Deal on a S&W?

[Wasz]

Ok I might be in over my head here so I'm turning to the all knowing THR gods for help. My father found someone looking to sell a S&W 6" 6 shot .357.

I didnt get to see the gun so I have to go off of what I was told by my dad. He said it was bought by its current owner used. Took it to the range once and liked it, but doesnt really have a need for it now and wants to get rid of the gun.

The gun is clean and appears in good condition. It has walnut grips and is possibly nickle or chrome finish? It doesnt have a hammer lock (I dont know if it even could but I asked anyway). He wants to sell it for $300 with a leather holster, a nylon holster and 2 trigger locks.

So this should be a 686 right? With the little I do know, this seems like a pretty good buy for $300? Any info or opinions would be much appreciated.

My younger brother turns 21 on the 21st and unless there is a reason not to buy this gun, it will probably be his youre old enough to own handguns 21st birthday gift.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ala Dan]

Slow Down Just A Minute~!

Could possibly be a S&W 686; but not necessarily~! It could also be a
model 66 .357 magnum. If the previous owner bought it used, and
depending on whether or not he had the box, docs, and tools that
S&W supplied; the price could be affected. $300 is 'bout the norm
for a good (used but not abused) S&W model 66, or 686.

 

[JimPGov]

DEAL

I CAN'T THINK OF A 6 SHOT S&W .357 THAT WOULD NOT BE WORTH 300. IF IT'S IN DECENT CONDITION I WOULD BUY. JP

 

[Sistema1927]

Could be a 686, but could also be a 66, or a nickle 19 or 27, or...., or....., or....

If the revolver checks out (look at the sticky at the top of this forum), it should be worth $300 easy.

 

[Bear41mag]

I agree, if its in acceptable condition, S&W Prelock .357 $300 in a heartbeat.

 

[Wasz]

Thanks a lot for the info. Sorry my first post kinda sounded like I was wetting myself over this gun. Not so much, but I really didnt want to post just the question and what I knew about the gun. I thought it would be more interesting if I posted the surrounding information.

After reading the revolver test thread, I have learned a great deal. Thanks for the heads up on that, I cant believe Ive over looked that until now what a dope I am.

Im also in need of a little more info. Since the intended purpose of this gun will be mostly range time, it should be firing mostly .38 specials and fewer .357s. If this gun is going to be shot regularly is there a model I should avoid? Is there somewhere I can start reading up on smiths rather than asking annoying questions?

Thanks for helping out a rookie I really do appreciate it. If I were to post questions like this on most other forums I would be flamed to death, its really cool to be treated so politely.

 

[DragonFire]

There's probably no S&W revolver that you wouldn't want to own. You shouldn't have any problems shooting any of them (as long as they haven't been abused and are still safe).

If you're shooting mostly .38's then you'll probably never wear the gun out. The gun is either a K, L or N frame and there was a small issue with K frames standing up to the strain of a steady diet of hot .357 loads, which is why the L frames were introduced. (FYI: J-frames are the smallest frame size, then K, L, then N which were the large framed models until the X frame came out recently for the 500 and 460 models).

If it's a 686, L-frame, then it's still not a problem, if it's a 66 or other K frame, then it might be a problem if you were planning to put lots and lots of hot rounds through it. But even then, it will give you more than your $300 worth before it came close to wearing it out.

There's alot of great information in the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson". I believe a new edition just came out. It has details on all the different models, when they were made, configuration of each, and a range of value estimates. If you're into S&W revolvers, and plan to get more, it's a great book to have.

 

[Wasz]

Ok just gave my dad a call to try and find out some more. He said it had 686 stamped on it inside the frame. At least I know that much for sure now. I am for sure going to get my hands on a copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.

 

[hexidismal]

Well, I just payed $475 +tax for a used and ever so slightly abused 686-5. Now I may have payed a little too much, but $300 for for a 686 is bordering on what I would call a ridiculously good price.

 

[Deanimator]

Ok just gave my dad a call to try and find out some more. He said it had 686 stamped on it inside the frame. At least I know that much for sure now. I am for sure going to get my hands on a copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.

That price for a 686 in good condition, without the lock AND with multiple accessories (ditch the trigger locks), is a VERY good deal.

PS - Trigger locks are dangerous. If you're afraid of somebody misusing the gun, buy a gun safe, even if it's a single gun, nightstand model.

 

[Wasz]

Yeah I honostly dont intend that they will be used, just thought Id mention it along with the holsters as part of the "package".

 

[XavierBreath]

A decent 686 for $300 is a good deal. The 686 is a very popular revolver, able to handle .357 magnum without a problem.

The Model 686 is a "L" frame, which is basically a compromise between the K and N frame. It's a full lug gun, with adjustable sights, in stainless. Walnut grips would make it a 686-3 or earlier. It will have no MIM and no lock. I'm not a huge 686 like many folks are, but I dare say you will not lose money on this deal.

 

[gezzer]

Good buy jump on it!!!!!!!!

 

[tbtrout]

Buy it, I just picked one up for $ 275 in August and have not stopped drooling.I get excited every time I handle it Super gun

 

[Starter52]

If that gun appeared in any shop around here it would be gone in one day. $300 is a steal.

 

[huntershooter]

Open the cylinder and look for the model number on frame.

 

[Brian Williams]

deal

 

[Wasz]

Buying it today. Going to the local gun shop and taking care of the paperwork this evening. Taking my brother to the range tomorrow afternoon to play with his new toy He hasnt seen it yet, but once he does I know he'll be psyched. AND he already said he wants to get his permit on general principle alone. The ranks grow stronger...