Nice gun but can buy brand new for less..
Actually, I don't think you can. You probably were thinking "Hey, I can go buy a brand new 686 Smith and Wesson Revolver at my local gunstore for less that what this one is selling for." However, what he has is a pre-lock Smith & Wesson Model 686-1 (dash one) which is a fairly early model of the 686 (1986 to 1987). The "M" stamp on the crane indicates a return to the factory for an update. -1 (1986): radius stud package, introduction of the floating hand. The "M" recall (1987) for the no-dash and -1 guns was to fit a new hammer nose and firing pin bushing to deal with certain brands of ammo causing (potentially fatal) binding when fired.
You can certainly buy a new Smith & Wesson for less. It will have the internal lock, MIM parts, and the second you walk out of the gunstore it will depreciate about 25% in value.
On the other hand, that 686-1 is always going to go up in value because it was only made for one year, and they ain't making any more. Any it has every desirable feature that a Smith & Wesson Collector wants: Low production (rarity), No lock, and classic S&W engineering.
FWIW.
All trueActually, I don't think you can. You probably were thinking "Hey, I can go buy a brand new 686 Smith and Wesson Revolver at my local gunstore for less that what this one is selling for." However, what he has is a pre-lock Smith & Wesson Model 686-1 (dash one) which is a fairly early model of the 686 (1986 to 1987). The "M" stamp on the crane indicates a return to the factory for an update. -1 (1986): radius stud package, introduction of the floating hand. The "M" recall (1987) for the no-dash and -1 guns was to fit a new hammer nose and firing pin bushing to deal with certain brands of ammo causing (potentially fatal) binding when fired.
You can certainly buy a new Smith & Wesson for less. It will have the internal lock, MIM parts, and the second you walk out of the gunstore it will depreciate about 25% in value.
On the other hand, that 686-1 is always going to go up in value because it was only made for one year, and they ain't making any more. Any it has every desirable feature that a Smith & Wesson Collector wants: Low production (rarity), No lock, and classic S&W engineering.
FWIW.
Well put. I agree. My 686 is a -5. I bought it in 1999.
Stupid question: Does the dash five identify the barrel length or just the chassis?
It's the sweetest shooting gun I own.
pre-lock smiths commonly sell for more than the post lock examples. I won't own a post-lock.
....but this is a good rule of thumb.
Always thought this was an interesting little factoid... the 'rule of thumb' is a reference to the Puritan practice of never beating your wife with a stick that was thicker than the thickness of the man's thumb
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