New S&W 686 pricing?

It sounds from that as if it is more of an aesthetic thing than a functional thing?
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Correct. IMO, of course. Below is a picture of my 686s used in matches. The pre-lock gun on top is actually my backup.

The lock & MIM parts seem to get all the discussion, but if the gun's going to get shot a lot (i.e. be a match gun), there are other design elements I have stronger personal preference for, e.g. pinned front sight (the factory red ramp must go, IMO), frame mounted firing pin, new style cylinder release, and a non-pinned ejector. Only the 686-5 has all these without the lock (my backup 686 is a -5), so if I ever need to buy another 686, I'd have to wait for a -5, or just buy new.

One more word about a new S&W: While you'd avoid potentially buying someone else's problem, there's no guarantee a new gun will be perfect from the factory, either. S&W still makes a terrific revolver. Between design elements and modern CNC machinery, they are able to produce very accurate & reliable guns with much less hand fitting. The thing is, I'll occasionally read about a lemon that managed to get through their QA/QC. The good news is that S&W's customer service is very good, and any issues are quickly addressed once they are contacted.

Keep us posted. We'll expect a range report soon. :D

686pair.jpg
 
"MIM" stands for Metal Injection Molding, a casting process S&W uses to fabricate some parts, such as the trigger and hammer. MIM is a cost-cutting measure about which some opinions are divided. Again, I consider it a non-issue.
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I agree that MIM is a non-issue, and I think it's important to point out another difference- when S&W introduced MIM parts, they removed the firing pin from the hammer on their centerfire* revolvers, and started using a flat-faced hammer that strikes a full-floating firing pin mounted inside the frame. The old-style hammer-mounted firing pin is more traditional- a biggie to S&W purists- but it's more expensive to install and more difficult to replace.

Although firing pin problems are not commonplace, the fact that the floating firing pin can be replaced without special tools by a non-gunsmith is a plus is my book. Decent mechanical skills and an ability to work with small parts are still required, but the job isn't difficult overall. :)

*Rimfire S&W revolvers have had floating firing pins since about 1930, although the pin retention system was slightly different than the one used today.
 
I'm obviously on the side of pre-lock and pre-MIM. But for the purpose of the OP, my thought was that you could save money and get a better gun buy looking for an older model.

If the money isn't as big a deal as the looking, waiting, and obvious bit of risk involved in checking out and purchasing a used revolver, you will likely be well served by a new one even with the lock and the MIM.

Truth be told, someone who is quite new to handguns will simply have NO IDEA about the differences and I've met a number of people who can't even feel the difference in trigger pull and smoothness that I can easily feel... but then, I'm a hardcore hobbyist and enthusiast and I've been doing this for some time now.

If I ever gave you the idea that a new 686 is junk, I apologize- I don't mean that and I don't believe that. And for a new shooter, we don't have any idea how much shooting you'll end up doing with this revolver. Could be that it ends up filling a role and not getting shot a whole lot anyhow. (not saying anything about you or your habits, I just know what kind of life the "average" gun lives, when bought by the "average" new-to-guns person)

It does sound like you might be best served to simply purchase new.

For me however, you couldn't force me in to it. No way. And for more money? Sounds like a practical joke to me. ;)
 
I have 7 S&W revolvers so far, one more on the way. None of them were purchased new. In fact, only one of them is post-lock, the rest of them are from the 1980's are are still in perfect condition.

I have a friend that was afraid to buy a used revolver, but after seeing and shooting my "old" stuff he bit the bullet and bought a 686-3 from Gunbroker.

Lots of good used stuff out there, but someone needs to buy new stuff from time to time to keep S&W's doors open.

So, buy new or used, whatever you prefer. Get a new one now, but be warned, once you do buy a S&W revolver get ready to see your bank account decline. I am up to 7 now, #8 very soon, and already know what #9 and possibly #10 will be. It's an addiction............ :D
 
Ctrain-you're getting a lot of good information as well as the sense of who values what in a SW.
I'm local, I own one and I shop all the time.
PM me for some local intel.
 
