Still searching for a .357

[Brutus]

Started a quest for a pre-lock Smith 686 but prices seem out of this world.
My local gun shop started this with a 6" 686-3 that they want $755 for.
The gun, in my opinion, is in 85% condition and according to the Blue book of gun values places it in the $475 range ($615 for an example in 100% condition).
I made an offer of $600 and was turned down. Can't blame the guy if he thinks he can get the asking price. Anyway further investigation has revealed that 700/800 seems to be the going price for nice examples. For me this gun is going to be a shooter. I'm now leaning towards a Ruger GP100 but have seen some used Dan Wessons at reasonable prices.
What attributes should one look for in a Dan Wesson?
Are barrel assemblies still available from CZ?
I've read that Monsoon variants are the most desirable (best quality).
Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

[Chaz88]

That sounds very high for a used 686. Might just be the local conditions. I would keep looking. The only time I can remember paying more than that for a used .357 S&W it was an older gun that was in near mint condition in the original wood box with tools included.

[Bennyboy]

686s have been hovering in the $650-$750 range near me for a while. GP100s are usually$5-600 and I prefer them. Get you a Ruger, and don't look back.

[Mastrogiacomo]

I've been trying to get the pre-lock Smiths for years and they hover over $7-800 in my area, there's just no winning. I can't even afford them on gunbroker because I get hit with the shipping and transfer fees. I got a 4" 686 with a lock for less (used) and it's never given me problems. It's probably one of my favorite guns. I also have a DAO SP101 and GP100 3" - all great guns.

Laura

[puppyface]

I have been looking for a 4 inch .357 in a Ruger or Pre-lock for a while. Prices are way out of line , and there are very few for sale, in my area at least. I am gong to lay low and hope things turn around. Here's a pic of of my very early 90's -3 that I wouldn't sell for any amount. Good luck anyway.

[vytoland]

I picked up a 1968 S&W model 28-2, 90% condition, last year on gunbroker for $425 plus shipping and FFL quality and accuracy and a smoooooth trigger in DA . it IS one sweet pacakage

[Sgt Pepper]

You are overthinking it.

[Pezo]

Get the ruger gp100 in the barrel length of your choice and enjoy.

[cecILL]

Prices are NUTS these days.
Good if you've got a collection, bad if you're starting out.
Right or wrong, I lay the blame on the internet, where the competition is nationwide, not just locally.

[2rott]

Keep looking. I got one from Buds 3 weeks ago for $600. & I found one on consignment at a LGS that I told a friend about & they took his offer of $575 OTD. Both were used. Mine is about 95% & the other is around 90%. Mine came to $632 OTD.
I'm lucky we have a LGS that charges $15 for transfers including the phone call. I've been looking for several weeks & found both within a few days of each other.

[weblance]

I have a 686 Plus, and a stainless GP100, both 4". The Ruger is certainly the equal of the Smith in every way, and has no lock. The Ruger is usually about $100 cheaper, new or used. Get the Ruger.

[SaxonPig]

Pretty much all gun prices are ridiculous. Some more than others. The best advice in times like these is to buy quality. Even if you have to pay more for it. Nobody ever regretted paying more for something good.

Among S&W fanatics the older "pinned & recessed" revolvers find the most favor. The Model 27 (and variants) is the top of the S&W line and oozes both quality and panache. The 3.5" barrel version is considered the sexiest and is most in demand. I like the 5" model as perfectly balanced.

The Model 28 Highway Patrolman is a less fancy version. I would recommend a P&R 27 or a 28 over any post 1982 S&W revolver.

A 1968 5" 27-2. They don't get much better than this.




A 1954 (first year) Highway Patrolman (later M28). Not as deluxe as the 27 but IMO still way more cool than any post 1982 model.

[hogcowboy]

I agree with the GP100 folks. One of the best guns I have. Took the ugly grips off and added just plain wood grips and I think I actually get less felt recoil out of it with full magnum loads.

[Nick_C_S]

My local gun shop started this with a 6" 686-3 that they want $755 for.

If the lockup was good, the trigger smooth, and in nice condition, I would be willing to pay the $755.

[2rott]

There are many Ruger fans here too. I'm sure you'll find some Taurus fans also. What do you plan to use the revolver for? I ask because I own several S&W's & shoot Bowling Pins, Steel & even some IDPA. Almost all the revolvers I see at these matches are S&W. The few Rugers & Taurus' are looking to buy S&W's. Both of them have asked me to purchase one of mine. I'm not meaning to bash the others, but this is what 's happening here.
I see many of the other brands at the open range, & they function & hold up well. I've tried many of them & they're fine but for comp. it's S&W.

[BigJimP]

I'm not saying the Ruger is a bad gun....but its not a S&W either, in my opinion....with the trigger on the S&W being far better in double action.

Everyone is looking for a deal....and you're right that with the internet now, its easy for a seller to see what average prices are like all over the country - and they price their inventory accordingly...but that's kind of the way all things are - not just guns.

If you like the Ruger...buy it.../ ....if you like the S&W better, then keep looking and save some money so you can buy the gun you like.

Prices are what they are ...and if S&W continues to demand a premium - and I think they will / because its a better gun -- then you just have to decide which gun fits your needs and your budget the best. But saying prices are nuts...isn't really true in my view...prices are set by the used market ...by buyers and sellers.../ and I don't see prices on excellent condition pre-lock S&W's coming down anytime soon - but I think they've been pretty flat for the last year or so - at least in my area / but inventory seems to be drying up again too on high quality used revolvers.

[RodTheWrench]

If S&W never went to the lock, these guns would not have increased so much in value. It's just like anything, once they don't make them anymore the price goes up. It is what it is. I definitely wouldn't wait, the price will just go up more.

[chokeoloko]

I was looking into one of these at one point and your correct the prices are outrageous. I believe your better off going one with the lock