Smith and Wesson 586-3 good buy???

In December of 1992, I bought that revolver from a sporting goods store for $320. For another $30, I got a Hogue rubber monogrip, a pair of HKS speedloaders, and a box of .38+P Federal Hydroshoks for defensive use in jy apartment. That gun was retired from defense duty for autos down the road, but it resides in my safe for range trips and love of the piece. Enjoy yours as much as I do.
 
Here is my 586 no dash that I paid 400.00 for in 1984 NIB

DSCF1535.jpg
 
At 92% it might be worth it...maybe...just maybe. At 90%....Not a penny over $337.50.
Click to expand...

I sure would love to know where a 586 can be found in even deplorable condition for $337.50. In my locale, at that price I'd expect it to have only 70% of the finish, pitting, some surface rust and timing and play issues in the cylinder.

I haven't seen a 90% S&W 586 for under $500 since I started paying attention to them in 2006. So judging by my local market, the OP got an unbelievably good deal at $340, assuming the gun is mechanically sound.
 
I sure would love to know where a 586 can be found in even deplorable condition for $337.50. In my locale, at that price I'd expect it to have only 70% of the finish, pitting, some surface rust and timing and play issues in the cylinder.
Click to expand...

While I agree with you, I'm "90%" sure that poster warningshot was kidding. I think he was making a tongue in cheek reference to how some people will either use either a price guide as a bible OR who come up with their own value system, based on personal values or opinions, totally devoid of the real world market for such a gun. The REAL WORLD MARKET establishes values, not some price guide book and not ignorance.

Offering a realistic value for a gun can be hard. I usually mention the internet value, because it ties all of us together. Often I think people misquote prices on forums such as this one, and I think warningshot was making a joke of those people, although perhaps I am wrong. The clues were he said "92%" instead of 95%, when usually condition is rated in multiples of 5% and because he quoted a value of $337.50, when any price guide or realistic appraisal offers a whole number dollar, often the nearest $10. He also said "maybe...just maybe" showing he is unsure of himself, which many people are who guess values for others online.
 
Last edited:
Totally agree with your post, Winchester_73, and also specifically that the referenced post must have been entirely tongue-in-cheek.

I think it makes sense to note (as it seems to get LOST all the time) in that "price" or "value" can be looked at in a slew of ways.

People ask "what's it worth?" on a thread, and you almost need to scroll down the following list and choose before you can go forth with a number.
  • the price you would pay another 'regular guy' at a gun show, no tax, no forms, no shipping
  • the price after you add tax or shipping or the assistance of an FFL if required
  • the price you would expect or hope a gun store to offer you for it, understanding fully that the store is a "FOR PROFIT" business and does not exist simply to make your selling dreams come true (so many get downright offended that a dealer can't pay what you "believe" your gun is worth... if he DID, regularly, the joint would be boarded up in two months)
  • the price the same gun store would place on it when THEY have it and offer it for sale to their customers
  • the actual price they would allow themselves to come down to when a guy comes in to the shop and haggles on it, as our hobby/industry has made a common practice
  • the price a sporting goods retailer would sell at, that is non-negotiable and set by Corporate
  • the price one hobbyist gun guy might offer it to a buddy at, if the friend wanted to own it
  • the price that some folks would snag it at on the used market SPECIFICALLY in hopes of flipping it elsewhere for more money
  • a price you might submit for insurance coverage or a claim, which can be based on new MSRP, replacement of a devaluing asset or in less than NIB condition, etc etc
  • ____ feel free to insert more real-world scenarios, as they *do* exist

Pick just one handgun from your safe and play this game with it, you could easily come up with a -LOT- of numbers, some close, some not so close.
 
Winchester,

I went back and read warningshot's post and I see your point. Though I do chuckle when I see posts from people insisting that S&W Model 27s aren't worth more than $350 because that's what they paid for them in the mid '90s :p .
 
I was at a very large outdoor "event" today that spans four days every Labor Day weekend here near where I live. In the entire show, I saw -two- 586's, both were 6-inch guns. Both were priced decently (I thought) at $595.

There may have been other 586's, but I didn't see them.

I saw a grand total of ZERO 581s or 681s. Which I find to be about right. I rarely see them.

686's? Of all barrel lengths and engineering changes, I must have seen dozens.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top