Deals on LNIB pre lock 686's are out there. Just takes a little hunting sometimes.

I just left my dealer. I put a 2.5" 686-4+, with matching box & docs on layaway. Forged parts, no idiot lock, hammer mounted firing pin. $550 OTD. Looks barely used. Times and locks up perfectly.

He had a 6 shot 4" 686-4 and another 2.5" 686-4 6-shot there too. All with original box and docs. All less than $600. You just have to find what satisfies you in a revolver and search around a little.

Many folks are evidently happy to settle for less with the new guns. I'm happy for them. I'm also glad because it leaves the earlier guns available for me. :) Regards 18DAI
 
In Washington State --- if you buy a gun off the internet from outside the state ..and on handguns you have to have it shipped to your local FFL dealer ....you'll pay a trasfer fee typically about $ 25 ...plus freight - and you'll also have to pay state sales tax on the purchase price of the gun ( about 10% ) ...

The 686 is a good gun ...I'd recommend it ....but you need to fire some revolvers before you purchase ...go to some ranges like The Marksman in Puyallup or Wade's in Bellevue - where you can rent a variety of guns first.

If you go to the local gunshows ( in Puyallup or Monroe) run by the Washington Arms Collectors - you must first be a member of the Wash Arms Collectors ( about $30 to join ) or you will not be able to sell or buy a gun at the Puyallup or Monroe gun shows...but if you live in Western WA - I'd suggest you join - the gun shows have a lot of good affordable inventory on revolvers. You'll either need to submit to a background check or have a concealed carry license to be a member of WAC.
 
"MIM" stands for Metal Injection Molding, a casting process S&W uses to fabricate some parts, such as the trigger and hammer
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In all fairness, most gun makers, aircraft makers, and others who need critical parts held to tight tolerances use MIM, it isn't just S&W
 
Ctrain -

Have looked at the SSR Pro version of the 686 yet? It's a bit more money, but the interchangeable front sight alone makes it worth considering. It also comes with chamfered chambers to aid in speedy reloads, a tuned action, and, if it matters, a forged hammer & trigger. Standard tuning of a regular 686 would likely include all the above (sans the forged parts), but cost $150 - $200-ish.

Regarding the front sight, I mentioned in one of my posts, the stock red ramp front sight is, IMO, a "Jack of all Trades, Master at None". Newer 686s have the front sight pinned in, so while changing it is relatively easy, you'd still likely need to pay a gunsmith to do it. Even then, replacing that sight requires yet another trip to the 'smith.

In contrast, an interchangeable front sight is spring loaded, and can be swapped by the shooter in seconds. You can try different front sights to find the one you like best at a single range visit, and without a trip to the gunsmith between each. Alternatively, can keep a set (e.g. target Patridge, gold bead, and fiber optics of varying colors) in your range bag, then choose the best sight for your particular application for the day. It's a pretty sweet system.
 
Wow, just got on after my class/before work and saw all this, thanks a lot everyone, great info on here. I can definitely see that some people are very against/for new weapons lol :rolleyes: such a hard decision! Money is a little bit of an issue (if it were over 900 or 1000, that would be a problem, at least in my girlfriends eyes!), but at these prices I am going head on and getting a 686 for sure. I will definitely look into the gun shows, I did not know any info about gun shows but have been wanting to visit one in the area, so thanks for that! My girlfriend is actually FROM Puyallup area, so that would be AWESOME. I will look into getting the membership, and is there by any chance a website for the show that I can keep tabs on for dates and info, etc?

The interchangeable sights sound like an amazing thing, about how much again does this other version cost? I found the sights of the 686 I rented to shoot to be "okay", however not something I was like WOW so easy to shoot, love this! So, being able to switch would be awesome. I will have to keep an eye out for these interchangeable styles. Thanks again everyone, and I will PM you for info about local guns, thanks for letting me know!
 
yes, Washington Arms Collectors...

http://www.washingtonarmscollectors.org/

There is a show in Monroe this coming weekend ...and a show in Puyallup weekend after this ...
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It might take 2 or 3 weeks - to get a membership / unless you have a concealed carry permit in WA ....if you have a permit ( bring it of course ), you could sign up for membership at the shows in coming weeks - but lines can be long / especially at first of the year when guys forget to renew.

