2.5" 686 No Dash for $500?

ajgranda · March 1, 2011, 09:36 AM

Hi,

I may be able to get a 99% condition 686 no dash with Nill grips for $500.00 How's the price? What year would this gun have been manufactured? Any MIM parts? Thanks

Olympus · March 1, 2011, 09:44 AM

Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. I'd over $475 cash and see where it goes from there. $500 would still be a pretty good deal. The Ahrend's grips are worth $50 if they're in good condition.

gearhounds · March 1, 2011, 09:48 AM

Buy it quick, especially if it's not just an impulse buy (ie- you've been looking for one).

Kreyzhorse · March 1, 2011, 10:00 AM

I think that's a pretty sound deal. I'd bite if I were you.

mes227 · March 1, 2011, 10:07 AM

I just got a 686 7-shot like new and paid a bit more. I'd grab that 3" no dash fast!

LordTio3 · March 1, 2011, 10:12 AM

3" 686 in 99% condition with no internal lock and some nice Ahrends grips? I'd pay $600-625 for it. At $500, you should run there before someone snatches it up.

Don't look back, it's a solid deal on a gun that you'll love forever.

~LT

carguychris · March 1, 2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

686 no dash... What year would this gun have been manufactured? Any MIM parts?

IIRC no-dash is 1980-1982 production, but I could be mistaken. You can narrow it down more by posting the 3-letter serial number prefix here or in the "Smith and Wesson serial number search" thread. FWIW all L frames such as a M686 have modern-style 3-letter prefixes, so the build dates are relatively easy to track.

MIM parts and the floating firing pin were introduced with the -5 version in 1996.

FWIW if you didn't already know this, no-dash and some early -1 L frames were recalled because some were shipped with out-of-spec oversize firing pin bushing holes that could allow a soft primer to backflow into the hole upon firing and lock up the gun. The factory normally marked recalled guns with a big letter "M" stamped inside the yoke cut, but I understand that this practice stopped recently, so if the gun has no "M" stamp, you should call customer service to verify whether the recall was done. Also, keep in mind that not every non-stamped gun has an oversize bushing hole; if you can verify that the gun has been fired extensively without problems, it is probably OK.

MrBorland · March 1, 2011, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Also, keep in mind that not every non-stamped gun has an oversize bushing hole; if you can verify that the gun has been fired extensively without problems, it is probably OK.

AFAIK, primer backflow was only a problem on recall guns when shooting full-house magnum rounds. Heavy use without trouble isn't necessarily a reliable test, then, since much (or all) the use may have been with .38spl. As suggested, if it's not stamped, call S&W and ask if the serial # was in the recall range and, if so, if the repair done.

ajgranda · March 1, 2011, 10:35 AM

Wow, thanks everyone. I will contact the dealer and get the serial number and ask a few more questions.

Olympus · March 1, 2011, 05:17 PM

From the photo, it has a GunBroker tag at the bottom. If the gun has a "Buy Now" option, don't waste any more time and go for it. If not, chances are that the bids will go higher than $500.

ajgranda · March 1, 2011, 05:37 PM

Thanks guys, I'm being told the grips are Nills not Ahrends.

ohen cepel · March 1, 2011, 05:53 PM

Even better in my mind. BUY IT! It won't last long.

ajgranda · March 1, 2011, 08:02 PM

Yeah, thanks. I think those Nill grips are worth over $100 new.

357 Terms · March 1, 2011, 08:08 PM

Use your better judgement. 500$ for a 686 no dash that possibly hasn't been recalled? I have always been ( and always will be ) hesitant about buying a gun sight unseen ( Olympus?? ) In my area a new 686 can be had for 675 plus tax. BTW I have a 2.5 -4 that is great, also, is that the only photo? not a very good one.

ajgranda · March 1, 2011, 08:23 PM

Here are some more pics:

ajgranda · March 1, 2011, 08:24 PM

And a couple more. It sure looks 99% to me.

540mope · March 1, 2011, 08:41 PM

very nice!!! good price too. congrats

just curious....does it have a "M" stamped inside the crane??

5Wire · March 2, 2011, 12:33 AM

$500 is a great price for this model right now, especially if it checks out well. Here's my track on the 7-shooter version, the Bluebook of Gun Values puts its value $35 above the 6-shooter.

Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Revolver in .357 Magnum, .38 Special, Plus P. 2-1/2 in Bbl. Bluebook of Gun Values (31st Edition) indicates between $375 in 95% condition and $650 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 81 recorded prices for this model gun from $350 to $900 over a period of 6 Yrs 8 Mos ending February 16, 2011. The average price as of that date was $537. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $964.

Here's how the data chart out. Note the trend in price is about $620 and the monthly count trend is increasing. This is a change from when the 2-1/2 incher was hard to find (see before April 2008). Prices were attractive, so evidently, folks who had them decided to ride the wave.

ajgranda · March 2, 2011, 08:31 AM

Thanks for the responses and info. No M engraved in the yolk. I have the serial number (AFA51xx), so I'm going to call SW and see if they would let me ship it to them for free modification if needed.

Edit: Well I get off the phone with S&W CS. Not much help other than saying it was an old model early to mid 80s. They did have the modification back then, but if I want anything done now it would have to be on my dime and he didn't recommend it. He said it was only a small percentage of the guns that had an issue with only heavy .357 load and to stick with moderate loads. Which only makes sense since it only has a 2.5" barrel.

rigby06 · March 2, 2011, 10:31 AM

I don't know about the dash, but I have a 686 still in gun jail, I almost have finished it's bail, and mine a 4' barrel and was $650. Very nice trigger.

ajgranda · March 2, 2011, 03:11 PM

Thanks, I here some of the early 686s have incredible triggers. Better than what you can even get from the PC today.

old bear · March 2, 2011, 04:30 PM

From the pictures I would rate it at 95+% not 99%, but it appears to be in good shape at a very fair price, so if you want it and can afford it GET IT.

old bear · March 2, 2011, 04:38 PM

Well you just took all the fun out of my revolver collecting, you actually make sense of it

As for any "blue book" pricing guidelines, I made the mistake of using the S&W guide to determine pricing on a VERY clean, shooter grade M-27 31/2" being offered by a very reputable dealer. Needless to say I'm still on the hunt for an M-27 31/2" and someone else bought my grail revolver for $600.00.

But thanks for the information.

ajgranda · March 2, 2011, 04:41 PM

"From the pictures I would rate it at 95+% not 99%, but it appears to be in good shape at a very fair price, so if you want it and can afford it GET IT".

Old bear, What is it you see in the pics that you would rate it at 95% not 99%?

Thanks

Walkalong · March 3, 2011, 11:14 AM

I would pay that in a heartbeat. I love my 2.5" 686-3, and would love to have a no dash.

March 1, 2011, 09:44 AM	#2
Olympus Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2008 Posts: 770	Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. I'd over $475 cash and see where it goes from there. $500 would still be a pretty good deal. The Ahrend's grips are worth $50 if they're in good condition. __________________ www.brownscustomgrips.com Exhibition quality 1911 grips!

March 1, 2011, 10:00 AM	#4
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	I think that's a pretty sound deal. I'd bite if I were you. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

March 1, 2011, 10:12 AM	#6
LordTio3 Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2010 Location: Bloomington, Indiana Posts: 850	3" 686 in 99% condition with no internal lock and some nice Ahrends grips? I'd pay $600-625 for it. At $500, you should run there before someone snatches it up. Don't look back, it's a solid deal on a gun that you'll love forever. ~LT __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ- Greek:"Come and take them..." Meaning: Here we peaceably stand as armed and free men, willing to defend that peace, and ready to make war upon anyone who threatens that freedom.

March 1, 2011, 05:17 PM	#10
Olympus Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2008 Posts: 770	From the photo, it has a GunBroker tag at the bottom. If the gun has a "Buy Now" option, don't waste any more time and go for it. If not, chances are that the bids will go higher than $500. __________________ www.brownscustomgrips.com Exhibition quality 1911 grips!

March 1, 2011, 05:53 PM	#12
ohen cepel Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 1999 Location: Where they send me Posts: 1,013	Even better in my mind. BUY IT! It won't last long. __________________ He who dares wins. NRA Life Benefactor Member

March 1, 2011, 09:48 AM	#3
gearhounds Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2011 Location: M'burg WV Posts: 332	Buy it quick, especially if it's not just an impulse buy (ie- you've been looking for one).

March 1, 2011, 10:07 AM	#5
mes227 Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2010 Location: Incline Village, NV Posts: 535	I just got a 686 7-shot like new and paid a bit more. I'd grab that 3" no dash fast!

