I'll be getting my first full size revolver soon

[spyderdude]

I've always wanted a full size revolver in 357 Magnum. I knew I wanted one with a 4" barrel and the two that caught my eyes were the Ruger GP100 and the S&W 686. I ended up putting a lightly used S&W 686 with 4" barrel and to my pleasant surprise a 7 shot cylinder on layaway at my favorite gun store. I know the 686 comes in several configurations and the one I'm getting has a green fiber optic front sight. Does that come from the factory? I hope I did good for $749!

 

[mes227]

I have the 686 7-shot. Great gun, you'll love. Your price is NIB?

 

[TwoNiner]

Congrats. IMO the 686 and the ruger gp 101 shoot about the same (with 38 specials, which is what most people shoot out of their bores). Personally I am partial to Ruger, you are going to pay a little extra for the S&W name.

 

[Hondo 60]

Your choice of a 686 is a good one.
Price is average, if it's brand new.

If buying brand new, today, I'd get a Ruger.
They're built like tanks & will last many lifetimes.
But that's just me, I still like your choice.

If you're looking used (20-40 years old or so), I'd go with a
S&W 65 (stainless with fixed sights)
S&W 66 (stainless with adjustable sights)
S&W 13 (blued with fixed sights)

Or something along those lines.

Good luck & please post pics (gun porn) when you get it!

PS: Be aware, revolvers are habit forming.
Like potato chips, I'll bet you can't get just one.

 

[Dr_B]

I would LOVE to have a Smith 686 4inch or a Ruger GP100. I have a Ruger SP101 and it's awesome. Right now, I'm in the middle of some semi-automatic adventures so the the larger revolver will have to wait.

 

[md7]

spyder,

Rarely has a 4" .357 been a bad choice to have made. I hope that you enjoy that 686 as much as I enjoy my GP 100.

 

[robctwo]

I found a lightly used 620, 1/2 lug instead of full lug, a few months ago. 7 shot. Very nice gun. I shoot mostly .38 Specials, but it will handle the full bore .357 longer than my hand will. You will be happy with your choice. Price is a variable depending on your location. You will spend way more on ammo if you are a shooter than on the gun itself.

Revolvers are habit forming. Soon you will need a 4" 617 .22 to get more trigger time for less $ and have the same feel as your 686. I love my 617.

 

[InkEd]

That is not a good price. Look around online.

 

[19-3Ben]

If you really like the gun and feel that you got a fair deal that's all that matters.

BUT, should you decide you'd rather have the gun new, this is a pretty good price for the same gun brand new. Price includes shipping, and add whatever your local FFL would charge for the transfer.
Mine charges $20, so buying from Buds, you'd come out $35 cheaper and get a brand new gun.
Now of course if the used one you've found is a pre-lock model or pre-MIM model, that might bump up the value a bit.

Either way, you'll be very happy with the gun. Congrats!
____
I'll edit to add that I love that Bud's advertises the gun as 7+1 capacity.
Good thought to put an extra round in the chamber. I've never thought of doing that on my revolvers. I've only been putting them in that round wheelie thing.

 

[youngda9]

You can do a LOT better on price through gunbroker. I got a 4" dash4(No MIM parts, no lock) 7-shot 686...cost $650 including shipping and FFL fee...and I feel that I overpaid a bit, but that's exactly the one I wanted and I didn't have patience. Very lightly used, looked like new.

If you don't care about what dash number you get, you can find a lightly used one for under $600 easy.

You're looking at $794 once you include 6% sales tax...OUCH.

 

[spyderdude]

I probably could've got a better price but the gun shop I buy from is willing to work with me and I support them. Good service can go a long way even if it means paying a bit more. I generally don't buy online because I like to see the gun I'm getting in person before I purchase it, that's just me though. This is a lightly used 686, not brand new. I'll post pictures when I bring it home.

 

[BossHogg]

Congrats on what ought to be a super nice gun. Sometimes you just have to pay the price to get what you want. It's always best to be able to handle the gun first.

I just bought my first gun off of gunbroker and got a good deal, but I was willing to pay a hundred more locally but just couldn't find one. I like you like to see the gun and check it over . You never over pay if you think the gun is worth what you pay. Be happy and shoot that thang.