I am looking into several different possibilities for my next gun but near the top of the list is an L-frame .357 revolver. I found these four deals online, and one local, tell me what you think.
A S&W 586 with 6.5in barrel in LNIB condition on an auction site. From the high quality picture it looks like it may be as described and the guy has great feedback. This is exactly the gun I want (though I'm undecided on the 6" v the 4" barrel). The "buy it now" price (I'd do this as the "buy it now" price and opening bid are the same) is $345, plus $15 shipping and $40 for the local FFL's transfer fee (total price for exactly what I want $400).
A S&W 586 with 4" barrel described as in 80%+ condition with correct timing and it is described as very tight. This guy also has great feedback (he is described as very honest in his descriptions- the gun may be better than described). From the high quality picture it looks like the bluing is very good (though not as shiny as some) but the grips are a little worn. The starting bid is $320 with a "buy it now" price of $325 (which is what I'd do), he also charges $15 for shipping and again the local FFL charges $40 ($390 total). Since the other is in such great shape I'd only go with this if I waited too long and lost the first.
A S&W 686+ (7 shot) described as "used but excellent condition" and "Near new condition" with a 4" barrel for a "buy it now price" of $376 (the current bid is $300 but that is under the reserve). This guy also has good feedback. The best thing is that he is local so I could actually go see the gun before bidding and if I won I could pick it up from him without paying any transfer fees or shipping though I'd have to pay sales tax (total $376 before tax).
The last option is a brand new blued Ruger GP 100 with a 4" barrel that a local shop has for $404. He is one of the better priced dealers in the area. They are the third best dealer I've found to deal with. The best doesn't have as many revolvers and his prices aren't as good on revolvers, though he's the best to go to for autos. The second best is just too far away. This guy would be near the top except for 2 of the 10 or so employees are complete jerks, one of whom is a manager (it is a shame because the other employees are so great).
A S&W 586 with 6.5in barrel in LNIB condition on an auction site. From the high quality picture it looks like it may be as described and the guy has great feedback. This is exactly the gun I want (though I'm undecided on the 6" v the 4" barrel). The "buy it now" price (I'd do this as the "buy it now" price and opening bid are the same) is $345, plus $15 shipping and $40 for the local FFL's transfer fee (total price for exactly what I want $400).
A S&W 586 with 4" barrel described as in 80%+ condition with correct timing and it is described as very tight. This guy also has great feedback (he is described as very honest in his descriptions- the gun may be better than described). From the high quality picture it looks like the bluing is very good (though not as shiny as some) but the grips are a little worn. The starting bid is $320 with a "buy it now" price of $325 (which is what I'd do), he also charges $15 for shipping and again the local FFL charges $40 ($390 total). Since the other is in such great shape I'd only go with this if I waited too long and lost the first.
A S&W 686+ (7 shot) described as "used but excellent condition" and "Near new condition" with a 4" barrel for a "buy it now price" of $376 (the current bid is $300 but that is under the reserve). This guy also has good feedback. The best thing is that he is local so I could actually go see the gun before bidding and if I won I could pick it up from him without paying any transfer fees or shipping though I'd have to pay sales tax (total $376 before tax).
The last option is a brand new blued Ruger GP 100 with a 4" barrel that a local shop has for $404. He is one of the better priced dealers in the area. They are the third best dealer I've found to deal with. The best doesn't have as many revolvers and his prices aren't as good on revolvers, though he's the best to go to for autos. The second best is just too far away. This guy would be near the top except for 2 of the 10 or so employees are complete jerks, one of whom is a manager (it is a shame because the other employees are so great).
