Reason I ask, is that I've been watching some auctions, and this particular seller has at least 4 brand-spankin' new M686-6 revolvers, all 2.5" barreled, and two of the auctions ended today with nary a bid. Another ends in 5 days, and no bids on that one either.
What I consider to be nicely priced as well.

Seller has 100% positive feedback, and been selling for over 15 years, so can't be due to lack of trust.

I seriously considered picking one up, but I've got a 3" GP100 and it fills the same gap as the S&W would.

Are the 2.5" models simply not that much in demand?

I'm at a loss as to why they wouldn't be jumped on.

Possibly the reason maybe be they are regular production and a good amount can be found by local B&M's.
The other could be that revolver people are mostly older generation and prefer the way the older guns were made compared to today,not saying the new guns won't serve you well.

All I can say is I have a 2.5" 686-5, 7 shot and its one of the last guns i will ever part with. I also have a 686-5 4" which is the one gun i would keep if one was all we could have.

The 686-6 isn't in production still, is it?
They've moved to the 686 Plus, 686 Pro, 686 Deluxe, and a whole host of other names from the looks of it.

I'd prefer it pre-lock.

My other S&Ws are all square-butt, so it'd probably feel different for me and take some getting used to.

I'm making all the excuses I can think of to keep my willpower up and refuse the urge.

It's a super popular model but there are many out there and true S&W revolver lovers only want pre-lock models. I have a lock model 686 2.5" with the stock cylinder and an additional 9mm conversion cylinder. Pretty cool to be able to shoot cheap 9mm out of it with moon clips. I also just bought an older model 940-1 9mm snubby with the concealed hammer.

Mine are the last prelock models made as they are -5's. Some won't touch the lock version (-6) some don't care. It took me about 5 years of just patient looking to find my 2 -5's (both were NIB and $700+/-) but if I wanted one and all I could find was a 2 .5" new production with a lock i would not hesitate to buy one and shoot the crap out of it. Best all purpose revolver ever made in my opinion.

Its the fact thst the 686-6 has the lock. If they were pre lock, they would be higher priced - and still sell.

Regardless of what the fanboys say, nobody wants the wind up guns and they have low resale value. The different - ie cheapened roll marks and ugly frame redesign to accomodate the lock hurt the resale as well.
You are seeing that first hand with an otherwise desireable model revolver. Regards 18DAI

Thanks for all the replies.
My willpower has been restored.

The 686, while a beautiful revolver, with what I'm sure is a great trigger right out of the box, won't fill a different role that the 2¼" SP101 and 3" GP100 don't already fill for me.

The internal lock on the 686-6 significantly lowers what I will deem a hot deal for future consideration.

There's another one I'm after at the moment. Just happened to notice all the 686s and got to thinking...

A Distinguished Combat Magnum will most certainly be on my list for the future, but for now, I think I'll pass on them.

My own thought is that the L-frame is too big for a 2.5" barrel. The short barrel and larger frame don't go together in my mind. I'd prefer a 2.5" K frame. But many like them. The 2.5" 686 isn't rare.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jhe888,

I horse traded for this last week.
Not a -6, but a great 686+ non the less.

I too am looking for a 686 woods gun. Pre-lock, 4" please.

quote:

Originally posted by MNSIG:
I too am looking for a 686 woods gun. Pre-lock, 4" please.

I went +, 5" ,unfluted, roundbutt

Found this one last year. The best trigger ever. Would be hard to part with this "old school" 686.

The gun porn is not making it easy, but I'm chasing another flavor for the time being

quote:

Originally posted by C-Dubs:
The gun porn is not making it easy, but I'm chasing another flavor for the time being

I want a 6" unfluted 610 sooooooo bad.

Please do not mis-understand what I am saying here. The current market is very saturated with firearms and most if not all ammunition and accessories.

I am a very small retailer and have been getting great offers with maker discounts/rebates etc on production firearms. (NOT A PLUG for us here) We do not advertise here. Just lurk and buy a few as the for sale part of this forum is known for ethical transactions. Not like others example ARM LIST AKA Scam List.

In the pre-owned or used guns are taking longer and potential buyers are more selective with a saturated market and no sense of urgency. More individuals are also selling to finance next purchase or their children are just not into the metal and wood firearms anymore. This market is also filling up or has.

Also the retail market is changing from brick and mortar to online. Three to Five years ago our purchase were 75% face to face and 25% online. Now it is the reverse. On-line is less overhead for the retail seller as the buyer is paying shipping and transfer fees. If you are selling as an individual those costs are commonly used in your price negotiations.

Since many makers and distributors built inventory for a different election outcome you see this.

What we are selling is what folks seem to always have wanted (that special whatever), and not buying was going to be restricted for lack of better reasoning (Can't get them anymore reasoning).

Personally I hope this is the new normal. Meaning buying what will be used and enjoyed. Not a panic purchase to be stored or hoarded because of coming legislation.

There are some very good purchases to be made. Just be patient, take your time, check out your seller if not rated or low rating, ask questions, get an additional picture or two. Then decide.

I have been looking at the 686 in the CS-1 types That is a real nice revolver built when Smith spent more time with them. Found a great one very fair priced.

I've been after a reasonably priced (under $1k) no lock RB K/L frame in 38, 357, 9mm or 22LR. Harder to find than one would expect.

quote:

Originally posted by PGT:
I've been after a reasonably priced (under $1k) no lock RB K/L frame in 38, 357, 9mm or 22LR. Harder to find than one would expect.

Yep, you almost have to do the gunstore loop once or twice a week to catch a regional one. Online, well, that might be harder.

quote:

Originally posted by PGT:
I've been after a reasonably priced (under $1k) no lock RB K/L frame in 38, 357, 9mm or 22LR. Harder to find than one would expect.

It sure seems like most pre-lock S&Ws are in the $1,000-$1,500 range unless very well used.

quote:

Originally posted by PGT:
I've been after a reasonably priced (under $1k) no lock RB K/L frame in 38, 357, 9mm or 22LR. Harder to find than one would expect.