Wanting a 686 - Need advice
- Thread starter radtuck
- Start date
If you can find a nice used one and save couple hundred, why not. I just seen some nice ones on GB. Also, doesn't matter , new or used, Smith Wesson will warranty it.
Eric
Jagrmaister
Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2012
- Messages
- 215
- Reaction score
- 110
This. Save yourself money if you can. You'll come to find out most guys shoot a box of ammo through their new purchase then put it away until the next guy buys it...even I'm guilty of this with a few. S&W warranties it regardless. I've been eyeing the same ones on GB as I'm trying to replace a 686+ I foolishly sold.
Owning 2.5" and 4", I'd also encourage the 3". It has a full length ejector rod, which is just as nice as the extra 1/2" of sight radius on range days. For carry, the 3" will be almost the size of a full sized 1911 while the 4" will be a little bigger. I know I'm okay carrying a 2.5" and I think I could live with the 3", but 4" is too long for me IWB.
at_liberty
Member
Not my experience. Running guns through my gunsmith is a pretty regular process for my guns, used or new.
I can't think of a gun that was just the way I wanted it. The used guns especially should be checked out to be sure of what you have and whether he (or you) can get it to shoot acceptable groups.
It could be a different story for those who can do all that for themselves, but with all due respect, that amateur tinkering, or the possibility, again undermines confidence in what you are buying.
one eye joe
US Veteran
ALL OF MY MANY S&W REVOLVERS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED USED, EITHER FROM FORUM MEMBERS OR ON GUNBROKER.I WAS FORCED TO BUY A NEW 617 IN THE 4", 10 SHOT CONFIGURATION, AFTER HAVING NO LUCK FINDING A USED ONE FOR MANY MONTHS. I HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE PROBLEM WITH ANY OF THESE TRANSACTIONS, OR THE USED GUNS INVOLVED. IF YOU BUY FROM A SELLER THAT HAS BEEN ON GB FOR A LONG TIME, AND HAS POSITIVE FEEDBACK, OR WILL GIVE YOU A 3 DAY, NON FIRING INSPECTION PERIOD, YOU SHOULD BE FINE. DON'T SEND MONEY THAT YOU DONT HAVE TO. TO MOST OF US WHO DEAL GUNS ON GB, OUR REPUTATION IS EVERYTHING. WE TREAT OUR CUSTOMERS WELL, AND AS A RESULT, PEOPLE ARE NOT AFRAID TO PURCHASE FROM US…..……...
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cptdean
Member
I had a 2.5" 66-1, but sold it because I felt it was too nice to carry. I purchased a 3" 686+ to take its place and I couldn't be happier. The gun handles and balances well, and I think it's pretty easy to conceal in the right holster. Also, I think it's very affordable compared to some of the more scarce offerings. MIM parts and lock do not bother me at all.
Here's a pic (because all threads need pics) of it wearing a new set of Ahrends walnut tactical grips.
Here's a pic (because all threads need pics) of it wearing a new set of Ahrends walnut tactical grips.
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at_liberty
Member
That's all nice rhetoric, but what volume seller of other than personal guns test fires every gun and has a standard that some guns may not meet? What seller takes guns apart and cleans the internals, many long ago gummed up and needing a complete tear down. What seller is aware of any of the gun's quirks or needed recalls? After determining these things are necessary, the buyer has already missed any consideration by the seller.
I have had good luck too, to a point, but most guns are not optimal. I have learned not to expect them to be and do exactly as many seller disclaimers read. I have them checked by my gunsmith, who charges a minimum of $60, always including a complete tear down and test firing. Repairs or more than trivial adjustments are extra.
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one eye joe
US Veteran
I AGREE WITH ALL THAT YOU SAY, AT LIBERTY. BUT NO LOCAL GUN DEALER DOES ANY OF THOSE THINGS TO A USED GUN EITHER. I'M SURE THAT THEY GIVE THE GUN A CURSORY ONCE OVER, AND WOULD PROBABLY REFUSE TO TAKE IN A GUN THAT IS OBVIOUSLY UNSAFE. I HAVE NEVER PURCHASED A GUN AT A GUN SHOW, BUT I DOUBT ANY DEALER HAS TAKEN THE SIDEPLATE OFF A GUN ON HIS TABLE. AS WITH ANYTHING ELSE, "LET THE BUYER BEWARE" IS GOOD ADVICE…...
I HAVE ONLY PURCHASED GUNS THAT ARE LNIB, OR IN NRA EXCELLENT CONDITION, FROM A DEALER WITH A HISTORY AND A GOOD REPUTATION ON GB.. I HAVE NEVER HAD A 'SMITH GO OVER A GUN BEFORE I SHOT IT. PERHAPS I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY, BUT I HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM WITH ANY OF MY PURCHASES. I THINK THAT YOUR PRACTICE OF HAVING A 'SMITH GO OVER A USED GUN, ESP AN OLD ONE, IS VERY PRUDENT. IN ANY EVENT. I WISH YOU CONTINUED GOOD FORTUNE……..
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at_liberty
Member
My 686-6 includes The Plug to replace the lock, so buying old involves more than locks. My cost for The Plug was $50 counting installation by my gunsmith. Note that I got a discount on The Plugs and the gunsmithing for doing 6 at one time, so your cost may vary.
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at_liberty
Member
riverrat38
US Veteran
Its interesting how much this revolver resembles a full lug M60.
They both even have the flutes lined up with the cylinder notches!
Best,
Rick
