How are these deals

chaim

New member
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).
 
Oops, almost forgot the fourth internet option:

A S&W 681. There isn't much of a description except: "S&W 681 Used PD trade in. Great shooter for plinking or home protection." It is a dutch auction and he has 10 of these. It is listed as NRA grade "fine". The guy doesn't have a lot of feedback (10 replies) but all are very good and most say that the gun they got was better than the description implied. The picture is a fairly low quality digital picture but the gun looks (as best you can tell) fine, about a 4" or 5" barrel and the older style (1970's and 80's) S&W wood grips (not the target grips). This is a dutch auction with 10 items, no reserve, only a few hours left and no bidders yet so I can probably get it for the opening bid of $250. Again, FFL transfer fees would be $40 and his shipping is $25 for a total of $315. Since the auction is about to end and he has 10 items with 0 bids I'm not too worried about missing it, I'm sure he'll be relisting it if I miss the deadline.
 
chaim,

If you have decided on a Smith & Wesson L-frame 586,
looks like the first one at $400 total, is the way to go.
However, I beleive that the barrel is going to be 6"
in length; instead of 6.5".

When I bought my 686-5, actually I was looking for a NIB
586 and there was none to be had. Like yourself, and
C.R. Sam, I much preferred the 586; but I finally broke
down and bought the 686-5 NIB for $439.95 + 8% sales
tax. So, yes deal #1 looks good to me.:D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Ala Dan right on barrel length.
LNIB 586 6" home for 400.....bout right.
80% 586 4" should come home for 250 bucks
686+ looks to me like worth +/- 350.....check it carefully.

I don't speak ruger

NRA Fine 681 PD trade in. Caution...NRA Fine applicable to antique guns only....means all original parts and at least 30% finish. Guess is about a 150.00 gun plus xfer etc.

Of the lot.....the 586 6" looks like the most straight up deal.

Patience.

Sam
 
If you're set on getting a "&", then the first deal sounds great. Personally, I'd seriously consider the new Ruger or the smith that you can see and feel before putting money down.
 
I don't know anything about late model S&Ws but you said the first one was exactly the gun you wanted and the price was what you were willing to pay. Need we go further?
 
$400 is too much for a blued GP-100.

I got mine in as-new condition for $300.

If you have $400, buy a S&W. Not that the Rugers are bad, it's just S&W's are classier.

Stainless GP-100's sell round here (The S.F. Bay Area, the PRK) for about $325 used, $400-ish new. Blued guns should be $30-$50 less.

Also consider a Security Six. A bit smaller than a GP, but just about as indestructable, and readily available. Cheap when used, if it's a police trade-in, they sometimes have VERY nice triggers, and they go for $250-ish.
 
$400 is too much for a blued GP-100.
Around here that is the cheapest I've ever seen a NEW Ruger GP 100 (though I remembered incorrectly, it isn't the 4" it is the 6"). The next cheapest I've seen is about $20 more and the stainless are another $30 more than that.

I have seen used Service and Security Sixes for $250-300 in good shape.
 
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