686-3

[csa77]

Im considering making an offer on a 686-3 a friend of mine owns. from what im told it has 400 or less rounds though it. with the hammer back it has no play in the cylinder. no movement front back or side to side. Im considering offering a Beretta 96fs that has under 250 rounds and 100$cash. would this be a fair offer? would I be over paying? or would I be low balling him?

from the picture what are your options?

 

[MachIVshooter]

would this be a fair offer? would I be over paying? or would I be low balling him?

It really depends on the condition of the guns and what they're worth to each of you.

I can tell you that I wouldn't trade my 92FS INOX "United We Stand" edition for that 686 without additional compensation coming my way. But then, I already have a worked 6" 686 no dash and a near perfect 586 4" pre-lock

 

[Oro]

That's a fair trade. Perhaps if anything favorable to you.

96fs are quite common; the 2.5" 686 with the (highly sought after) factory combat grips are not. I'd happily trade a 96fs and $100 for that Smith. One thing I'd caution you on: the 2.5" 686 is not quite fish nor fowl. Considered too small for field/duty use and too big for concealed carry. But that doesn't mean it can't do either. It's a fairly full-sized revolver and doesn't conceal carry well. I tried using one for a while instead of my 2.5" 19s, and the weight and bulk became tiresome vs. the lighter, more concealable 19's in the 2.5" length.

However, it's a great gun for field use, nightstand duty, occasional carry, etc. Even with two 19s, a 27, and a 28 around, I keep a 686 (albeit 4") around for wet weather and field use. Those caveats above aside, if I had a 96fs around, I'd offer it up and $100 for that particular 686. In a New York minute.

 

[daytodaze]

From what I see, a good condition, used 686 goes for about 500-600. I am always looking to pick up another smith.

 

[Walkalong]

Sounds fair to me, and a trade I would make in a heartbeat, assuming I was getting the 686 of course. I love my 686-3.