S&w 686p

[floydster]

What do you guys think of the new 686's rather then the older one's?
Am thinking of getting a new 686P 6" barrel.

Surfing the net on used Smith prices, they aren't much cheaper then a new one, and sometimes higher in price. The local gun shops around here are a joke on thier prices.

Thoughts?? Thanks for any input.

 

[420Stainless]

I bought an older 3" model that I like quite a bit. Looking at the pics on the website, it doesn't look like they've changed any. I'm sure they now include the lock, so it depends on your feeling there. I don't mind the lock, and would have bought the one I have under the same conditions if it was a newer model. The three inch is well balanced for me. Not sure what the feel of the six inch is like, but I know it will be very easy to manage and control with heavy loads. You're right though, there generally isn't much of a discount for used 686's. 66's are even worse with the demand keeping prices at like new levels.

 

[Japle]

I like the new 686s. The action is usually good out of the box and can be made terrific with the right springs and a good action job.

They're so much more durable than the old K-frame gun, there's no comparison. They'll handle magnum loads for as long as the average shooter will live.

 

[psyshack]

I have a current production 4" 686P. I have stoned it out and dressed it up. And it has seen a full house course of full house way over book loads. And held together great! Yeah it has mim guts. A lock hole and was not finished out as grand as the older Smith's. But it has never said I can't. And has a full Smith current warranty.

 

[Hondo 60]

I wouldn't have one of the new 686s.
That infernal lock has locked up at the wrong time.

I'd MUCH prefer a pre-lock 686.

 

[earlthegoat2]

There is a reason the older ones can have higher price tags and IMO they are worth the higher price. I would not be surprised to see this trend continue and to see a pre lock 686 right next to one of its newer brothers on a shelf at a gun store for significantly more.

That said, I would not buy an older Smith for more than a new one because I know less expensive used guns exist out there.

To me a pre-lock Smith has a lot less to do with the lock and a lot more to do with what also happened at about the same time the lock came into play. It was at that time that Smith cheapened its overall product and the prices went up for a cheaper product. Finishes became merely coatings and the metal looks and feels like pot metal. Grips are less than stellar.

Depending on how old you go a lot of pre locks will also have the same lifetime warranty. True, the new product is well enough but why when you can very easily acquire a much nicer item at a lower price.

 

[just for fun]

Got a 586 no dash that I bought new in 85. It's a 4 inch and finish is about 90%.It's a shooter and not a S&W forum looker. I would guess the round count to be in the 4K range.It never fails to put a smile on my face when I take it to the range.
Christmas of 2010 my son bought me a 686+. Yes, complete with the lock. Enjoy shooting both, and the lock is not a problem. I personlly think it's just one of those thing that gives some something to run their mouths about and try to sound like an expert! I'm begining to shoot the 686 more as it seems to me I shoot it better. Not sure as to the why. round grip VS square, larger cylinder hence more weight. It just "feels better" in my hand. So does that put the 586 in the For Sale listing? NEVER!!

 

[buck460XVR]

Depending on how old you go a lot of pre locks will also have the same lifetime warranty.

Altho S&W has been good up till now about repairing second hand revolvers under warranty, their written warranty states the Lifetime Warranty only applies to the original owner. Just like Ruger's no written warranty policy, they could at any time get tough and only repair those firearms for a charge. Again Ruger and S&W have been more than fair up to this point about extending warranties to guns that their written warranty does not apply. At what point stockholders will say enough is enough........ no body knows. BTW.....the lifetime S&W refers to, is that of the original owner, not the life of the handgun.

This from my owner's manual.........

Smith & Wesson’s Lifetime Service Policy begins after the warranty
period has expired. Smith & Wesson will repair, without
charge, for the lifetime of the original owner, any Smith & Wesson
handgun purchased on or after February 1, 1989,

That said I have several 686s, some pre-lock/MIM and some post-lock/MIM. After several thousand rounds thru each, triggers are all great and finish is similar, not day vs. night as some want folks to believe. Funny, my newest(5'' 686p-6) is the most accurate.