Note: There are no exceptions - either you are a member or you will not be able to buy a gun at the WAC show ! Disciplinary action will be taken against any member - that violates it - and security is taken seriously at the shows ! Some table owners / sellers will not even let you pick up a gun - if you are not a member... Membership cards are required to be displayed ( on your shirt / when you're walking around ...and even as a member - a seller must verify your ID ( typically your drivers license ) - against your membership badge before they consumate the sale. I'd suggest you not have a carry weapon on you when you go into the shows.... if you do / they will have to be secured ( actions secured open ) and unloaded. No photos allowed.../ look over the rules before you come to a show ...so you're not surprised. Like all gun shows - there are a lot of other things there...and as a non-member you can buy ammo, accessories, etc ...just not "guns".

website will give you the rules.....they run a good clean show ...no fooling around ....and many of the sellers are good guys and fair. Some are actually FFL dealers - and you'll need to do typical paperwork to buy a gun ...but many are private sellers - and members of course.

But like in all used guns ....you need to know what you want / what you're buying ...most are sold "as is" with no warranty ....so its up to you, to check them - and make a deal. Most sales are "cash" only ...so don't depend on a credit card or a check ...most sellers won't take it / but some will.

Model 66's ...and 686's....I'd expect to see at least a dozen ( maybe more ) of them in Puyallup show...some very clean, some heavily used ...( values probably $ 500 - $ 750 ) although there is no guarantee on what you'll find. Expect about 250 tables at the Sat show ....maybe 200 on Sunday ... and there will be other revolvers there ...Ruger, Colt, etc....as well...
 
Wow, that is some great info BigJim, thanks a ton for that man. I will be out of town this weekend so will miss the Monroe show, but next weekend will be in town so I will try to get my membership rolling so I can possibly get to the Puyallup show! Sounds like a great time. I've found that gun enthusiasts are great guys so I'm sure this show will be a great time, even if I don't find the one that I am looking for. I will be sure to bring cash, and as I don't have a handgun yet :( I will not have to worry about carrying a concealed with me at the show, haha. Unfortunate, but looks as if it helps me in this instance. Anyway, about how long do you think it will take for someone to view all (or almost all) of the tables at a show? I wanna bring the boss lady with me but I don't think she'd want to look at guns all day like I would, again, unfortunate. I'll cross my fingers that I can get to the Puyallup show with a membership and find a good condition 686 ssr!

Last point, you said they have ammo and other accessories for sale there. If I were to not get my membership in time for some reason, I could still buy some ammo and such? Do they typically have good prices on ammo there or would it basically be like me buying boxes off the shelf at wally world?
 
I go to the Puyallup show often ..( they hold about 10 a yr ) ...and it typically takes me about 4 - 5 hours to get thru the show ...( ignoring a lot of the stuff like knives - that don't interest me ) ....or "production gun tables" ...full of Glocks, etc..where I have everything in those categories I want.

They have some concession booths there ...so you can sit / have a coke and some lunch ....and if you're a serious buyer - get there early. Most of us do our serious shopping before 10am if possible.

I reload so I don't watch ammo prices too close ...but yes, there are decent prices on ammo if you're buying a case of 20 boxes or whatever they are these days / in whatever caliber you want...there are tables there selling reloads too ( which scares the heck out of me personally ) because you have no idea who loaded them, or what their procedures were like ...but a lot of guys go, just to buy ammo - 2 or 3 cases at a time and most of the popular calibers are fairly well stocked. Is it cheaper than WalMart...probably by a $1 or $ 2 at least per box...but I'm not positive.

But yes, as a non-member you can buy holsters, belts, ammo etc...at the show.

