Trade a 66 for a 686?

[kbm6893]

I have a mint 66-2 4". Not a mark on it other than the turn line from the cylinder turning. I don't shoot it that often, and when i do, it's usually .38 followed by a cylinder of 357. I have been thinking of selling it and using the cash to put towards a 686 (no lock). I just like the option of shooting hotter .357 if I ever want to. What would be the value of a prisitine 66-2? No box or paper, but I have the original wood target grips that the Hogue's replaced.

 

[NFrameFred]

K frames vary widely across the country, but they aren't getting any easier to find or cheaper. Without box or papers I would make a personal guess of the low end in the $400 range and the high end up to $500 or a bit above for a motivated buyer. Snubs seem to bring premium and 4" are next on the list with the 6" tubes bringing up the rear in sales value at present.

Of course you'll probably have some helpful nit chime in about how he just bought one unfired last month for $300, as if that has any bearing on anything . . .

 

[jframefreak]

I'd keep what you've got. I had a 686 w the 6" barrel and didn't care for it much.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
Why not keep the Model 66 and purchase a Model 686?
You will discover that there are more used 686s around than Model 66s in the condition of Yours.
Jimmy

 

[kbm6893]

Can't keep both. Wife would kill me and I don't blame her. There are better things I could be spending $500 on right now than another revolver. if I'm gonna get the 686, the 66 has to go.

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, I'd think your 66 would be worth more than a 686 in equal condition. The 66 is no longer made and has a certain cult following besides.

FWIW, I've had both and much prefer the 66.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[Iggy]

Not this child.....I wouldn't trade.

 

[scott625b]

Almost like trading a classic '58 vette for a 2008 Malibu 2 door. You could, but why? Keep the classic and practice with it so you don't have to go to a hotter round, just get better with it so you are accurate with what you have.

 

[powerkicker]

If you want to shoot hotter ammo, make the trade. I would.

 

[stevieboy]

I have a 66, a 686, and a 27. They're all great, all different. It sometimes seems as if I'm shooting three different calibers, even when I'm firing the same ammunition from the three guns, their handling characteristics are that much different. If I could only have one of them, however, it would be my 4" 27-3. For me, it's just the perfect gun. My second choice would be the 66, and the 686 would come in a very close third. My reasons for preferring the 27 and 66 are pretty much purely subjective. Both of mine are 4" guns and my 686 is a 6-incher. Lately, I've developed a real passion for four inch revolvers.

 

[L-Frame]

All the hyperbole aside (a 58 vette compared to a 2 door malibu, PLEASE,)a 686 is every bit as nice as a 66, it just depends on which you like better. Go somewhere and rent one and see how you like it. I personally like a 686 more. It handles recoil better and I just enjoy shooting it more. Also, if you ever want to get another one, they will always be available. True, they are no longer being made but there will be plenty for sale for many, many years. And, unless you are looking for a 3" model or something unusual, there were too many made for the prices to go up too much, at least relative to other pre lock S&W's.

 

[mclark202]

I bought one unfired last month for $300, if that helps

 

[jja327]

So what's the problem with shooting .357 in a 66?

You would go broke if you could find enough .357 to feed it to the point it would wear out.

Just shoot it.

 

[Sportsterguy]

Originally posted by Ron H.:
Sir, I'd think your 66 would be worth more than a 686 in equal condition. The 66 is no longer made and has a certain cult following besides.

FWIW, I've had both and much prefer the 66.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

I too have owned both. My 66 and 19 are still with me. Sold the 2.5" 686 as I already own 4" 586 that shoot's WAYYYY better than the 686 did.

Also find them much easier to pack and they are good investments IMO.

 

[labworm]

Keep the 66, unless you don't mind having nightmares down the road.

 

[davel686]

If your heart is set on a long range revolver that will handle hot loads all day long and not break a sweat, then go with the 686 6".
if you are going to be shooting mostly .38's or mild .357's and want to use the gun for a carry gun or good house gun then keep the 66.
I have a M65 4" that I use for carry and as a house gun, also have a M66 2-1/2" that I use for the same thing.
when i go up in the woods, The main gun is the 686-6" loaded with some good stopping loads.
if you talk to your wife and tell her you need both of them depending on the use, she just might let you have both.

 

[fyimo]

The Model 66 is a wonderful gun especially with a 4 inch barrel and I sometime carry mine. That said, the 686 with 6 inch barrel is much easier to shoot well and the felt recoil is noticably less. So it it's going to be a range gun then I would give the 686 the upper hand.

66 no dash

686 no dash

 

[bountyhunter]

Originally posted by Ron H.:
Sir, I'd think your 66 would be worth more than a 686 in equal condition. The 66 is no longer made and has a certain cult following besides.

FWIW, I've had both and much prefer the 66.

Me too. The 4" barrel 66 is as close to a perfectly balanced revo as I have found, with a nice low bore axis. I shoot my 66's all the time and my 686's are confined to home defense duty.

 

[Match10]

The 66 is a keep-at-all-costs gun for me.

 

[R. Walter]

If you're determined to trade off to a model 686, I'd be looking for someone who has a 686 and wants to trade. You may pick up a tiny bit of cash in the trade depending on condition and other variables like barrel length.