Got a chance to buy a Nice 4" 686, but I couldn't find any info on a black stainless steel version, anyone know about them. Pre-lock version with smaller wood grips.
Smith 686 Black Stainless?
- Thread starter kudu
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Master Blaster
Member
If its blackened factory stainless, these go for a high premium to a collector as they are fairly rare.
Radagast
Member
S&W made a short run of black stainless steel guns in 1988. The 4 inch gun was Product Code 104250, with 1559 manufactured. The six inch gun was Product Code 104248. These should be a 686-3 variant.
There were 1559 of the 4" blackened stainless 686-3's made IIRC.
I have one and have found the finish to be more durable than I've read on the internet. I've $550 in mine and am well satisfied with it. It shoots very well and looks like a dull finish 586.
Good luck with your decision!
I have one and have found the finish to be more durable than I've read on the internet. I've $550 in mine and am well satisfied with it. It shoots very well and looks like a dull finish 586.
Good luck with your decision!
OP
OP
I'm picking the gun up tomorrow, it's in excellent shape, and I've had an itch for another revolver.
au_prospector
Member
Okay question time...
Why? I mean why would they offer this? When the model 586 is the same thing with a black finish? Isnt that the difference between the 586 and the 686, the steel blue vs the shiny stainless steel?
It is an honest question, help me out by explaining it. I am not a doubter, just dont understand it. There must be a good reason, help me out.
Im a 586 no dash owner.
~GP
Why? I mean why would they offer this? When the model 586 is the same thing with a black finish? Isnt that the difference between the 586 and the 686, the steel blue vs the shiny stainless steel?
It is an honest question, help me out by explaining it. I am not a doubter, just dont understand it. There must be a good reason, help me out.
Im a 586 no dash owner.
~GP
Fishslayer
Member
Black finish, stainless steel. Corrosion resistant without the shine.
Radagast
Member
I can think of a few reasons:
Some S&W collectors have to buy one of everything, so there is a market for small runs of weird finishes/calibers.
It may have been an experiment to see if blued stainless would take off in the market place and replace carbon steel.
Someone in marketing or engineering thought it was a cool idea and talked management into manufacturing a run.
Some S&W collectors have to buy one of everything, so there is a market for small runs of weird finishes/calibers.
It may have been an experiment to see if blued stainless would take off in the market place and replace carbon steel.
Someone in marketing or engineering thought it was a cool idea and talked management into manufacturing a run.
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
From a manufacturing standpoint, having to work with only one type of steel and 2 finishes, bright and blue.
Radagast
Member
wrs840:
I've no data on that. I'd be inclined to ask about values at www.smith-wessonforum.com They are probably collectable to the hardcore S&W nuts with money to spend getting one of everything. But are there 1559 of those to match the 1559 guns out there?
I don't see them ever attaining the level of interest and price of guns such as the Registered Magnum or early Colts. They don't have the mystique of the frontier, a presence in mass media or a special reputation based on hand fitting, they are just another variation of a gun that has come in many variations.
TL,DR: I personally wouldn't knock one back as a shooter, but I wouldn't pay much of a premium for one. Others may disagree.
I've no data on that. I'd be inclined to ask about values at www.smith-wessonforum.com They are probably collectable to the hardcore S&W nuts with money to spend getting one of everything. But are there 1559 of those to match the 1559 guns out there?
I don't see them ever attaining the level of interest and price of guns such as the Registered Magnum or early Colts. They don't have the mystique of the frontier, a presence in mass media or a special reputation based on hand fitting, they are just another variation of a gun that has come in many variations.
TL,DR: I personally wouldn't knock one back as a shooter, but I wouldn't pay much of a premium for one. Others may disagree.
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