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i would make a counteroffer (lower) on the used one...
New or used 686
- Thread starter deck-101
- Start date
roaddog28
Member
Like others have said, I would look for a pre-lock 686. I have never paid more than $470 out the door for a pre-lock shooter grade revolver. If the revolver was unfired and included the box etc, I might go about $550.
Look around. You will find a nice one at a reasonable price.
Good luck,
Howard
Look around. You will find a nice one at a reasonable price.
Good luck,
Howard
AveragEd
Member
I'd shop sites like GunBroker for a 686-4 or older before buying either one. Unless 686 prices have escalated a lot in the three months since I stopped shopping them, I think you'll find a no-lock, non-MIM gun for less than either of those two.
The most I paid for any of the ones in the photo above was $650 and that was for the -3 Classic Hunter on the left and the -4 PowerPort on the right, which is unfired. The other two, a 6" no-dash and a 4" -4, were both $450 but I added the correct checkered target stocks and a target hammer and trigger to the no-dash.
Larry, that gun of yours is a real beauty!
Ed
The most I paid for any of the ones in the photo above was $650 and that was for the -3 Classic Hunter on the left and the -4 PowerPort on the right, which is unfired. The other two, a 6" no-dash and a 4" -4, were both $450 but I added the correct checkered target stocks and a target hammer and trigger to the no-dash.
Larry, that gun of yours is a real beauty!
Ed
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Homechicken
Member
Of course try and talk him down another $50 on the used one if you can, but save the $130+ and get the used one.
motorcityfred
Member
My lgs has the 686 4" for $669 and the 686 + for $ 689 I just picked up the 686 + today I can't wait to go out and shoot this sweet gun this is my first wheel gun
Unless it's one of the Pro Series, $780 is extremely high for a 686. Here's a new one for $662 with no tax and free shipping.
Smith & Wesson 686 .357 Mag 4", 6 round $662.00 SHIPS FREE
Smith & Wesson 686 .357 Mag 4", 6 round $662.00 SHIPS FREE
TommyW
Member
I guess it all comes down to personal preference. To me, I'll take Smith's "older iron" any day of the week. I'm not a big fan of MIM parts and I hate the lock.
Current count in my safe includes 3 686's (a no dash and 2 -1's) and a 586-1.
Current count in my safe includes 3 686's (a no dash and 2 -1's) and a 586-1.
JayBird686
Member
Just squeezed a new 686-6, and yeah the trigger is gritty. Is it still better than a Taurus or a Ruger, probably, but that would be the first thing I did to any new Smith revo.
You may be able to buy that 686 for $662, but once you add the FFL transfer fee you're pretty close to the in-state price. And the 686+ is a little more, which makes the $720 I paid pretty reasonable. Also, prices everywhere are up because the gun manufacturers can't keep up, but especially in states like MD that are not very gun friendly.
WOW! You must be paying extreme transfer fees in MD.. They are only $15 - $25 dollars here. That's still $30+ dollars difference even if the $720 was the after tax price, and $100 less than what the OP found.
kbm6893
Member
My FFL charges $40, which I think is high. When I buy a gun online I gotta factor in $70 to cover shipping and FFL.
I ended up getting the used gun. I couldn't talk him down, but the gun looks brand new. It could really pass as NIB. All the original paperwork was included in the box. The date on the spent casing from the factory is December of 2002.
I shot 75 rounds (50 .38+p and 25 .357) with it this weekend and it was a real dream to shoot. I was managing 1.5" groups from 25 feet with no problem. I am sure with practice I can do better, but I was really happy with this for my first time with it.
I do have one question regarding cleaning it. I know that it you shoot a lot of .38 specials in a .357 revolver that build up can prevent the magnums from chambering properly. Is it safe to use a bore snake to clean them out, or should I use something else?
I shot 75 rounds (50 .38+p and 25 .357) with it this weekend and it was a real dream to shoot. I was managing 1.5" groups from 25 feet with no problem. I am sure with practice I can do better, but I was really happy with this for my first time with it.
I do have one question regarding cleaning it. I know that it you shoot a lot of .38 specials in a .357 revolver that build up can prevent the magnums from chambering properly. Is it safe to use a bore snake to clean them out, or should I use something else?
geoff40
Member
To me, it is a no brainer. I would buy a used one, preferably from the 1980s. They are not difficult to find in really nice shape.
M3Stuart
Member
The bore snake is fine. I have the 686-4 4" and shoot a lot of .38's. The gap in front of the .38 cartridge and the .357 rim of the cylinder will collect residue. Keep this brushed out or your ammo won't seat properly and the cylinder won't rotate (among other problems). I use a .40 cal brass brush - but I'll warn you - it takes a lot of work to clean the cylinder.
Joe S.
Member
I look for prelock guns when i have the choice.
Looks like you got a great shooter!!
Looks like you got a great shooter!!
Wow, that's crazy. I have a friendly FFL that will do first transfer 25$, and up to 4 more for $10 each. I guess on the ATF transfer form, there is room for 5 articles, and that's why they limit it at 5 items per "transaction". You of course can do an additional 5 the same way, but honestly, how many of us buy more than 5 guns at a time.
There are a couple that do transfers for $50, but I obviously dont do business with them, most are between $20-$35. The reason I use the one I mentioned is because he gives a discount for more than 1.
As far as the 686 question, I would try to get a used one. Apparently the 686 and 585 of the "-4" revision are the best mechanically, and are pre-MIM and pre-lock, but with a couple nice technical revisions to the yoke/crane. I sadly only have two 686's, one 4" -1 "M" and one 6" -1 and no 586's. But that will change.
They are great shooters, I think actually I do my best shooting with my 6" 686 of any handgun I own. I hope to one day pick up a 686-4 of both 4" and 6" barrel lengths, but for now, I am not going to overpay for one. One will fall into my lap like most of the rest of my guns have.
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Joe S.
Member
You mean people buy more than 1 at a time??? 
You mean people buy more than 1 at a time???
People dont?
I hope I never get pulled over by some wet behind the ears cop who dont know the law, he will probably think I am some militia dude based on the number of firearms I usually (legally) have "on or about" my vehicle and person
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