S&W 686-3 or new model?

[MaxStravinsky]

I'm close to getting a 686, and I've found a used model in pretty good condition. As far as I know the only difference is the firing pin is no longer on the hammer - is that correct?

Which would you recommend the older or a new model (and why). Thanks for the help!

 

[dcmdon]

How much is it?

Does it have a lock. (sorry, I should know that, but I'm not up to speed on when the dashes were made)

Here's the reality. Im sure the gun is fine.

But if its only $40 less than you could get a new one for, then its not a good deal. If its $300 less, then its a great deal.

If you lived in CT, I would sell you a new 686 for about $700. Just as a point of reference.

Don

 

[JFDugal]

The firing pin 'location' is one of the changes in the newer models. They've also changed the hammer & trigger to MIM parts and added the internal lock. Some of the newer models (plus versions) have 7 shot cylinders.

I prefer the older smiths over the newer production guns (unless it's a Performance Center version). Older smiths tend to have much nicer actions and a better fit & finish (although the fit & finish is more of a subjective comment).

Check out both versions closely & pick the one you like best. You really can't go wrong with a S&W 686.

 

[*chris*]

How much is it?

Does it have a lock. (sorry, I should know that, but I'm not up to speed on when the dashes were made)

Here's the reality. Im sure the gun is fine.

But if its only $40 less than you could get a new one for, then its not a good deal. If its $300 less, then its a great deal.

If you lived in CT, I would sell you a new 686 for about $700. Just as a point of reference.

Don

I would probably pay $300 MORe for a 686 with the hammer mounted firing pin, all forged parts and without the Hillary Hole. A used 686 in good to great condition with a 4" barrel, original wood target stocks is worth $500-$600 in today's market. 6" versions are worth less, 2.5" versions are worth more due to their scarcity.

In my opinion...

Chris

 

[dcmdon]

The lock thing is overblown. If its a defensive gun, remove the lock:

[video=youtube_share;RVPYgohVCNM]http://youtu.be/RVPYgohVCNM[/video]

Its completely reversible if you ever sell the gun.

 

[M1911]

The lock thing is overblown. If its a defensive gun, remove the lock:

I still don't like the hole. Given a choice, I'd take one without the hole. Personally, I prefer K-frames (19 or 66) over the 686, but then I shoot mostly .38s and some .357s.

 

[Dream to Dream]

A used 686 in good to great condition with a 4" barrel, original wood target stocks is worth $500-$600 in today's market. 6" versions are worth less, 2.5" versions are worth more due to their scarcity.

In my opinion...

Chris

I agree with this, though I might stretch that price range to $550-$650. I've yet to see a 686 for $500 or less.

I would probably pay $300 MORe for a 686 with the hammer mounted firing pin, all forged parts and without the Hillary Hole.

But not necessarily this. While I prefer the fit and finish of older Smiths I've tried (and by older, I mean 70's and 80's era... I've not had the pleasure of trying a really old Smith), the newer models are still well made. If price is comparable, I'd go with an older model, but don't pass up a good deal on a modern S&W.

 

[dcmdon]

I still don't like the hole. Given a choice, I'd take one without the hole. Personally, I prefer K-frames (19 or 66) over the 686, but then I shoot mostly .38s and some .357s.

I understand. I have a 4" 66 and a 6" 686 and I prefer the 66. I'm thinking my next will be a 4" 620, which is essentially a 686 with out the full underlug bbl.

 

[Donvin999]

Used saves you the initial depreciation so I say go used.... My 686-2 is a sweet shooter!

 

[Zappa]

The 686-3 was made 1988-1993, there are no MIM parts on it.
If it's in good shape and the price is reasonable, grab it.

 

[MaxStravinsky]

Thanks for the input! If it's still available I'm going to go for the 686-3, I'll post pictures if it happens.

 

[MaxStravinsky]

While I was doing my research someone else bought it! It was a 686-3, for $525, at 95% condition.
Thanks for the info, now I know what I want.

 

[*chris*]

I would probably pay $300 MORe for a 686 with the hammer mounted firing pin, all forged parts and without the Hillary Hole

I agree with this, though I might stretch that price range to $550-$650. I've yet to see a 686 for $500 or less.

But not necessarily this. While I prefer the fit and finish of older Smiths I've tried (and by older, I mean 70's and 80's era... I've not had the pleasure of trying a really old Smith), the newer models are still well made. If price is comparable, I'd go with an older model, but don't pass up a good deal on a modern S&W.

Yes, I was using a little poetic license, but heck my 686-3 priced at $550 sold in a few hours. To me that means I probably should have asked $575-$600 for it, but of course I gave the green discount.

Chris

 

[Dream to Dream]

Yes, I was using a little poetic license, but heck my 686-3 priced at $550 sold in a few hours. To me that means I probably should have asked $575-$600 for it, but of course I gave the green discount.

Chris

Easy come, easy go. I've gotten some fantastic deals on firearms, and I've had a few deals where I didn't do so well. Plus, you made someone happy with that deal... Karma always comes back.