Puyallup show has at least twice as many tables as the Monroe show ...and 50% or so ...are the same guys....usually. Go on Saturday - if you can - because there are usually ( in the back of the auditorium ) about 75 tables or so , that are Sat only tables.../ but I see deals on the regular tables and the sat only tables...just never know what you'll find.

There are high end sellers ....sellers that only deal in knives ...sellers that only deal in AR's and associated stuff ...gun safes ...gun cases...there are production gun sellers that specialize in Glocks, or Sigs, or whatever...lately there is a guy there that is selling primarily Nighthawk 1911's ( about $3,000 each ) and he usually has 20 guns or so in inventory...a lot of guys are selling WWII or Vietnam era military rifles, gear, etc ....some guys specialize in shotguns...some reloading stuff...everything you'd expect...

WAC is also a "lobbyist" and helps protect our rights in the state of WA. Internally they have some "interesting politics" ...but they're overall a good group of folks. Sometimes local used gun shops ....like DJ's Loan and Sport in Bothell, WA might beat the prices at the shows...on used and new guns...so you have to know what you're buying. But no matter what - go - and have some fun !
 
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In re ammo...I have shot a ton of factory reloads that I purchased from Surplus Ammo at the gunshow.
Great stuff....cheap, too.
HSM and BVAC, Black Hills all have a good reputation.
Buy in bulk, loose-pack and save money.
 
Ahh, well, I have already printed out and filled in the membership form, now I just need to wait until next weekend for the Puyallup show! Should be pretty fun, whether I find something to buy or not. Probably will just be a good experience for me to go and see all of these guns in one place, kind of get an idea about what I am getting myself into with this new hobby :)

Thanks again for the help and info, I can't wait til the show.

Also, one other thing. Do you think it would be wise to invest in some reloading gear? I have never done it, but if I start shooting I would like to reload myself after I shoot however many rounds, so that I can cut down a bit on my ammo costs. Good idea or bad? (is it "dangerous" or a "bad idea" for a person who is pretty new to handguns to try learning to load rounds)? Been checking seattle area for loading stuff and it doesn't seem too expensive, once you acquire most of it at least.
 
We have a whole other discussion area of this site dedicated to handloading.

It is a terrific hobby, but it's not something to be approached lightly or casually, there is a large time and effort investment in it that's completely in addition to the monetary investment.

The monetary investment is a pretty wide range, but figure that you'd likely be spending about "one handgun" worth of money to properly get rolling.

95% of reloaders do NOT SAVE MONEY, but they get a heckuva lot more ammo and shooting in for the same or more money. Cost-per-round can be brought way, way down, but that's with a lot of time, care and work, and it does take significant expenditures (buying in volume) to bring that cost-per-round down.

Should you do it? Tough for me to answer... but I can tell you that I do it, and I love it, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't know that everyone is cut out for it, but it's not difficult to do it properly and safely if you can work with tools a bit and follow directions.

For more on this discussion, visit the Handloading and Reloading area of the site! :)
 
You're welcome...

Reloading to me ...is a big part of the shooting hobby ...and yes, for metallic cartridges -- for handguns, etc ( vs shotshells ) ....it'll save you a lot of money - even with premium components. I can reload 9mm for a little under $ 5 for a box of 50 / .45 acp for around $8 for a box of 50.

Presses are not real cheap - good presses ...and most of the big name companies make good equipment. Dillon, RCBS, Hornaday, etc ...and in a press, to increase the safety, some of them have a "powder check option". And yes, if you have some attention to detail ...and like that sort of thing ...reloading is safe, and easy. If you don't stay organized - and don't pay attention to detail - then no, its not for you.

But most of us reload - because we like it / and yes, we save money - or we spend the same amount of money - we just shoot more. I'm going to my local range tonite, with 6 boxes of 357 mag and 2 guns ...and will have a great time for about $ 40....if you bought 6 boxes of .357 mag ammo at the range it would be at least $ 100....

Check out Dillon - which is the press I like ...the Dillon 650 .../ check them out.

Check out the reloading part of this forum...that's where you should ask reloading questions...
 
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