Which of these Smiths is the better deal?

[elano]

Came across a guy earlier selling 2 guns.

Smith & Wesson Model 19 2.5" snub, great condition, locks up fairly tight, stock rb grips - $350

Smith & Wesson Model 686 2.5" snub. Good condition, some wear, wood grips with finger groves. - $450

Not sure if prices are negotiable. Are either of these "hop on it" kinda deals? Or should I pass?

 

[MachIVshooter]

Depends on what you want. Two very different guns. The price is pretty good on either, so I guess it really depends on if you want the smaller K-frame to carry or the stouter L-frame to feed a steady diet of full power loads on the range.

As far as being jump on it deals, eh......like I said, pretty good prices, but not out-of-this-world good. If you want either of them, the price is right, but I wouldn't put them in the "only a fool would pass it up" category.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree, bot deals are OK. I would say pick the one you like best.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The 19 is the better bargain as the 2.5 inch RB brings a premium around here. The 686 would be the better shooter. I have a 2.5 inch RB 686 and it's surprisingly accurate for a snub nose and recoil is acceptable. $450 is about the going price for the 686.

 

[Guillermo]

ditto to what madcrate said,

That is a good price for the 19. Market for the 686.

19 is lighter and more of a handful to shoot.

If I was going to carry it...I would go w the 19.

 

[elano]

Top notch help guys! Thanks for the replies!

 

[Lucky Derby]

The 19 will carry better. The 686 will hold up better to a lot of shooting of hot loads. Because of the extra weight, it will also have less felt recoil. Both are good deals, the 19 a better deal than the 686.

 

[gamestalker]

I would jump at the M19 without hesitation, but that is me. I have two M66's and one of them is the older 66-2, which I have yet to shoot loose even after who knows how many full house magnum jacketed hand loads put through it. The other, a 66-5, has also had gobbs of full house loads and is just as tight and smooth as any revolver I've ever owned or picked up.
I've handled a few 686's and really don't think they are as clean as the 19's/66's. A few weeks ago I saw two 686's in a llocal gun shop and both were no where near the solid and clean feeling action my 66's have.
But there is the third option which would be an SP101.

 

[evan price]

That's a great price on the M19 snub. They are harder to find than 686's. They still make the large frames don't they? But the K's are long gone. It's a great carry gun and as long as you are not shooting full power Keith loads for thousands and thousands of rounds it will last as long as you want it to.
I already have a 2.5" M66 I paid $400 for, but if I saw a 2.5" M19 for $350 I would buy it.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I would take the 19, but be advised they were never made for a steady diet of full house magnums. If you intend to shoot magnum loads get the 686.

 

[Got_Lead?]

The 19 is making me drool.

 

[jad0110]

Both would be great deals in my area, but the 19 would be a freakin' steel. I'd be running with cash to get that 19 yesterday. 2.5" 19s in good shape in my area start at about $475 and go up from there.

 

[waidmann]

The 19.

 

[elano]

Well I called the guy back and he still has both.

 

[rich642z]

I rather and have a Ruger Speed Six,GP100, and a 3 inch Security Six. Better built and will last alot of lifetimes.

 

[shooting4life]

If the 686 has combat grips from the 80's then it would be worth more as the grips can go for as much as $150 alone.

 

[oldbear]

The 686 is a great all around revolver and should stand up to years of use. The M-19 is a classic that will give years of service. Assuming that they are both in good shape I would go for the M-19. Or better yet buy then both

I rather and have a Ruger Speed Six,GP100, and a 3 inch Security Six. Better built and will last alot of lifetimes.

Ruger revolvers are tank tough tools that currently will provide yeoman’s service for years and years. On the other hand the classic S&W .357 Magnum revolvers besides being some of the best built handguns ever produced have a sense of style, certain panache if you will. If you want a tool get a Ruger if you want a classic revolver get an Smith and Wesson N or K frame .357 Magnum revolver.

 

[Guillermo]

buy both and sell the one you don't want