March 1, 2011, 10:35 AM	#9
ajgranda Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2009 Location: New York Posts: 105	Wow, thanks everyone. I will contact the dealer and get the serial number and ask a few more questions.

March 1, 2011, 05:37 PM	#11
ajgranda Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2009 Location: New York Posts: 105	Thanks guys, I'm being told the grips are Nills not Ahrends.

March 1, 2011, 08:02 PM	#13
ajgranda Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2009 Location: New York Posts: 105	Yeah, thanks. I think those Nill grips are worth over $100 new.

March 1, 2011, 08:08 PM	#14
357 Terms Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 248	Use your better judgement. 500$ for a 686 no dash that possibly hasn't been recalled? I have always been ( and always will be ) hesitant about buying a gun sight unseen ( Olympus?? ) In my area a new 686 can be had for 675 plus tax. BTW I have a 2.5 -4 that is great, also, is that the only photo? not a very good one.

March 1, 2011, 08:41 PM	#17
540mope Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2008 Location: yonder Posts: 359	very nice!!! good price too. congrats just curious....does it have a "M" stamped inside the crane??

March 2, 2011, 12:33 AM	#18
5Wire Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2008 Posts: 262	$500 is a great price for this model right now, especially if it checks out well. Here's my track on the 7-shooter version, the Bluebook of Gun Values puts its value $35 above the 6-shooter. Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Revolver in .357 Magnum, .38 Special, Plus P. 2-1/2 in Bbl. Bluebook of Gun Values (31st Edition) indicates between $375 in 95% condition and $650 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 81 recorded prices for this model gun from $350 to $900 over a period of 6 Yrs 8 Mos ending February 16, 2011. The average price as of that date was $537. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $964. Here's how the data chart out. Note the trend in price is about $620 and the monthly count trend is increasing. This is a change from when the 2-1/2 incher was hard to find (see before April 2008). Prices were attractive, so evidently, folks who had them decided to ride the wave. __________________ 5Wire (Bob) *We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.*

March 2, 2011, 08:31 AM	#19
ajgranda Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2009 Location: New York Posts: 105	Thanks for the responses and info. No M engraved in the yolk. I have the serial number (AFA51xx), so I'm going to call SW and see if they would let me ship it to them for free modification if needed. Edit: Well I get off the phone with S&W CS. Not much help other than saying it was an old model early to mid 80s. They did have the modification back then, but if I want anything done now it would have to be on my dime and he didn't recommend it. He said it was only a small percentage of the guns that had an issue with only heavy .357 load and to stick with moderate loads. Which only makes sense since it only has a 2.5" barrel. Last edited by ajgranda; March 2, 2011 at 09:55 AM. Reason: Additional info

March 2, 2011, 10:31 AM	#20
rigby06 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2010 Location: Richmond VA Posts: 370	I don't know about the dash, but I have a 686 still in gun jail, I almost have finished it's bail, and mine a 4' barrel and was $650. Very nice trigger.

March 2, 2011, 03:11 PM	#21
ajgranda Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2009 Location: New York Posts: 105	Thanks, I here some of the early 686s have incredible triggers. Better than what you can even get from the PC today.

March 2, 2011, 04:30 PM	#22
old bear Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Not close enough to the beach Posts: 1,477	From the pictures I would rate it at 95+% not 99%, but it appears to be in good shape at a very fair price, so if you want it and can afford it GET IT.

March 2, 2011, 04:38 PM	#23
old bear Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Not close enough to the beach Posts: 1,477	5Wire Well you just took all the fun out of my revolver collecting, you actually make sense of it As for any "blue book" pricing guidelines, I made the mistake of using the S&W guide to determine pricing on a VERY clean, shooter grade M-27 31/2" being offered by a very reputable dealer. Needless to say I'm still on the hunt for an M-27 31/2" and someone else bought my grail revolver for $600.00. But thanks for the information.

March 2, 2011, 04:41 PM	#24
ajgranda Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2009 Location: New York Posts: 105	"From the pictures I would rate it at 95+% not 99%, but it appears to be in good shape at a very fair price, so if you want it and can afford it GET IT". Old bear, What is it you see in the pics that you would rate it at 95% not 99%? Thanks Last edited by ajgranda; March 2, 2011 at 05:41 PM.

March 3, 2011, 11:14 AM	#25
Walkalong Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2007 Location: Al. Posts: 196	I would pay that in a heartbeat. I love my 2.5" 686-3, and would love to have a no dash.