S&W 686-3

[aimedfire]

I found a mint condition 686-3 with a 4" barrel in the pawn shop the other day. Original wood grips, and box. It looks to be as new, never been fired. I already have a 4" 686-4 Plus. Are the -3 guns better than the -4 guns, and how are they better?

This is what it looks like. Not the actual gun, as I didn't buy it, but you get the idea.

Would you have gone for it?

 

[sodacan]

Many say the dash four changes incorporate all the improvements made to the series before the MIM parts and locks began to appear, making them the best version. I have several no dash "L" frames which are good enough for me. Enjoy that new revolver.

 

[Engine49guy]

Looks like a nice 686-3 , Cant answer if I would have gone for it without knowing the asking price... As for one being better than the other it kinda depends.

The 686-3 was introduced around 1988 with the new yoke retention system ,
IMO its only advantage over the next version is that the dash3 was the last version to have the flash chromed hammer trigger which I like ( dash 4 gets case colored hammer triggers like their blued counterparts).

The 686-4 was introduced around 1993 with the new rear site that also has a drilled / tapped frame for a scope mount , the 686-4 came either as SB or RB grip frames so personal preference there , IMO the Biggest "Plus" for the 686-4 is the 7 shot 686-4+ version introduced around 1995 as besides offering 1 more round it is lighter than the 6 shot due to the extra charge hole and since its an odd number the cylinder stop notches move to the solid steel behind the flutes instead of being over the charge holes where it is thinnest so the 7 shot is a better design.

Recently saw a 6 shot, SB, 4" 686-4 with factory wood target stocks (no box docs) in VG+ cond for $725 and the same version with rubber Hogues for $625 but passed on both.
If either was a 7 shot likely would have been making some offers.

 

[AveragEd]

I prefer the -3 to the -4 because of its square butt which allows you to use genuine S&W target stocks like those on the gun in your photos. I have seen a few -4s with a square butt but believe they were transitional guns and fewer in number.

Ed

 

[Engine49guy]

The SB 686-4 ran from around 1993 to around 1995 so not rare and not exactly "Transitional", have seen two in the last week for sale.

On a side note while I prefer SB sized grips on a 4" or longer gun the RB frame can use either RB stocks or RB to SB conversions stocks,

I have fit traditional S&W SB stocks to RB frame guns by adding a small wood filler plug that can be made at home in about an hour.

 

[DocB]

I picked up a 4 inch SB -4 last year for $460. Made in 1993. It does have everything including the desirable square butt. Came from factory with Pachs. I am storing the grips with the gun, but didn't leave them on. They say it is the epitome of the 686. . .the high water mark. One thing that is different is the thumb latch/cylinder release. Unlike any Smith I've seen. When you push it in, you get a very definite and smooth release of the cylinder. Since it is the newest Smith I own, they may all be like that now. To answer your question, the -4 guns are better! If you already have one, I wouldn't bother buying a -3 unless you just want one of each.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I picked up a 4 inch SB -4 last year for $460. Made in 1993. It does have everything including the desirable square butt. To answer your question, the -4 guns are better! .

LOL......I have a 586-4 with the '' very desirable factory round butt".



To the OP I've got a 4" 686-nuttin, three blue steel 586s, a 6" -nuttin, two 4" guns a -2 and a -4..... along with a 4" 681-3......

I like them all......... that said;

The 4" 686 was round butted in the 80s and sees the most use.....

Would I have bought a 686 as pictured..... probably......if the price was OK..... as IMHO the 4" 686 is the best all around .357 you can own!!!

 

[aimedfire]

I think the price is $699. He negotiates.

 

[apollo99]

I have a 686-3, after some research, I would say the -4 is a little better on some things and and not so much on others. So -3 or -4 to me is a close call. The 686-4 is generally accepted as the pinnacle of the breed. As far as price, I find when I see a gun I like , but already have one similar, but wouldn't mind having another one, puts me in a great bargaining position. If I come into the transaction drooling, I'm gonna pay full price, but with a cavalier attitude, not caring either way, I get some of my best deals. I say if you're interested, offer low, show cash, you may walk away with a treasure.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I think the price is $699. He negotiates.

Could be a bit high depending on your market....... Negotiate!!!

It's a Pawn shop....... I'd guess he's got maybe $300-400 in it.....he wants to put his money back to work...........

How deep are your pockets? ..... how long has it been in the case?

MSRP on a "new" 686 is $829...... would expect to see it in a LGS around here for just under $700.......used usually top out at $100 less than new.

But a -3 to a -8/9(?) isn't exactly apples to apples.

I'd offer $600 OTD ( about $560+ Pa. Tax) and see what he does........

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

... Are the -3 guns better than the -4 guns, and how are they better? ...

The -3 came with traditional wood Target Stocks. The stocks alone sell for $100+. The hammer & trigger were flash chromed, which look nice.

The -4 shipped with $16 Hogues. The -4 has the new style rear sight assembly and is drill & tapped for optics.

The -5 had a pinned black ramp front sight. Finally getting rid of the M686's godawful integral stainless front, and allowing you to easily change the front blade.

Was one better than the other? That discussion will never end. [emoji1]

 

[Stirling]

I would have been very tempted. I kinda like the idea that real wheelguns have 6 charge holes. Many call them sixguns!