$ like the -4 but it's more desirable than the current -6.

-5 on top w/stainless H/T installed, -6Plus on bottom.

 

[BoulderTroll]

2 posts in 13 years... "Long time listener, first time caller". And I thought I took long breaks from time to time. lol

 

[mitranoc]

2 posts in 13 years... "Long time listener, first time caller". And I thought I took long breaks from time to time. lol

I am in a busy practice. Hasn't been a lot of time to spend on forums unfortunately.

 

[mitranoc]

you must be new here.... lol

No way, really! Lol

 

[mitranoc]

Most collectors want pre-lock guns and pre-MIM guns.
Your 686-5 Plus is the in-between since it doesn't have a lock like the -6 but it does have MIM action parts.
The pre-lock guns also have a nicer profile with the round "scoop" in the frame where the hammer is. The lock guns changed this to put the lock in.

*I love my -5 because it has a pinned front sight and I like to install night sights.

So long story short, it's not $$$ like the -4 but it's more desirable than the current -6.
View attachment 762623
-5 on top w/stainless H/T installed, -6Plus on bottom.

Thanks for the breakdown.

 

[bananaman]

I have a 586 no dash, 4". Had a 686-3, 6" (gone now) and had to pick up this -6, 7 shot. Function and trigger seem real nice to me! Bob

 

[mitranoc]

I have a 586 no dash, 4". Had a 686-3, 6" (gone now) and had to pick up this -6, 7 shot. Function and trigger seem real nice to me! Bob

That's really nice

 

[Baxter6551]

Having never had an L frame, I had no idea about the versions of 686 that were more desirable but I ended up with a 2.5 inch 686-4 that needed some gunsmithing help. I liked it so much I came across a 4 inch 686-4 that was perfect as is. So I’m all set.

 

[mitranoc]

I did a search but it wasn't entirely conclusive. Is there another source for serial number lookup, or just the book? Interested in knowing the date of manufacturer.

 

[photoman]

The pre-lock seven shot 686's are definitely more valuable than the new ones.

 

[mitranoc]

The pre-lock seven shot 686's are definitely more valuable than the new ones.

Thank you

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I bought my first L Frame in 1981 and I owned maybe a dozen but the one I have now for Home Defense is a recent production 686 Plus. Excellent trigger right out of the box.

No difference to me either way.

 

[RevV67]

I'd pay more for a no lock, but as others have said, some people don't care.
I got my 686 in 1994. It's a -4, and I love it.

My 19 is a -2, and I wouldn't trade it for a brand new one, even though the new ones are quite nice.

 

[Yendor357]

Several months ago, I sent my old 1986 S&W 686 to my gunsmith. He’s going too put a 6 inch stainless Python barrel on it. It may be a while until I get it back. So I did the only logical thing I can think of.

I bought another.

This one is a 1983, I think. It’s used. It has a couple of tiny scuffs on it, but for a 42 year old gun, it’s pretty nice. Like all 686s, it has a fantastic trigger, great sights, it needs absolutely nothing. (Unlike the Pythons I’ve been buying lately) The new/old 686 will put a cylinder full of my hand loads under an inch and a half at 25 yards off a rest if I do my part.

The holster is my old Bianchi 5 BHL from the 80s.
The Hogue grip met my Dremel. I hate those high side Hogues.

Gotta love a 686, no matter the manufacture date.

 

[wproct]

No need to apologize for not being active on the forum, life changes can dictate that. I've been retired now 18 years and have a fair amount of spare time, but before that time was at a premium. I prefer the pre-lock pre-mim revolvers, more so because of the difference in frame profile than anything else. They are all good revolvers.