S&W 686-1 2.5 RB Value?

[Relic Hunter 451]

Just thinking about the posibility of letting go of my 686-1 to fund other earlier S&W's. What do you guys think on value and desirability of these particular models? No issues with the gun, just pondering the other S&W goodies out there. Gun acquisition syndrome is real...lol

 

[Seadragon]

The current generation of 2.5 inch 686's were selling at Budsgunshop.com last month for about $860 so I would think that is a good starting point. Yours may command a small premium from a collector or someone who refuses to buy a gun with the lock but for me I would not pay more than what I could get a new one for. And as a shooter, I would want the 7 shot version.

 

[kaaskop49]

You have a VERY fine firearm and I would hesitate to trade it in for something else. Of course, its snub barrel and round butt frame lend it more easily to concealed carry, and this is always foremost in my mind.

One of the factors rarely mentioned in discussions re value is the condition of the weapon. I've seen stainless guns at shows that had been fired extensively, perhaps excessively, but with jewelry store prices. Stainless guns clean up readily.

I own 686s from your gun's era as well as modern production models and there is no comparison re quality, even though the modern guns are fine revolvers.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[ME94]

My guess is around $900 to $1400 if it is great shape. I bought it's bigger brother with box and all the goodies for $1300, the revolver had only been fired from the factory. I might have bought it a little soon, but oh well.

 

[swagmeister]

I wouldn't get rid of it. They are getting harder to find in great shape such as yours and prices will only go up on them. Take it from one who knows, you will regret selling it.

 

[cadmike]

Right now I'd hold off on selling any snub k or L frame, unless you really need the cash or get some ridiculous offer.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Just a thought; the snubbies seem to command top prices these days so I would look at comparable revolvers (locally and GunBroker) and price mine about 20% over the market. Chances are pretty good that a buyer will appear pretty quickly.

Gave one of those 2.5" 686 RB revolvers to my younger son about 20 years ago, with factory combat stocks and box. Today the factory combats would bring more than I had in the revolver!

 

[Scott_HM1000X]

I bought that exact gun brand new about 20+ Years ago. A work associate of mine hounded me about buying it for a few years. I always sold guns back then to fund other gun endeavors which means 20+ years later you have some you really regret selling or trading. My advise is don't get rid of it. Used to love loading up full house loads using 296 then visit a dark indoor shooting range. The fireball out of a 2.5" is awesome.

 

[kaaskop49]

I wouldn't get rid of it. They are getting harder to find in great shape such as yours and prices will only go up on them. Take it from one who knows, you will regret selling it.

Right now I'd hold off on selling any snub k or L frame, unless you really need the cash or get some ridiculous offer.

Remember what I said above? Great minds work alike! Of course, I remember the years when the antis tried to ban high quality snubs as "Saturday Night Specials," so I have a fondness for snub revolvers. It has always been a struggle...

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[S&W Fan]

If it's just the revolver without box etc and not the original combat grips quick sale price is $800-$850, to the right buyer up to $1000.

Two years ago I sold one of the early no dash versions with everything it came with from the factory (combat grips, box, tools, papers and a set of Pach compact rubber grips) and verification from Earl Minot that it was from Lew Horton (not important to me) for just over $1200. It was the second one I'd owned.

I prefer the 66 in a 2.5" but love my no dash 4" 686.

 

[cadmike]

Remember what I said above? Great minds work alike! Of course, I remember the years when the antis tried to ban high quality snubs as "Saturday Night Specials," so I have a fondness for snub revolvers. It has always been a struggle...

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Yes indeed. OP mentioned "earlier" smith and Wesson's and I totally get that. But from what I'm seeing right now, the hottest revolvers on the market right now, by far, stainless magnum k and L frame snubs. Not k22's or 6" 29's or 27''s. OP that's some nice property you have, hold on to it.
Just my opinion

 

[Relic Hunter 451]

After I came to my senses and let my buying bug calm down, I polished her up and put her to bed in the safe.....I even tucked her in and read a bedtime story out of the S&W standard catalog. You guys are dead on, I would regret selling it like the others that have slipped through my fingers. I hunt for S&W's hard around Wilm,NC and surrounding areas. They are definitely scarce, especially anything early.

 

[kaaskop49]

After I came to my senses and let my buying bug calm down, I polished her up and put her to bed in the safe.....I even tucked her in and read a bedtime story out of the S&W standard catalog. You guys are dead on, I would regret selling it like the others that have slipped through my fingers. I hunt for S&W's hard around Wilm,NC and surrounding areas. They are definitely scarce, especially anything early.

Appreciate your follow-up. So many times, folks ask for info that the forum is pleased to provide and then they disappear without letting us know the result. BTW, that is one HECKUVA gun: I'd be proud to own it. Thanks again.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[swagmeister]

Wise decision!

 

[Truckman]

I can only reference my 686-3 2.5" RB six-shooter a couple of months ago...I figured I'd show it around at $900 at the local gun show...The first dealer that saw it shelled out 9 Benjamins for it without batting an eye...Dang it! I underpriced another one......Ben