Should I buy or pass on this Model 686-3?

[maxfam]

How many guns do you need?
JUST ONE MORE!!!

 

[Alk8944]

If you want it and the price is acceptable to you then buy it.

 

[xfarfuldog]

I'd break my own rule about revolvers must be as they came from the factory. Pachmyers would not bother me. The -3 and -4 are recognized as the best. (Although around here, most STRONGLY prefer a no dash.) Buy it.

 

[75Vette]

You come on THIS forum for advice on buying another gun....pfffft.

 

[tate razor]

1988 aint never coming back! In my opinion, the 686-3 is the one I like the best, and in today's economy I wouldn't take $700.00 for mine.

 

[mod57]

Really if you never want to purchase a gun ever again then ask your wife for permission.
Just buy it. Nice gun, right price, helps out the son. DO IT!

 

[smithman]

Having a son that manages a local gun shop can be hazardous to both your bank account and your marriage! I sometimes help him with identification and pricing of vintage handguns, and he recently pulled out this pre-lock 4" Model 686-3 for me to look at. It's in VG condition (needs a good cleaning and some polish!) and wearing Pachmayrs, and I believe from the BBH-prefix s/n that it's an early 686-3 from 1988. I haven't found any special LEO stamps or etching, so I think it's just a standard 686-3. The initial asking price is $699, but the Dad discount would probably take it closer to $625. In addition, Florida has suspended all sales tax for firearms, ammo, and some accessories from now until the end of 2025. Could be a pretty good deal if I can convince the wife that I need another revolver! Should I pass on this one?
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You should buy this gun.

 

[Hawg Rider]

OK, I did buy the 4" Model 686-3. Got a good price and no Florida sales tax ($650 OTD), so I brought it home. It was wearing some old Pachmayr rubber stocks which I need to replace, but otherwise it's in excellent condition. I gave it a good cleaning, a light polish with some Mother's Mag Wheel polish, and finished with some Ren Wax. Upon inspection, I found it still has the original inspection stickers on the grip frame and a 4-digit number etched into the left side of the frame. Not sure if that's someone's SS# or something more official. This revolver (BBH2315) was released around the same time as the 3" and 4" CS-1 revolvers (1988). Mine is a square butt with black rear sight blade and smooth target trigger, but the front sight blade is black. It should be a great shooter. Enjoy!