Trade 686 for 1911?

J

JumboJVT

Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2019
Messages
301
4" 686-3 I bought new in '93 or so; pre-lock obviously, for a current production Springfield Garrison .45, NIB. Since buying the 686 I've acquired my grandfathers 4" DW Model 14 and a couple years ago bought a 2.5" 66, so would still have 38/357's in the safe.

Probably more importantly, I picked up a Ruger Bisley Flattop .44spl 4-5 years ago and really enjoy shooting those big, slow (even Skeeter) loads much more than 357 fodder, and enjoy reloading the big rounds more as well. Always kinda wanted to try a 1911 and think the similar ballistics might be more fun.

I'm to the point in my life that one has got to go before a new one moves in. I just don't use the 686 for anything anymore, but I find I'm kinda attached to it. Am I nuts to make this trade?

Thanks for the therapy session.
 
If it were me, not a chance I would trade that S&W but if you were to trade it just know that monetarily you could sell that revolver rather than trade it and have a couple hundred extra dollars for whatever. In a nut shell and depending on condition that is not a fair trade, the S&W is worth a bit more than the Garrison.
 
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I would make that trade, but: (a) I'm not much of a revolver guy; and (b) I know next to nothing about S&W revolvers. So take my advice for being worth what you paid for it.
 
I would keep that 686. It's a gold mine value in your safe and a great piece to own. As much as I like both my Springfields I know there are some solid performing, quality 1911's out there for a reasonable price. Just my .02.
 
Don't do it. Your better senses are trying to tell you.

Pre lock, pre mim sw revolvers just keep going up. Doesn't seem like they've even hit the end point yet.

The garrison is a new production model. Springfield does go through models these days like a regular Leo Decaprio, but just save your pennies for a couple years and you'll have it.

"Point of life " yadda yadda yadda, don't make that trade. If you have another current production gun to trade, okay, maybe. Just put up fifty a month for a bit and buy it when you can. It'll still be there, and 1911s are so svelte and skinny you'll find room for just one more. And then it won't be soured by costing you your vintage smith.
 
JumboJVT

Not a huge .357 user but I'm not going to trade my vintage Model 686 for a NIB Springfield Armory Garrison 1911. Have to agree with Member Targa:

If it were me, not a chance I would trade that S&W but if you were to trade it just know that monetarily you could sell that revolver rather than trade it and have a couple hundred extra dollars for whatever. In a nut shell and depending on condition that is not a fair trade, the S&W is worth a bit more than the Garrison.
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If you no longer want your Model 686 you should sell it on consignment to maximize your profit. Nothing against the Springfield Armory Garrison but a straight trade for one; you'll be losing money on the deal.
 
Jumbo, you didn't mention how this trade is to come
about, private or through a gun store. You have the
itch for the .45. Others have mentioned the Smith is worth
more than the Garrison.

But what about other model .45s? Colt, Springfield, Dan
Wesson etc., in other words more equitable trade.

If you are sure the .45 will be more fun and also useful to
you, then maybe not worry about the few hundred extra dollars
that the 686 might be worth if you try to sell it by itself.
 
I’m still kicking myself for trading my 686 too many years ago to remember. Really wish I wasn’t young and dumb enough to do such a silly thing.

If it’s a monetary issue, then trade if you must, but if you have the spare cash to buy the 1911, do that so you won’t regret it like me…..
 
Private trade. Friend just bought the Springfield on an impulse, hasn't shot it and now has decided he doesn't really want if. Knew I was thinking about one and called. He'd take the 686 even. Heck, I'll probably get it back when he decides he doesn't want IT, LOL. Where are you guys seeing these high values on a -3 686? Around here, we can normally pick one up for $800-850 or so, about the same as a stainless Springfield new. It's not about the money, but as a rule in my life, I try not to acquire or retain things that I don't have an honest use for. Yes, it's hard with guns (as you all know, being honest with yourself about guns is nigh on impossible) but it's what I try to do with everything. Please don't kick me out of the club.
 
I've got a 4" - 686SSR and I own an older Kimber I know my way around a 1911. I've not been impressed by the Springfield 1911's I've handled recently. I wouldn't make THAT trade from a financial standpoint. I have sold at a loss or traded not in my favor for "other" reasons such as doing a friend or family member a favor. Don't get me wrong a well behaved 1911 is an absolute joy to play with! ... but the 686 is a much better gun that THAT Springfield.
 
JumboJVT said:
Where are you guys seeing these high values on a -3 686? Around here, we can normally pick one up for $800-850 or so, about the same as a stainless Springfield new.
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Yeah, I'm kind of interested too.

I'm the original owner of a 1982 vintage 6" 686, with low mileage, original box and receipt (admittedly, the Gancalo Alves stocks got lost in a move years ago) and I probably should sell it since I don't think I've shot it in past 20 years (caveat - I'm not searching for buyers on the forum).

