[Zeke Menuar]

What is the best way to price a gun to use in a trade?

I have a 4" M686-4. The finish is great. Stainless seems to be rather forgiving. I don't have the box and paperwork, I bought the gun used in 1997. Has the OEM Hogue rubber grips. I had the Wolff mainspring and 14lb rebound spring installed. Everyone can shoot it pretty good except me. Blankety-blank 1911's spoiled me but that is another thread.

I would like to establish a fair and reasonable value so I can use the gun in a trade for a gun more useful to me.

Thanks
ZM

[Clemson]

With the stock springs in it, it could be worth $300-400. Around $350 would be right. I would not pay that for one with altered springs.

The 686-4 is considered to be perhaps the most desirable model among all the 686-X's out there.

Clemson

[ruger357]

My dealer would probably give between $250 to $300 for it on a trade.

[P95Carry]

I'd agree on about $350 for private sale (trading) value .... and make sure if poss' to include the original springs with it.

As Ruger357 points out .. it will be substantially lower if traded thru a dealer ... he needs his mark! Mind you - sometimes dealers will offset that by discounting more heavily on what you purchase as a replacement.

[Ala Dan]

by Clemson:

"The 686-4 is considered to be perhaps the most desirable model among all the 686-X's out there"

Well, maybe in your opinion? My personal take is the fact
that I don't have a problem with the -5 models of the
686! :uhoh: :D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Zeke Menuar]

I never had the original springs in the first place. I bought the gun knowing someone else had screwdrivered it when I bought it. The shop gave me a small discount, a set of dies and a parts diagram so I could fix it. Some bonehead shortened the set screw applying tension to the mainspring and then cried because he got light primer hits.
Somewhere I have an original S&W mainspring and factory rebound spring. It wouldn't be a biggie to return it to OEM condition.
I am trying to wean myself off Mosins for awhile and get something different for a change.

Thank You
ZM

[MR.G]

$350.00 sounds about right to me for a private sale. Dealers around here probably wouldn't give more than $250.00 cash or on a trade. The springs would not bother me, or the altered strain screw. I always change the springs when I buy a new or used gun. I like the standard tension Wolf Power Rib mainspring, and the 11lb. rebound spring. I always keep the original springs, and change them back when the gun is sold, unless I know the new owner and they ask me to leave them in. A new strain screw is easy to find. I never shorten them, but have rounded the end on some so that they fit into the Wolf Power Rib better and do not cause the mainspring to be off center.