Model 686 purchase... Did I do OK?

[BoneDigger]

I'm not as familiar with revolvers as I am with autos, so I'm not sure if this was a good deal or not. I checked gunbroker, but there are so many models, with dashes, etc. that I'm totally confused...

Anyway, I went to Gander Mountain today just to look around. I never find a good deal on their used guns, but thought I would look anyway. I checked the case and found this:

Smith and Wesson 686
.357, 6 shot
Stainless steel
2" or 3" barrel (haven't measured it yet)
custom three finger wood grips.
I called S&W and found out that it is a 1988 model, no dash.

Sale price, $250.

The gun is in good shape, with only a few small scratches in the stainless. Did I do OK? Are these generally considered good guns?

Todd

 

[Derek Zeanah]

Yup.

 

[hexidismal]

Heck yea, I would have bought that on the spot ! Consider me jealous, I've paid a lot more for my used 686s. Quite frankly I'm surprised to hear of a good deal in a Gander mtn. I do mainly buy new guns there, but their used prices tend to run high.

 

[glockman19]

Great Deal!!!

 

[offthepaper]

I'll give you $260 for it.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Assuming that it is mechanically sound...hell yeah!

 

[BoneDigger]

Thanks...

Thanks guys, that makes me feel good about the purchase. I bought this as a backup for when I am pig hunting here in Texas (with archery), and I think it'll do fine for that.

I checked the timing and cylinder gap and it looked good. I didn't see any excess play in the cylinder, so I figured it would be OK. The gunsmith at the GM checked it out, but then I'm not sure if that actually means anything. I do have a 30 day warranty through GM, so I need to get out and shoot it ASAP.

One thing I did notice was a lot of residue buildup at the end of the cylinders, presumably from shooting a lot of .38 ammo. Is there a good way to remove that buildup?

Todd

 

[yongxingfreesty]

sweet deal! post some pics, i wish i could get those deals here in texas

 

[BoneDigger]

Here's a picture.

Upon closer inspection, it is a 686-2. I took a picture, but I'm no photographer so forgive the poor quality...

Todd

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

I would have bought it for that price (providing the timing was good and the cylinder gap/forcing cone were ok)....does that answer your question

 

[sorensen440]

yeah I would have picked that up without a second thought
wanna sell it

 

[BoneDigger]

Yep

CrownRoyal,
A while back I purchased a Model 605 Taurus, which is similar to a J-frame S&W. I only kept it for a short time, because I did not like the recoil. But, before I bought it, I read up on how to tell if a revolver is in descent shape, before buying. So, I knew enough to check the gap and the action of the cylinder, but aside from that, I'm not overly knowledgeable about revolvers. I have owned a couple, but haven't spent much time researching them to see which models and brands are best.

The 605 I owned was a .357 but I only put maybe 100 rounds through it before selling it. It was a good gun, just not my cup of tea. So, I never shot it enough to deal with the issue of cleaning residue from shooting the .38out of it.

Is there a good method for removing the residue?

Todd

 

[usa1993]

Oh yeah.......now we need pics!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Considering a new 2.5" 6 shot Model 686 lists for $766 you got a great deal, especially since it's a pre-MIM, pre-lock model. (As long as evenything is working correctly like said above)

 

[hexidismal]

BTW, in addition to my envy stated in post #3 .. you know it's hard to tell in the pic, but if those grips are in particularly good condition they would probably set you back $60-80 alone.

 

[jt1]

I'll give you $260 for it.

I'll go $261.00

 

[sorensen440]

Quote:
I'll give you $260 for it.

I'll go $261.00

I bid 261.001

 

[GunNut]

Dang, that is a hell of a deal.

Good for you.

Steve

 

[swampgator]

You done good!

Sweet looking little shooter, but I must confess I've always thought the m-19 or m-66 snubbies were a little sexier!

Also I'd give you $275!

 

[tbtrout]

Great deal, congratulations.

 

[hexidismal]

I'm not as familiar with revolvers as I am with autos

Now that you've got one .. betcha can't buy just one ! Careful, wheelguns are addictive.

Also, now you can join us over on the 686 Club Thread. That'd be a good place to get any questions you might have answered.
http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=257401

 

[AStone]

Bid

$276.

 

[perpster]

Higher Bid

$276.357

 

[AStone]

$276.357

LOL

 

[Waywatcher]

One thing I did notice was a lot of residue buildup at the end of the cylinders, presumably from shooting a lot of .38 ammo. Is there a good way to remove that buildup?

A tornado style brush in .38 caliber. Make sure its a true .38 caliber brush though, and not .357/9mm/.38special size.

Works like a charm.