Used S&W 686, buyers remorse?

T

Too Many Toys

Inactive
Just purchased a used S&W 4" 686-5. Its a pretty decent gun, I'd say a 7 1/2 on a 10 scale. Bought it as a companion to my S&W 617 which I love.

The problem is I'm having buyers remorse before even shooting it (picked up last night during our 1st winter storm). It just doesn't have that new gun smell. :)

My question is, should I return this 686 & buy a brand new 686-6 for approx. $200.00 more? Any advantage to the -5 other then its pre-lock? (I don't know what that advantage is, but read about 'pre-lock' here).

Confused in Iowa
 
I'd say shoot it!
If you are pleased with the way it shoots (and you probably will be) then keep it!
If not, clean it thoroughly and return it, if that is an option.
 
Any advantage to the -5 other then its pre-lock? (I don't know what that advantage is, but read about 'pre-lock' here).
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Functionally, The Lock's no biggie, but some (many here, it seems) really hate it. I agree that if something's not needed, why have it on there? It's a matter of KISS. Generally, though, the newer IL guns still shoot great, so that's why it's no biggie to me.

As far as your gun, the 686-5 is the 686 I specifically keep my eyes open for. Why? As a transitional gun, as it's the only pre-lock variant that comes with the newer frame-mounted firing pin, a pinned front sight, and new style cylinder release, all of which I prefer in guns I'll shoot a lot. And I do shoot my 686 a lot (and my 617 :cool:).

If your -5 is in good shape and shoots well, I'd say hang onto it.
 
There is one big danger. :eek:

That is you'll discover what a great bargan used guns are and you won't ever want to spend money on a "new gun smell" again. That means you'll be out there beating ME to all those good used guns. I haven't bought a new gun in ages.

Go shoot the gun you got.
 
$200 more for a new one with a lock would be a $300 waste to me! The older prelocks are nicer and command more $ on the used market. If you were to trade for the new one, as soon as you took it out of the shop if would be worth less than a prelock.
 
It's still new to you. I'd take a clean used non lock S&W over a new version with the lock any day.

You've already got it so go shoot it and see how you like it. It's used either way.
 
I'd take an older, used S&W over a new one...
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Same here. I wouldn't have a gun with a lock built into it, still less consider carrying one, and also I don't do business with a company that signed a back door registration agreement with the Snopes Clinton-Liar Gore regime. My daily carry gun is a pre-agreement Smith & Wesson that I bought used. It's never let me down, and I'm sure it never will.
 
Used is about the only way I buy, It is still new to you! I would take a good used pre lock any day over a new lock gun. As long as the gun check's out then I think it is better, its already broke in and functions smoother than a new gun and you got it at a better price. Where can you go wrong? I just bought a 629MG pre lock and it was an impluse buy but man am I glad I did, who wants to pay new car prices anyway? Take it out and shoot it and its used whether you bought it new or not, no go out and enjoy your new gun. Where are the pics?
 
It just doesn't have that new gun smell.

Give the Smith a good cleaning with some Hoppes, you might even wrap it in an oily rag. It won't return the LIKE NEW, but you'll feel better...
 
I have heard of a lot of reasons for folks not liking guns, but the "smell test" is a new one on me!

Jim
 
Shoot it, you'll love it... the 686 is a solid platform and a great shooter. my personal favorite next to my 66
 
I think you should quit doubting yourself and understand that you did do the right thing. S&W are good solid guns and a used one for a 200 dollar discount is a good thing. Now go buy 200 dollars worth of ammo and go have fun :)
 
If it shoots great, why pay $200 MORE for new one?

I have many smiths and they are almost all older ones.

Yes they shoot great to and I sure don't care if they are not 'new'. They are sure new to me;-)

So before any buyers remorse, shoot it!

Deaf
 
its not healthy for you to be sad about a purchase. Let me make you feel better. I will remove the offensive hand gun from your sight. Ship it to me and I will even give you $300 for your troubles.
 
I just bought a 686-3 today...no remorse for me. I like the older style better with hammer mounted pin and non pinned sight...but thats just me. Enjoy your gun..as the song goes....don't worry.... be happy.:D
 
Too Many Toys said:
Its a pretty decent gun, I'd say a 7 1/2 on a 10 scale.
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If it's really a 75% condition gun I'd say you would be well off spending the $200 more on a new gun. 75% is really rough and should get you a better discount than that.
 
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