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AR15.COM
12/18/2011 4:10:38 PM EDT
Had a buddy call me today saying his cousin has a 686 for sale for 300. I have not shopped for a while, but am thinking it's a good deal and that I should scoop it up.  Don't know anything else at this point.  What do you guys think?  BTW already got a 686, its from the mid 90's. Really like it.  Will check this one out at any rate.

Hey guys, I picked it up.  It's like new.  686-1 M (been fixed by S&W) 4" barrel, woods stocks.  It's like new.  The guy I got it from said he bought it in 87 or so.  I'm thinking he just wanted his money back.  I told him he could likely sell it for more, but I was not a buyer for any higher price as I really didn't need to spend the money right now, but for 300, could not turn it down.





And here are his new friends.....

12/18/2011 4:13:53 PM EDT
[#1]
Any S&W stainless revolver for $300 is a pretty damn good price, even if it is .38+p. For a .357, sheeeeat,  I'd be on that one pretty quick.
What round count, cylinder, bbl??





 
12/18/2011 4:31:21 PM EDT
[#2]
I paid close to double that a year or so ago for a 686-4

12/18/2011 4:33:25 PM EDT
[#3]
OK I just spoke to the owner, He bought it in 1989 or so he thought.  It has wood stocks on it, low round count.  $300 firm.  He mentioned he also had the original case.  It will be mine tomorrow.  Will post pics

Oh yeah ETA it also comes with a should holster, but I am assuming it's uncle mikes or something like that.
12/18/2011 4:51:44 PM EDT
[#4]
Sounds like a steal to me!!
12/18/2011 9:18:12 PM EDT
[#5]
That is an awesome price  1989 is a -3 I think.  Maybe a -4, but I think those came out in 1992 or 1994.

Those guns sell for $550-$600 all day long.
12/19/2011 5:12:29 PM EDT
[#6]
bump see OP for pics.
12/20/2011 2:55:33 AM EDT
[#7]
Unless there is something wrong with it that is a GREAT price.

Good going!!
12/20/2011 4:17:25 AM EDT
[#8]
You did VERY well, IMO.

I'd have scooped it up, too.

12/20/2011 9:36:46 AM EDT
[#9]
3 years ago I got a 686+ 4"(7 round) with Houge grips for 350 at a marshals auction and I thought that was a good deal, yours is 50 bucks better than mine.  Yours is about the same condition as mine.  Mine was a security guards.
12/20/2011 11:41:35 AM EDT
[#10]
Wow for $300 that was a steal. I never come across good deals like this!
12/21/2011 3:52:57 AM EDT
[#11]
Awesome deal!!!!

12/21/2011 3:59:16 AM EDT
[#12]
Damn. I want one of those.
12/24/2011 7:01:31 PM EDT
[#13]
I paid $400 for mine.  I'd say you got a pretty good deal.
12/25/2011 1:11:58 PM EDT
[#14]
even though I am more of a k frame guy if that deal came my way I'd snap it up-you done good.
12/25/2011 2:08:36 PM EDT
[#15]
A  686-1 should not have an M stamp on the frame. Only the 686 no dash needed the modification.
12/27/2011 3:24:38 PM EDT
[#16]
After I read your posting, I thought maybe I read it wrong, but it's a 686-1 with a M stamped above.  Maybe the early 686-1's still needed to be recalled?

Here's the pic of it.  This was a tough shot.



OK it did include the 686-1 :

SMITH & WESSON
MODEL 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1,
586-1, 681-1, 686-1 & 686CS-1, REVOLVERS

RECALL: Reports have been received from the field where the combination of a SMITH & WESSON L-FRAME 357 MAGNUM REVOLVER and some .357 Magnum ammunition has resulted in unacceptable cylinder binding. L-frame revolvers bearing model numbers:

581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1,
681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1

Cylinder binding can cause a failure to fire. Mishandling a revolver while freeing the cylinder can result in accidental discharge.

Cylinder binding can result from a number of causes, including characteristics of an individual revolver or the use of ammunition, which does not conform to industry pressure specifications or is particularly fast burning. Recent developments in ammunition manufacture emphasize the production of .357 Magnum ammunition with increased velocity and greater primer sensitivity.

Although there have been very few reported incidents of cylinder binding, in view of our concern for our customer's safety and the reliability of Smith & Wesson products in all circumstances, we issue the following warning:

In a situation where a failure to fire can be critical - such as law enforcement or personal protection - do not use .357 Magnum ammunition with an L-frame revolver bearing model numbers 581, 586, 681, 686 or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number until you have had the revolver modified.

Those who need to use their L-frame revolver under these conditions prior to modification can safely fire .38 Special caliber ammunition.

Smith & Wesson has developed a modification to improve existing L-frame revolvers. This improvement enables them to fire all .357 Magnum ammunition, without cylinder binding. Shipments of L-frame revolvers from our factory after August 21, 1987 already include this improvement.

You can check if your revolver includes this improvement by looking at the left side of the frame when the cylinder is fully open. If your revolver has been stamped either with a "2" or higher number after the basic three-digit model number or with an "M" above the model number, your revolver includes this improvement and does not need modification. If your revolver bears the model number 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number, it does not include this improvement and your should have your revolver modified.

Smith & Wesson will modify your L-frame revolver free of charge to eliminate the possibility of cylinder binding with .357 Magnum ammunition. Law enforcement agencies wishing to arrange for modification of L-frame revolvers should call 800-458-8469 between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M. Eastern time (MA residents call 413-734-8244). Other users should send their revolvers to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Service Center, specifying "L-frame improvement program" and enclosing their name and return address.

