S&W 686 .... New or Used?

D

dogfighter

Inactive
I've decided on a S&W 686 with a 6" barrel for my first handgun. My question is should I shell out the dough-ray-mi for a new one, or just get a used one from an online auction? And also, what is a reasonable price? Most of what I've seen is ranging from $400-550. I'd much rather get something cool and sheik, but this is my first gun and it's just for target shooting and (god forbid) home defense, so I'm trying to make a sensible purchase. Thanks in advance :)
 
Personally, if it were me, I'd go with the used one. For that matter, it was me, and I bought a used one. I didn't buy from an online auction, though -- it got mine (a 4") from my brother-in-law for quite a bit less than you are quoting ($300, which as I understand is pretty close to market price), in really good condition. Is that price you are quoting for new ones, or for used ones?

BTW -- there's nothing uncool or non-sheik about a good wheel gun! Especially when you are punching out the center of the spots at the range -- you shoulda seen the looks I was getting from the "bottom feeder" shooters down the line this afternoon! :D
 
Greetings dogfighter my friend-

And a big ole' hearty welcome to TFL. Pull up a chair and join in on
the roust a'bout discussions. As to the purchase of a S&W 6" model
686, the only thing is finding one used but not abused might be a bit
of a problem. Cuz persons who have 'em, very rarily trade 'em in! :(
I've got a 6" S&W 686-5 that has a WOLFF replacement spring kit,
with a 13 lb. trigger return spring; and I'm here to tell ya' this gun is
as slick as a babys butt. :) :D Prices here for 686's NIB run from
$499-539 depending on what dealer has 'em. :eek:

BTW, I gave $439.95 + tax for mine back in April of 2001.

Best Wishes,
 
Last edited:
The MSRP on new 626's is in the $700 range, and they are near impossible to wear out, so I would see no problem with a used one if it has not been tampered with or damaged. Put the difference into ammo.

I would get the 4" barrel, though, as it is handier and lighter with no practical difference in accuracy.

Jim
 
Thanks for all the responses. I'm going with the 6" barrel because that is what I've shot the most and I live in a state where I won't be allowed to carry this bad boy anywhere but in the trunk of my car to and from the range. I'm 6'5 with rather large paws, so handling the size of the gun(or one of similar size) has not been a problem. The area of NJ that I live in is very safe, but is slowly filling up with undesirables. I'm also fresh out of college and I'll be moving out soon, but probably not to a town as nice as the one I live in now. Houses in my town have been getting burglarized a lot lately and I'd just feel better with some steel in my drawer.
 
I wouldn't be adverse to buying any S&W wheel gun that I could personally inspect. Most quality guns have a longer service life than anyone will ever see, so it's pretty safe buying used guns.
 
Dogfighter,

I owned a 686 6 inch and it was incredibly accurate. I traded it and now have a 686 4 inch. The 4 inch is a little more versatile, but for target and range activity the 6 incher is hard to beat. If you go used the key is to be patient. Don't choose based only on price. A crappy gun at any price is a crappy deal. I would be looking in at least the 95% and preferably the 98% range. The book value of a 6 inch 95% gun would be $292.00 and 98% $402.00. If it has a white outline rear sight add an additional $14.00. Depending on your part of the country, prices may run a little higher. At least you have a good idea. And remember, good things and good deals come to those who wait.

Good luck,
 
In Kali 686s run mid 500s new. Used ones are in the low to mid 400s. If you buy a used Smith, make sure it's 89 and up so yer covered by the lifetime warranty (Smith never checks if you're the original owner). Plus you also avoid the Bangor Punta/Lear Ziegler period guns. A very low point in S&W quality.
 
Would you all recommend this over a .357 Taurus? I only ask because it's been mentioned to me a lot and I notice they are much cheaper. I've never fired one, but we're talking close to $200 difference in price here.
 
Last edited:
Had a Taurus in the late eighties and it was crap. Haven't had one since. I'm sure things have changed some, but I would go Smith unless the budget just won't allow for it.
 
As far as Ruger goes, I do like the GP100. The Blackhawk looks too much like I'm going to a showdown at the OK Corral. I've never shot a Ruger, but I haven't heard many complaints.

What I've been told about Taurus is that their customer service can be lacking sometimes, but unless i'm putting 500 rounds a week through the gun for 5 or 6 years, I won't notice much difference..

Now I can swing the $500 dollars for the 686, but if I can cut that down to 400 or so for a fairly equal gun, I'd like to. I don't want to buy the Taurus if it's going to be a constant hassle though. And I haven't given much thought to the Ruger GP100, but maybe I'll take a look.

Any other thoughts or suggestions are much appreciated :)
 
Just an update for everyone...

The 686's may be a little more than I want to spend for my first gun. I'm looking into the Taurus Tracker and the Ruger GP100. Hopefully I'll have my purchase permit secured sometime next week, so I'll use this anxious time in between to do my homework.
 
Oh I'm not saying there's no difference...I'm just wondering if, for the PRICE difference, I'm gonna really notice what I payed the extra $$ for(since it's my first gun).

Any thoughts on that?
 
Last edited:
With regards to justifying spending a bit more for the Ruger or skimping for the Taurus.

Resale value: The Ruger will fetch more when (perish forbid) you decide to sell it.

Consistent quality: While all makers have their share of lemons, Taurus seems to turn them out more than any of the other two wheelgun makers. Ruger is definitely more consistent.

And of course, for the chest thumping part: While both companies employ Americans, Ruger is 100% based over here.
 
Call me a snob, but I'm leary of buying preowned firearms.

Just like buying used cars that are like new but cheap, or used electronics. You take a chance. Why bother on someone else's headache?

Taurus is a great budget gun, and they have made their money by offering cheap copies of modern handguns, such as the 92FS and from what it looks like, a whole line of Smith revolvers.

I'd cast the vote for a new one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top