S&W 686-6+ Question

[Zebra War Wagon]

Hello, I am looking at at used S&W 686-6+ (seven shot) 4" complete with box and manual. The seller purchased it new and claims only a couple hundred rounds fired, never carried. Any comments or concerns on purchasing? Any idea of a fair price? I only saw the pictures so far but it looks nice. I will be making a close up inspection in the next couple days and would like to purchase if it still looks as good in person.
Thanks!

 

[Pef]

In my neck of the woods a 686+ 4" used should go between 600 - 650 (650 max, especially if the new production -6 w/lock). Any more than that you are approaching retail, which if you buy retail you get the lifetime warranty.

Google "Revolver check out procedure" for the basics on checking out a used revolver. Eyeball for an especially bad canted barrel (I've never had a barrel problem).

A couple of hundred rounds on these L frames are nothing. I have one with about 1200 rounds through it and it's just about brand new.

I have the 686-6+ in 4" and it is an awesome .357/.38. It is also my HD weapon, too.

 

[rwsmith]

I'm not familiar

I'm not familiar with prices of the plus model but a similar
6-gun would go for $600-700. If you can get below that your are doing very good. I'd presume that the plus model might be worth a little more. The 4" configuration and the condition will raise the value some.

 

[TheDragon]

I agree with what Pef said, a couple hundred rounds (especially factory ammo) isn't even broke in good yet. Mines had several hundred and I bought it used, and it's not showing any signs of mechanical wear. 650 would be max i'd pay for one myself so anything lower than that would be a good deal.

 

[mauiblue]

I bought my Model 686 Plus about six or seven years ago for about $670 brand new. I put a couple thousand rounds of magnum rounds through it and it is in top shape. I just cleaned it yesterday which didn't take long. I love stainless steel hand guns. (^_-)

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

 

[Zebra War Wagon]

Thanks for all the info. I arranged to purchase on Saturday pending personal inspection of course.

 

[snowman]

I have that same model, which I use as a house gun. I've been pleased with it; but I'm sure you'll want to examine the one you're considering. It would be good to take snap caps or spent brass with you if you want to check trigger pull, carry up, etc. This model has a frame-mounted firing pin, and S&W warns against dry fire with those.

Stainless guns tend to wear the trailing side of the cylinder stop notches with a good bit of double action fire; don't be alarmed if you see a little of that. But if there have been only 200 rounds fired there shouldn't be much evidence of it.

Best wishes on your prospective purchase,
Andy

 

[Invictus357]

What I would do is check for flame cutting on the top strap.

No marks will prove it really is "only 200 rounds".

Next I would look to see if the barrel is canted.

Next I would look at overall fit and finish.

If it passes on all three, I'd buy it.