S&W 686-3

[msnden]

I am new to the forum and pretty new to handguns in general, I am about to purchase a used S&W 686-3. My knowledge of handguns is very limited. I have no idea as to the year, the gun looks to be in great condition, my purchase is contingent on my shooting it, What can anyone tell me, as to age, frame K?-L?-etc, what should a person expect to pay for something this? I know these are hard questions to answer with out having it in your hands, but any general answers (or information) will be appreciated, Thanks Msn

 

[johnfly45]

686's are L frames, and the -3 were introduced in 1988, and the -4 came in 1993 so the one you are looking at is from sometime in that era.

 

[ronnie gore]

686-3

the 686-3 was introduced in 1988 and was changed to 686-4 in 1993, would need the ser. number to tell you a closer date. i see them sell from $450.00 to around $550.00. i have two 686-3 with four inch barrel and a 686-4 with a four inch.

 

[tug700]

I am currently seeing 686 revolvers in the 450 to 550 range in the Dallas, TX area. Some are even asking 595. The L frame was designed to shoot full house 357 magnums all the time. They are very hardy and easy to shoot. If you like it and it fits you; then enjoy the future together.

 

[DUNTOV]

I am new to the forum and pretty new to handguns in general, I am about to purchase a used S&W 686-3. My knowledge of handguns is very limited. I have no idea as to the year, the gun looks to be in great condition, my purchase is contingent on my shooting it, What can anyone tell me, as to age, frame K?-L?-etc, what should a person expect to pay for something this? I know these are hard questions to answer with out having it in your hands, but any general answers (or information) will be appreciated, Thanks Msn

I have a 686-3 & love it
6 shot group 50 ft. butt rested on bench

 

[bountyhunter]

I am new to the forum and pretty new to handguns in general, I am about to purchase a used S&W 686-3. My knowledge of handguns is very limited. I have no idea as to the year, the gun looks to be in great condition, my purchase is contingent on my shooting it, What can anyone tell me, as to age, frame K?-L?-etc, what should a person expect to pay for something this?

I happen to own one, it's a beautiful gun and is an L frame. Especially desirable since it has chromed hammer and trigger and no lock. Out here in kali, it would fetch upwards of $600 in excellent condition. Probably less in other parts of the country, but it's a gun to grab for sure. Pay a little extra if you have to, it's such a good gun.

 

[msnden]

I want to Thank all of you for taking the time, I really appreciate it!! Msn

 

[one eye joe]

These popular revolvers are great shooters. Go to the ''Gunbrokers'' internet auction site to see what they are selling for.....

 

[snowman]

I have one with an 8-3/8" barrel; it's extremely accurate and has a wonderful single-action trigger release. Also have a -4 and a -6. Looks like you're getting a good one.

You may or may not be aware that a variety of grips are available for revolvers. If that one doesn't seem to fit your hand very well, get back with us and we'll help you find one that does.

Andy

 

[Maximumbob54]

Where do you guys live where you see a decent condition 686 anything going for under five hundred??? There is a store in St. Mary's GA selling one with huge flame cutting, what looks to be a butchered to fit N frame Hogue Monogrip (the top looks like a dull knife was used to cut it to fit), it's filthy enough to turn your hands black (only add as it may be hiding more damage, I couldn't see the flame cutting until I rubbed my finger across the crud covering it), there is enough brass head stamped into the frame that you can almost see the brands marking permanently left in the steel (tells me lots and lots of serious .357 has been through it), and the rear sight is missing as it has a cheap aluminum rail for a low end Simmons scope mounted, and finally it looks scuffed and scraped enough to make me think it bounced around a truck bed on a ride home from a hunt camp. And they still want close to five hundred for it!!! I have no doubt they will come down some but I couldn't for the life of me really figure what it would cost just to get back looking decent again. I guess in a perverse way it is a testament to how well Smith builds them, MIM parts and all. What you are looking at looks like a sweet deal.

 

[roaddog28]

Hi,
The 686-3 is a great revolver. I had a 686-3 4 inch and I always liked the trigger and the fact it could handle just about any factory 357 round. Sadly, I traded it straight up for a S&W 5903. In California a pre-lock 686 is going for $600 to $650. People out in my area would rather pay $600 for a 586/686 than $700 to $725 for the new ones with the internal lock.
Anything under $550 would be a sold in my book.

Good luck,
Howard

 

[S&W WHEELNUT]

686

Just picked this one up a few weeks ago. It is a 1989 686 Classic Hunter I payed $700.00 shipped......... the gun has NOT never been shot. The guy I bought it from, bought it new and put it in his safe. I got it for my son for Christmas, I guss he will be the 1st to shot it........ he is becoming a awesome USPSA junior shooter at 13.

 

[bountyhunter]

Hi,
People out in my area would rather pay $600 for a 586/686 than $700 to $725 for the new ones with the internal lock.

Amen. Wish I had another one.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Here in the northeast, they sell for $599 in vg condition.

 

[joeintexas]

I too have a 686-3 (4inch). Fun to shoot and very solid, well made and will handle whatever you run thru it. You should be happy with it.

 

[AveragEd]

Your -3 should have a square butt instead of the current round butt grip frame. I consider that a plus as you can install the genuine original S&W target stocks those guns came with on it. In fact, I recently traded a nice 4" -4 to Forum member "mag318" for an equally nice 4" -3 for that very reason. By their very design, revolvers are an "old school" firearm and I like keeping them that way.

Here's my 4" 686-3 in its current dress, including a target trigger and hammer:

I'm sure you'll enjoy yours!

Ed

 

[justintyme]

The first post in this thread are from 2010 and so anyone using these for pricing reference should be aware, prices have gone up!

I just bought a 6" 686-3 a month ago for about 635, very good condition, but I see them going higher than that often now

 

[hd28cw]

Try 700 at last weeks gun show in myrtle beach sc

 

[Ranger514]

I bought a LNIB 6" 686-4 Plus at my Rapid City, SD LGS last week for $579.

 

[JayHutch]

Just snagged this 4" at a local gun show today for $550. LNIB with all the goodies. (unused cleaning kit with sight tool, manual, warranty papers and original S&W wax paper wrap) Lucky find tho, as they usually go for $700+ in this shape with all the goodies.

- hutch

ps: Grips are unusual and I don't think they are S&W, even tho they have the logo emblem. But revolver is perfect. Has been shot, but obviously a well cared for firearm.