So are you guys suggesting with a consignment price above $850 this gun would move? I realize my gun is early production, with no lock, and has the firing pin on the hammer, features that aren't available anymore, but it seem like folks aren't interested in revolvers these days, which seems as if that depresses revolver prices.
 
JumboJVT said:
It's not about the money, but as a rule in my life, I try not to acquire or retain things that I don't have an honest use for. Yes, it's hard with guns (as you all know, being honest with yourself about guns is nigh on impossible) but it's what I try to do with everything. Please don't kick me out of the club.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you have your answer. Enjoy the Garrison, if I were in the market for a 1911 that is the one I would be looking at.
 
.455_Hunter said:
I am not sure what planet you are living on. The actual transaction prices on quality used revolvers have been escalating significantly over the past 10 years.
Click to expand...
I'm on the planet where CZ75B's have always been $600 guns, while everybody else on gun forums seems to have been buying them for $450, so it's certainly possible I haven't been operating in the correct circles. I've also never shopped it around, so this thread has piqued my interest.
 
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Lennyjoe said:
I’m still kicking myself for trading my 686 too many years ago to remember.
Click to expand...

Same here. I traded my 4" 686 for a Kahr P45, which at the time was a pretty fair trade (to me, anyway.) The Kahr turned out to not be all it was cracked up to be (as big a fan as I am of the Kahr 9mm's, I cannot say the same about the .45's...) and I wound up trading it soon after... (oddly enough, for another Kahr 9mm.)

I'm not a big revolver guy... I didn't shoot my 686 a lot after the 'newness' wore off, but it was still a very solid pistol, and I regret trading it off.

JTQ said:
So are you guys suggesting with a consignment price above $850 this gun would move? I realize my gun is early production, with no lock
Click to expand...

That right there is it's biggest draw. As long as it doesn't look like it's been drug behind a truck, that's about right.
 
JumboJVT said:
I'm to the point in my life that one has got to go before a new one moves in. I just don't use the 686 for anything anymore, but I find I'm kinda attached to it. Am I nuts to make this trade?
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.357 covered - check
686 has become a safe queen - check

Logic says get as much cash or trade for the 686 as possible and get a real nice 1911 that doesn't require gunsmithing to feel as good as the 686 on the range.

BUT IT'S A 1993 686! :eek:

Ok, I got that outa my system.

Guess all we can say is if you have to keep the same number of guns in the flock and you want a good 1911 you gotta swap something out and the gun you don't shoot and that isn't family is the one to chop.
 
I don't have much love for revolvers and no use for single action revolvers; that said, I'd probably not make that trade.
S&W revolvers with a lock are an abomination and that is coming from someone who sold/traded his fair share of pre-lock revolvers.
I still have a 6'' S&W 686 that I got new in 1987 - I've not shot it in at least 10 years, it just sits in the safe and always will.
If the question was trade the Ruger single action revolver I'd say do that without hesitation, but I aint "into" revolvers.
Ponder buying a inexpensive 1911?
https://www.classicfirearms.com/tisas-1911-carry-ss45-4-25-barrel-8-1-45acp-stainless-steel/
https://www.budsgunshop.com/product...2/sds+imports+1911-b+duty+.45+acp+5+8rd+black
 
JumboJVT said:
4" 686-3 I bought new in '93 or so; pre-lock obviously, for a current production Springfield Garrison .45, NIB. Since buying the 686 I've acquired my grandfathers 4" DW Model 14 and a couple years ago bought a 2.5" 66, so would still have 38/357's in the safe.

Probably more importantly, I picked up a Ruger Bisley Flattop .44spl 4-5 years ago and really enjoy shooting those big, slow (even Skeeter) loads much more than 357 fodder, and enjoy reloading the big rounds more as well. Always kinda wanted to try a 1911 and think the similar ballistics might be more fun.

I'm to the point in my life that one has got to go before a new one moves in. I just don't use the 686 for anything anymore, but I find I'm kinda attached to it. Am I nuts to make this trade?

Thanks for the therapy session.
Click to expand...

Trade? I wouldn't. But that's me.

If you just want to scratch a 1911 itch, Rock Island is good, and I hear good things about the Girsan.
 
Does your 686 have the box paper original grips(stocks) if so probably a $800 to $900 gun depending on condition and where you live etc etc.
 
I’ll agree with the others that if it was my 686 in this situation, I would hang onto it. But, since it isn’t mine, you will need to gauge whether swapping a mid-range 1911 .45 for a premium .357 revolver will be worth it.

Stay safe.
 
There’s no way that I would trade that 686-3 for a current production SA 1911 or for that matter any other non-boutique, recent production 1911.

However, if we’re talking a Colt 1911 that’s contemporary to or older than your 688-3, well, that might be a different story.
 
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