Would you all make this trade?

[Barry the Bear]

I have a 686-2 that I am looking to trade, his guy offered his marlin 1895 in .45-70 with some extras, just want to make sure Im not loosing money. What follows is his words exactly:"New Unfired Marlin 1895 GBL 45/70. Comes with 3 boxes of ammo, Dimond D Leather Butt Cuff and sling, box paperwork etc." Heres some pics.

 

[silicosys4]

I personally would not make that trade unless that marlin has been sitting in that box in someones closet for quiet some time....and it doesn't look like it has, so no.
The 686-2 is a prelock S&W, and is quickly becoming collectible as a gun that still retains some of S&W's former craftsmanship as opposed to their current production guns.
The Marlin, if it is a newer one like it looks to be, is quickly gaining a reputation as a sad shadow of the former marlin production quality. I have lost interest in the marlin .45-70 guide gun due to rampant reports of poor quality in newer production guns. Since it is new and unfired, you have no idea if is a lemon or not, and many of those were.
You would basically be going from the pinnacle of S&W handgun technology,
To the cheapest, worst quality era of gun "marlin" has ever put out.
If you do decide to make that trade, at least make sure the marlin chambers and ejects shells well, bring a few types with you. One of their main issues was feeding problems.

 

[evan price]

686-2 is a $600 gun in today's market. What's the guide gun worth- $450?

 

[bannockburn]

As much as I would love to have a Marlin in .45-70, I wouldn't trade my Model 686 for it.

 

[firedawg60]

I think I would pass also.

 

[buck460XVR]

Hard to tell condition of the 686 in the pic. That and whether you will use/need the 45-70 more than the .357 will determine if the trade is worth it for you. I'm a big fan of lever actions. Really wanted a guide gun myself until I was able to shoot a friends that was lookin' to trade. I realized then, that there are better options for what I wanted it for.

 

[19-3Ben]

That and whether you will use/need the 45-70 more than the .357 will determine if the trade is worth it for you.

That would be my advice as well. But I really think silicosys4 summed up the situation beautifully. Your 686 is unique because it's an L frame, which can shoot untold number of hotly loaded magnum rounds, but still doesn't have MIM parts or the internal lock. Win/Win in my mind.

I would not buy a new production Marling without THOROUGH investigation of that gun.

 

[il.bill]

Since you asked - NO, I would not make that trade.

 

[Barry the Bear]

Hard to tell condition of the 686 in the pic. That and whether you will use/need the 45-70 more than the .357 will determine if the trade is worth it for you. I'm a big fan of lever actions. Really wanted a guide gun myself until I was able to shoot a friends that was lookin' to trade. I realized then, that there are better options for what I wanted it for.

I would use it primarily as a range gun and maybe a hunt or two, I have a .444 marlin if I need a big bore rifle, so I dont "need" a .45-70. I dont think I want to trade either thanks guys.

 

[Lucky Derby]

You made the right choice.

 

[raa-7]

I trade sometimes but I'm usually careful about it. I usually determine if it's something I "want" or if it's something I need and then go from there Good decision.