Smith and Wesson 686 CS-1 4" bbl

[david58]

I just bought one of these today. My intent is to use it as a backpacking/fishing tote-along, since its stainless. I am curious, however, about the value of the gun. Does anyone have any information on the approximate value of this pistol? It does appear to have a bit of holster wear, but not too bad. Has wood grips, I think a "round butt." I kinda know semiautos, not much on revolvers unless they shoot black powder.

Thanks for your help!

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum. Congrats on the purchase.
The CS-1 guns are desirable with the 3" being the most sought after. I'm no expert but would think the 4" would be worth at least $100 more than a regular M686 and the 3" even more.
Some members here have them and maybe will post a better answer on their value.

 

[WFR]

David,
Congratulations on a fine purchase!
The CS-1 revolvers are excellent weapons and very durable.
I have two of the 3" CS-1's and one of them is my "do-everything", "go-everywhere" handgun.
Depending on condition I'd say your 4" CS-1 is worth between $500-$650. Having the original box helps the value a bit.
Find you a good holster for it and enjoy!
Here's mine:

 

[Avery11]

WFR, whats the story on those grips??

 

[SRC201]

I just picked up a 3" CS-1 for $500. I have been looking for a long time. This one is ported and has 2 ball bearing detentes installed on the cylinder arm and an action job. I would have preferred an unmodified revolver, but not many of these guns have shown up in a while and the ones I've seen are in the 800-900 range. After 50 rounds .38 spl and 50 .357, I must say that I like the porting! I have a 4" CS-1 as well (no modifications).

Avery, from what I have read, the 3" guns were issued with black rubber pachmyr grips with a slit on the bottom so the serial# can be seen. My 3" has them, my 4" came with aftermarket grips..

David, I'm an auto guy also, but these CS-1's are just beautiful guns to own and shoot. Congrats.

Anyone know what the current prices on a 3" CS-1 are and how badly the mods on my gun will affect the value? Thanks.

 

[18DAI]

Prices on the 3" CS1 are between $850 and $1100 depending on condition box & docs.

I'd say that with the modifications you mention, that if your 3" CS1 is in otherwise good condition it might bring $550 to $600. Hope this helps. Regards 18DAI.

 

[timpitera]

You Smitty's are killing me. I can't find a NIB or LNIB w/ papers. One just sold w/o box & papers. Close but no cigar, as they say. Throw a little more salt on the wound why don't ya.

 

[SAFireman]

You Smitty's are killing me. I can't find a NIB or LNIB w/ papers. One just sold w/o box & papers. Close but no cigar, as they say. Throw a little more salt on the wound why don't ya.

Tim,

I have not seen many with box and papers, as they were issued to Customs agents...there have been some that were turned in and returned to S&W to be sold - those boxes were marked 'used guns' as I recall....I would imagine that finding a NIB with the original box will be quite difficult...there are a few CS-1's out there for sale...you just have to be patient and willing to jump when they appear.

Good luck in your search.

 

[Nframe357]

Tim,

I have not seen many with box and papers, as they were issued to Customs agents...there have been some that were turned in and returned to S&W to be sold - those boxes were marked 'used guns' as I recall....I would imagine that finding a NIB with the original box will be quite difficult...there are a few CS-1's out there for sale...you just have to be patient and willing to jump when they appear.

Good luck in your search.

My 3" has box and papers, not marked "used".

 

[photoman]

I bought a 4" in 1994 that was NIB. Was one of the surplus guns and was new in every respect including the box and docs. Paid $369 for it.

 

[Mack]

WFR, whats the story on those grips??

Avery,
Those are Uncle Mike's combats, IMO the best aftermarket combats but no longer made. S&W did put these on some revolvers with their logo and last I heard they still had some in stock.