One of the modifications to improve the L-frame revolver is the installation of a new hammer nose. This obsoletes all old L-frame hammer noses (part numbers 4702 and 7513) and all old L-frame hammer assemblies (part numbers 3366, 3378, 3380, 3382, 3391, 4722, 4723, 4726 and 4728) in field parts inventories. Superseded parts should never be fitted into a modified revolver as this may result in malfunction. It is essential for safety that you return these obsolete L-frame hammer noses and obsolete L-frame hammer assemblies for a free exchange to:

Smith & Wesson
Service Department
2100 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, MA 01101

Do not return L-frame hammer-nose bushings from your spare parts inventory inasmuch as they are useable in J, N and K-frame revolvers, which are not included in this Product Warning.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Smith & Wesson's first concern is the safety of its products and the protection of its customers.
12/27/2011 4:28:40 PM EDT
[#17]
Very nice, that is a great revolver.
12/27/2011 6:33:56 PM EDT
[#18]
Thanks for all the kind words. going out shooting it on Thursday. My buddy is bringing his submachine gun as well, should be a fun day off work.
12/27/2011 6:58:26 PM EDT
[#19]
Excellent

You did good.

Older 686/586's have been going up in value

12/27/2011 9:41:26 PM EDT
[#20]
Well done OP. I have been eyeballing something like that for a while.
12/28/2011 3:09:12 AM EDT
[#21]
Quoted:
After I read your posting, I thought maybe I read it wrong, but it's a 686-1 with a M stamped above.  Maybe the early 686-1's still needed to be recalled?

Here's the pic of it.  This was a tough shot.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/8381/052cxc.jpg

OK it did include the 686-1 :

SMITH & WESSON
MODEL 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1,
586-1, 681-1, 686-1 & 686CS-1, REVOLVERS

RECALL: Reports have been received from the field where the combination of a SMITH & WESSON L-FRAME 357 MAGNUM REVOLVER and some .357 Magnum ammunition has resulted in unacceptable cylinder binding. L-frame revolvers bearing model numbers:

581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1,
681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1

Cylinder binding can cause a failure to fire. Mishandling a revolver while freeing the cylinder can result in accidental discharge.

Cylinder binding can result from a number of causes, including characteristics of an individual revolver or the use of ammunition, which does not conform to industry pressure specifications or is particularly fast burning. Recent developments in ammunition manufacture emphasize the production of .357 Magnum ammunition with increased velocity and greater primer sensitivity.

Although there have been very few reported incidents of cylinder binding, in view of our concern for our customer's safety and the reliability of Smith & Wesson products in all circumstances, we issue the following warning:

In a situation where a failure to fire can be critical - such as law enforcement or personal protection - do not use .357 Magnum ammunition with an L-frame revolver bearing model numbers 581, 586, 681, 686 or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number until you have had the revolver modified.

Those who need to use their L-frame revolver under these conditions prior to modification can safely fire .38 Special caliber ammunition.

Smith & Wesson has developed a modification to improve existing L-frame revolvers. This improvement enables them to fire all .357 Magnum ammunition, without cylinder binding. Shipments of L-frame revolvers from our factory after August 21, 1987 already include this improvement.

You can check if your revolver includes this improvement by looking at the left side of the frame when the cylinder is fully open. If your revolver has been stamped either with a "2" or higher number after the basic three-digit model number or with an "M" above the model number, your revolver includes this improvement and does not need modification. If your revolver bears the model number 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number, it does not include this improvement and your should have your revolver modified.

Smith & Wesson will modify your L-frame revolver free of charge to eliminate the possibility of cylinder binding with .357 Magnum ammunition. Law enforcement agencies wishing to arrange for modification of L-frame revolvers should call 800-458-8469 between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M. Eastern time (MA residents call 413-734-8244). Other users should send their revolvers to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Service Center, specifying "L-frame improvement program" and enclosing their name and return address.

One of the modifications to improve the L-frame revolver is the installation of a new hammer nose. This obsoletes all old L-frame hammer noses (part numbers 4702 and 7513) and all old L-frame hammer assemblies (part numbers 3366, 3378, 3380, 3382, 3391, 4722, 4723, 4726 and 4728) in field parts inventories. Superseded parts should never be fitted into a modified revolver as this may result in malfunction. It is essential for safety that you return these obsolete L-frame hammer noses and obsolete L-frame hammer assemblies for a free exchange to:

Smith & Wesson
Service Department
2100 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, MA 01101

Do not return L-frame hammer-nose bushings from your spare parts inventory inasmuch as they are useable in J, N and K-frame revolvers, which are not included in this Product Warning.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Smith & Wesson's first concern is the safety of its products and the protection of its customers.


Interesting.  The original M modification was for replacement of the firing pin bushing.  The -1 were supposed to have that built in.  Some must have not been done right. Learn new stuff all the time.  I had a 681 that I had to send in for the modification.
12/28/2011 5:45:11 AM EDT
[#22]
That thing is for sure broke.  You need to send it to me to mount over my mantel as a mantel piece.  

Good score very nice revolver!
12/29/2011 12:06:56 PM EDT
[#23]
At that price, I'd have to wear a mask !
Right place, right time for the win!
12/29/2011 4:23:33 PM EDT
[#24]
Very nice score for $300.
12/29/2011 6:09:35 PM EDT
[#25]
Congrats! Defiantly not a deal to pass up.
12/31/2011 7:33:04 AM EDT
[#26]
I did not pay much more for mine new. Time flies!

12/31/2011 11:13:45 AM EDT
[#27]
Quoted:
Awesome deal!!!!



+1 !
12/31/2011 11:50:41 AM EDT
[#28]
Wow nice looking wheelgun. Congrats on a great deal on that !
12/31/2011 1:32:46 PM EDT
[#29]
Nice score.