Value of 686?

[trapshooter]

What's a reasonable range of prices for a 95-98% 686-1 2", original smooth wood grips. Nothing particularly special about it, but it's clean, and function checks all great.

One is up at a local shop. I'm getting 'buy me' vibes, but I don't have much to go on, here. Tagged at 390, but who knows?

My head is telling me this may be a bit high, though.

 

[Frenchy]

My head is telling me this may be a bit high

Listen to your head. $325 is a little closer to the correct value. I gave $420 for my NIB 686-5 Snubby.

 

[diyj98]

$325.00 sounds about right from an individual, maybe up to $350.00 in a gun shop.

 

[ruger357]

$390 is high. Ditto with the others at $325.

 

[RustyHammer]

Just paid $300 for a like new (no box or papers) 66-5 (6"). $325 sounds fair to me ... for one in 98% condition.

 

[branrot]

I recently paid 370 (plus shipping and transfer) for my 4 inch NIB factory wood gripped 686. Fedex lost it after I sent it to S&W for service (user error, nothing wrong with the gun, powder stuck under extractor), and I replaced it with almost exactly the same gun, slightly used, 686-2 model, for 325 (plus tax). I don't think the 2 inch draws a premium, so I think 390 is high.

BTW, Fedex eventually found it (after I bought the second one), and now I have two!

 

[aug e. dog]

Branrot, you want to get rid of one of those?

 

[charleym3]

Brand new 4" models bottomed out at $420 around here. I got one with around 20 rounds through it for $400. I'm eyeing one in a pawnshop that's listed at $600. I think I'm gonna offer $300.

 

[Tamara]

I've noticed that used 2.5" guns tend to command a slight premium over their more common 4" and 6" brethren.

 

[trapshooter]

Hey, eveyone, thanks for the numbers.

Tamara, do you think it's a locational thing regarding premiums? I guess what I'm asking is, if I was where you were, and could carry it, I might tend to pay a bit more for something concealable.

 

[Jason Demond]

New 686's are selling for $500.00 new in my area, used about $350.00. Offer him $300.00 and go from there!

 

[JoeHatley]

I'm not sure how much of a premium the shorter barreled version might be worth, but www.thebh.com has a nice used 4" 686 with an asking price of $289.

IIRC...

Joe

 

[Arub]

I sold (Feb '02) and bought back (Sept '02) (same gun plus some ammo) a 686 for $325. Sold fast both directions.

 

[Frenchy]

I think Snubbys across the board bring a slight premium because of the popularity of the "concealment factor".

 

[Kahr carrier]

In the gun blue book it lists 686 98% -$310.00

 

[Kahr carrier]

Heck offer him $310.00 all he can say is no or YES. Good luck.

 

[Frenchy]

In the gun blue book it lists 686 98% -$310.00

I will have to respectfully disagree with this valuation.
IMO, The "Blue Book" has traditionally & consistently under-valued the S&W's. The "Blue Book" is designed for the retailer (gun shop, pawn shop, etc.) when purchasing from or trading with an individual, and does not reflect the actual market value. In fact, I compare it to the "Yellow Book" that auto dealers use to evaluate the "trade-in value" of your car (something I'm very familiar with).

 

[trapshooter]

Hey, guys.

I spent some time on the S-W forum, various auction sites, and net-based dealers.

It looks like everyone is right. Prices range from a low of 290 or so to just over 400.

Of course, there is a bell to this curve, and it seems to fall between 325-350. Also, this isn't necessarily a good sample, as these prices include various conditions, barrel lengths, and dash numbers. (I'm mentally tossing prices for the 8 3/8 bbl ones. And you can't count the + guns, obviously).

What I'm saying is, my gut feel is that this price is at the high end of the scale, disregarding any geographic/market differentials that may or may not exist, but it's not a ridiculous or outrageous asking price. Not a bad way to begin negotioations, from any intelligent seller's point of view. Time to deal. I think if I can wheedle him down into the 300-340 range, it's not bad. That puts it on a par with some of the better deals out there, after you look at shipping/FFL costs, etc.

Thanks again for all the assistance.

 

[Lone Star]

The value of a S&W M686 in your hand when you hear a board creak at night where no one is supposed to be is... incalcuable.
And the M686, preferably in four-inch barrel, is one of the best guns of all time to have in your hand when you're about to REALLY NEED a sidearm.

Pay what you need to to get a really clean one, which should be about $325-400, as noted above. And if you get a good one, you'll soon agree that it's now priceless...

Lone Star