Value of my 2.5" 686 no-dash

[Steve-0]

Hi everyone,
First post on this forum, and certainly won't be my last. Looking to pick your brains with regard to a 2.5" 686 no-dash I've had for about 17 years. I bought it used back then, and in fact it was my first handgun. I'ts always served me well, and I've come to love S&W revolvers (especially S&W actions) through this revolver. Thing is, I rarely carry this gun anymore, and it spends most of it's time in the rack. Another thing is, I've really been getting the itch for a 4" 686, and I wouldn't mind giving up the 2.5" for a 4" (in fact it would have to happen that way with my present financial situation).

Just so happens that my local gun show is this weekend (Syracuse), and I'm thinking of trying to wrangle a deal. I'm a little perplexed as to what I should ask for my 2.5, even after searching this site and a few others. It's in very good condition, with the original finger groove stocks (although they were very slightly customized by me many years ago for fit). It has never malfunctioned, has the "M" stamp for the factory recall mod, and lockup is still good and tight (I've only put a few hundred rounds through it in all those years, many of them 38's).
I was thinking somewhere right around $400 would be a good asking price, but I'm wondering if there's more of a premium for this particular gun than I'm aware of.

Welcoming all opinions!

 

[Steve-0]

Hi everyone,
First post on this forum, and certainly won't be my last. Looking to pick your brains with regard to a 2.5" 686 no-dash I've had for about 17 years. I bought it used back then, and in fact it was my first handgun. I'ts always served me well, and I've come to love S&W revolvers (especially S&W actions) through this revolver. Thing is, I rarely carry this gun anymore, and it spends most of it's time in the rack. Another thing is, I've really been getting the itch for a 4" 686, and I wouldn't mind giving up the 2.5" for a 4" (in fact it would have to happen that way with my present financial situation).

Just so happens that my local gun show is this weekend (Syracuse), and I'm thinking of trying to wrangle a deal. I'm a little perplexed as to what I should ask for my 2.5, even after searching this site and a few others. It's in very good condition, with the original finger groove stocks (although they were very slightly customized by me many years ago for fit). It has never malfunctioned, has the "M" stamp for the factory recall mod, and lockup is still good and tight (I've only put a few hundred rounds through it in all those years, many of them 38's).
I was thinking somewhere right around $400 would be a good asking price, but I'm wondering if there's more of a premium for this particular gun than I'm aware of.

Welcoming all opinions!

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome to the forum.

Since you modified the S&W Combat stocks, take them off and save them. With a set of rubbers in place, you should still get close to $400 or maybe an even up swap for a 4" if you're lucky. Nice original K frame RB Combat stocks can bring $100 or more on the auction sites.

 

[toroflow1]

I think its worth more than $400...maybe closer to $500 without the combat stocks. As are most snub-nosed S&Ws, they command a premium. I tell ya, whoever trades you a 4" 686 for it will be mighty happy! I know I would be!

 

[Allen-frame]

Okay ,I'm going to step in here.
Steve ,,welcome to the forum.

The 686 compact,, a no dash ,, was produced in 1984 as a run of approximately 2500 for Lew Horton distributors.

The 2 1/2in. 686-3 did not go into production until 1990.

I have one I recently purchased for $525. and felt I got a smokin deal.

The averare 4" 686 anything can be found for $300. to $400. unless the seller thinks he has treasure

.

If I were trading a 2 1/2" 686 for a 4"er, (which I'd be crazy to do) I'd be looking for about $200. cash or trade value along with the deal.

If you can ,hold on to your old friend ,it will only appreciate in value in these wacky economic times.


Good luck and again ,,,Welcome.

My 'smokin' 2.5" 686 no dash AEZxxxx SEr.# from 1984.

Regards ,,,,AL

 

[vit]

Don't get rid of your first handgun, I did that and still regret it.

 

[renroh]

I agree, I traded my first handgun away, and wish I hadn't. It was not important to me then, but I would like to have that .22 revolver back my dad gave me.

 

[Steve-0]

Well, you guys are giving me alot of food for thought. I really appreciate it. Maybe I'll try to unload something else at the show instead. (There is that Remmy 700 I don't shoot much anymore!)

 

[Lenshappy]

Keep it~!

 

[Iggy]

You sure won't get what it's worth at a gun show.

 

[st regis]

Steveo; I say sell the rifle and KEEP the 686. You WILL regret it. I have spent lots of time and money over the years trying to find and buy guns that i USED to have but traded away. Just my 2 cents worth. Joe in GA

 

[Cartouche]

Originally posted by vit:
Don't get rid of your first handgun, I did that and still regret it.

Keep your first revolver. I still have mine and will til I die. Had not my Hi-Power been stolen, I would still have my first auto also. When I am gone my grandson will have them.

 

[Landpimp]

I did not know that(totaly missed that in the SCSW) I just picked up a 686 ND(and no M mod) 2.5" ALZ97XX(which looks like 1985 to me) for $400 2 weeks ago, so mine is a Lew Horton gun?

BTW.....I REALLY like the 2.5" 686...and I am a K frame snubbie guy

Originally posted by Allen-frame:
Okay ,I'm going to step in here.
Steve ,,welcome to the forum.

The 686 compact,, a no dash ,, was produced in 1984 as a run of approximately 2500 for Lew Horton distributors.

The 2 1/2in. 686-3 did not go into production until 1990.

I have one I recently purchased for $525. and felt I got a smokin deal.

The averare 4" 686 anything can be found for $300. to $400. unless the seller thinks he has treasure

.

If I were trading a 2 1/2" 686 for a 4"er, (which I'd be crazy to do) I'd be looking for about $200. cash or trade value along with the deal.

If you can ,hold on to your old friend ,it will only appreciate in value in these wacky economic times.


Good luck and again ,,,Welcome.







My 'smokin' 2.5" 686 no dash AEZxxxx SEr.# from 1984.

Regards ,,,,AL