My first smith revolver .

[4200chevy]

Just picked up my first smith revolver today. 686-3
With 2.5 inch barrel. I know next to nothing about revolvers because I collect smith autos. So I'm looking to know some history about it. I paid 1000 for it which is a ton of money imo but I did a little research and couldn't find a where lot. So I said "what the hell" . My questions: are these grips original?.. I saw the same gun sell on g.b. with these grips so I assume they are original. That gun looked anib with these grips and original box. Went for 2250.00. Im not sure about why that particular gun went thst high. Also, is the 2.5 barrel a more scarce gun?.. I can't seems to find to many. And lastly, what would be the value?

Thanks for any help guys!!

 

[SFIDEC]

Welcome to the wonderful world of S&W revolvers. You've purchased one of my favorite 357 Snubbies. The 686's came with the Magna style grips that yours is wearing and also Combat style shown on the attached picture. You got a good deal on your purchase IMO. Prices are really up on the higher caliber snub noses nowadays. Combat grips generally bring a premium and having the original box will add value too.
Hope this helps.
Congrats 4200chevy!
Ray

 

[4200chevy]

...

I love those combats. Would mine be a square or round butt

 

[KalamazooKid]

I love those combats. Would mine be a square or round butt

Round. Great looking gun!

 

[pasound]

Last local gun show had a couple of 686-3's. Both were way over $1,000. Way over. You "got a deal", as it were. A friend has one he bought years ago, also a 2.5 inch. He let me shoot it at the local outdoor range early last year. Magnums were a handful in it, 38's very easy. Accurate!

 

[Hair Trigger]

Just picked up my first smith revolver today. 686-3
With 2.5 inch barrel. I know next to nothing about revolvers because I collect smith autos. So I'm looking to know some history about it. I paid 1000 for it which is a ton of money imo but I did a little research and couldn't find a where lot. So I said "what the hell" . My questions: are these grips original?.. I saw the same gun sell on g.b. with these grips so I assume they are original. That gun looked anib with these grips and original box. Went for 2250.00. Im not sure about why that particular gun went thst high. Also, is the 2.5 barrel a more scarce gun?.. I can't seems to find to many. And lastly, what would be the value?

Thanks for any help guys!!View attachment 489768

View attachment 489769

View attachment 489770

The M686-3 was made between 1988 and 1993; 2-1/2 inch barrel wasn't offered until 1990. SN might narrow that further, but doubtful, unless you do a letter on it from SWHF ($100). The Standard Catalog lists the ANIB value (as of 2016) as $750, Exc. as $550, and VGC as $400. Those are probably a bit higher now, the way gun prices have gone. You probably paid about market value. The important thing is how much you wanted it and how much you were willing to pay to get it.
I recently gave $1400 for an ANIB (unfired) Model 66-1, your gun's ancestor (from 1980). Mine looks much like that, a round butt with 2-1/2 inch barrel, but on a K frame.

 

[Sistema1927]

Everybody has to have a first. Yours isn't too shabby.

 

[Ranger514]

You did well. The 586/686 are two of he best revolvers ever manufactured. I bought a 4" 686-3 as my first duty carry. The 2.5" and 3" models are highly prized. The magna grips are uauthentic, and your frame is a round butt. Enjoy!

 

[kennyb]

The M686-3 was made between 1988 and 1993; 2-1/2 inch barrel wasn't offered until 1990. SN might narrow that further, but doubtful, unless you do a letter on it from SWHF ($100). The Standard Catalog lists the ANIB value (as of 2016) as $750, Exc. as $550, and VGC as $400. Those are probably a bit higher now, the way gun prices have gone. You probably paid about market value. The important thing is how much you wanted it and how much you were willing to pay to get it.
I recently gave $1400 for an ANIB (unfired) Model 66-1, your gun's ancestor (from 1980). Mine looks much like that, a round butt with 2-1/2 inch barrel, but on a K frame.

If you call S&W they can provide a shipping date...and its free