stumped beyond reason

I would keep the 686. Those early no lock, no-MIM L-frames will continue to go up in value. Besides, it's your first handgun. You have to keep it, unless you are like me and your first handgun was a Raven 25.
 
Both are great guns, but IMHO, the Ruger needs $200+ with it to trade. I like both guns and am not discounting based on preference.

No longer making a model adds 0 value to me.
 
You'd definitely come up short if this is an even trade. The early 686's are bringing some pretty serious money these days.
 
Yes I agree with most, I would not sell my first revolver. There are alot of Rugers out there, I would offer a cash offer if I was interested. If not keep saving up to get that Ruger, there great guns too.
 
I regret every handgun I ever sold or traded to have something new. I can think of several Remington Rand .45's, a Colt Govt model .45, a S&W Model 57 .41 mag with LOW serial number., an early Ruger .41 mag Blackhawk. So having said that, I learned my lesson in my old age, and now I buy, but don't sell or trade. I would just buy the Ruger.
 
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For a Rugger Vaquero 45 Colt color case hardend frame.

The Vaquero frames were never "case-hardened" but were case-hardened "colored"-and Ruger never claimed otherwise. But to your question, like some others, I'd opt to keep the Model 686, sans "trigger lock safety". You will always be able to readily pick up a Vaquero or "New Vaquero", but original Model 686's are going to get harder and harder to find.
Click to expand...
 
It wasn't all that many years ago that you could guy a new Pietta SA for less than $300.00. Now times have changed but I had a Ruger NMBH and a Tausus Gacho in .357. Sold the Ruger and still have the Gaucho. Also used to have a Single Six and a Heritage RR. The Ruger is long gone and still have the RR. To me Rugers are just too clunky, Built stout but not ergonomically friendly to me, you have to adjust to them rather than them feeling a natural part of you. But then that is just me.
 
Thank you guys for all the help. It confirms my gut feeling to never get rid of my first. I just have one more question if someone has the book could you give me the approximant birthday of my revolver? AAK4XXX
 
Probably 1981 or very early 1982. The best thing to do would be to post your question at http://smith-wessonforum.com. There's no internet database for S&W serial numbers. Someone over there who owns a copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson will be able to give you exact info.

Edit: Actually, it looks like you can get what you need by posting in this sticky at the top of the page: http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=277680

Edit #2: Which it appears you already did. :o
 
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