New or used 686

[deck-101]

I am trying to decide on weather or not to buy a new or a used 686 4". My LGS is selling new 686s for $780+tax. One of my co workers has a friend who is selling a 686 that he bought in 2003 for $650. The gun was used as a range gun and was not carried. It has about 300 rounds of .38+P and 25 rounds of .357MAG. It looks brand new.

I am leaning toward the used one, but wanted some input from others with more experience with S&W revolvers. This will be my first revolver purchase, and I plan on using it for a range gun and to keep in my nightstand for home defense.

Thanks.
J.C.

 

[StatesRightist]

Do you know what model the used 686 is? Check the serial # it will say 686-?. That will tell the age. In general older guns are a better value, better built and much better triggers. JMO.

 

[sarge1967]

I would go with the used one if it is pre-lock. If not then it really does not matter much either way.

 

[BCDWYO]

I'd always go with a pre-lock given the choice. If the round count on your friend's used one is accurate it is as good as new, so regardless of the lock, I'd probably go with the used one since it is $130 less and at least as good. You may even be able to get him down to around $550-600, which would be even better.

 

[handgunner356]

If the used one was a pre-lock and had everything it came with new(Box, paperwork) I would probably go that route to. If it also had the lock I'd would have to go new at that price. You should be able to find a new one in the $725-750 range and whenever I get within a $100 of new I just as soon have one I know the whole history on myself. I've got two 686+s' in the last two years and maybe just lucky but the 3" has the best trigger out-of-the-box of any S&W I've ever had.

 

[clang444]

At the gun show last week there were a couple of pre-lock 686s to be had in the $500 range.

They may have seen more use than your co-workers, but these guns were made to shoot and wil not wear out any time soon.

 

[mauiblue]

I'd go for the new gun if the used one is not pre-lock. Especially since the price difference isn't too much.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[Rapidray]

This is easy...

The used one of course! Spend the savings between the new one and buy ammo, new grips, holster and have fun shooting it. They are built like tanks!

 

[Dave T]

Do you suppose anyone at S&W is reading threads like this in which every respondent says go "pre-Lock" and specifies "every time"?

Oh and to the OP, my recommendation would be...buy the used pre-Lock!

Dave

 

[TonyMon67]

+1 on the pre-lock. I saw a pre-lock 686+ 6" at a show in MD for $650 but bought a new 4" 686+ for $720 instead. I like the new one, but I've heard of several lockups from the internal lock.

 

[larryofcc]

I would buy used. I bought this M686-0 modified for $395 shipped a few years back. Never looked back. Big Larry

 

[18DAI]

Another vote for the used pre lock 686. Everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't. More gun for less money too. Regards 18DAI

 

[stantheman86]

Those prices for both sound insanely high.......

 

[deck-101]

I think i am going to go with the used one. Unfortunately, it is NOT a pre-lock as it was made in 2003. I really wish it was a pre lock gun, but I have not seen too many used 686s for sale in my area. The $780 for new is the lowest price i have found for a new one at any of my LGS.

I know which ever way I go, it is a S&W revolver and will handle more rounds than I will ever put through it!

 

[mauiblue]

Enjoy your new handgun. I must admit though that the prices are high. Bought my brand new 686+ for $650 about 4 years ago from Bud's.

I've been looking for a prelock Model 649 but the ones I've seen were really expensive. May end up with a new Model 638 from Bud's.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[627 city hunter]

OK offer $550 for the pre lock 686. Its not RaRe; though good.

 

[bananaman]

I buy 9 used guns to 1 new one! More often than not, I tend to trade off or sell the new 1. Right now, my only gun that I have that was bought new is a T.Contender that was purchased in 1994.
I have been lucky in getting good used guns. I am picking 1 up from my F.F.L. tonight. Hope my luck continues.
Buying used normally will give your wallet a price break. I let someone else take the new price hit.
I also like the original Smiths that you can't buy any more. Bob

 

[joehotpiscopo]

I got a 686-2 from a friend for $525, what a bargain. Sweet, sweet iron.

 

[StatesRightist]

These prices are high....give me a break guys....4 years ago my house was worth 50K more than it is now, I had more hair and I wasn't as ashamed of what's in the W.H. How that relevant to today? New 686's are $720 plus and used ones $600-$650 in 2012. You may run on an exceptional deal, but that's what it is, an exception.

You paid market price Deck--enjoy the gun. You got a good one!!

 

[M3Stuart]

Not sure I understand the OP's original statement; are you saying that it 'comes with' 6 boxes of 38 and half-a-box of .357? Or are you saying that's all that's been shot through it?

If it's $650 and comes with, basically, a $100 bucks worth of factory ammo, then I'd say that's a square deal. $650 for a used one is a little high. You can get a new one from Bud's for $700ish.

That said; I have $550 in my 686-4 4" plus and thought that was a great deal last year.