Need info on a s&w revolver, details inside.

[Ricecookr]

I have been offered a revolver.

An old guy called me with a revolver for sale, was his son's gun and i assume he lost his rpal or something.

S&W 686 from what i gather (only picture i have i below) chambered in 357 with both adjustable sights.

I am a m&p guy so revolvers are a bit out of my field of expertise, wondering if the sights are an added value and how much it is worth on the market at the moment.

 

[gdawg]

I have not seen that the front adjustable commands much of a premium. maybe 50? the target grips are worth a bit though.

A decent offer for that package is probably around $650 - $700. Because to the sights and grips, I could see it selling on ee for $800+. possible deduction if it doesn't have original box / tools.

 

[red_bailey]

That is the 4-position adjustable front sight. You can instantly switch between different zero distances by just clicking the wheel up or down.

Made for Silhouette shooting, which goes out to 200 yards maybe, but if you set the zero up close it has the same effect for PPC, which has four distances out to 50.

They stopped this option in 1991? I think. Not super common, but I haven't seen people making a fuss over it when shopping, either. Note that if the gun was actually purchased for Silhouette or PPC competition, it could have been shot _A LOT_.

Gun looks in great shape (doesn't actually appear worn out, but…), guessing circa 1985. If I needed another one of these, it's the sweet spot to be buying, before MIM parts; it could still be called a classic. Pricing for one with a standard sight might be $600-750, and I wouldn't expect higher just because of the sight.

If it is pre-1987 the gun is subject to recall (under the crane it will be stamped 686 or 686-1), to fix a possible sticking issue with hot loads and soft primers. S&W still does this for free, even in Canada. If it says 686-2 (or higher), or has an M stamped with it, the change has been made already.

 

[Ricecookr]

Wow thanks a bunch!

I should give the remington 700 a shot in the rifle section, the knowledge here is pretty impressive!

 

[enefgee]

One of the first guns I had in my name was the exact twin of that one. Fantastically accurate and easy to hit with.

 

[icehunter121]

Is the trigger serrated or smooth? Hammer smooth or cross hatch pattern? The 4 position front sight as noted above is a nice addition. You can use oh say...position 1 for 38 spl. at 10 yards,,position 2 for 38 spl at 25 yards,,,position 3 for 357 mag at 10 yards...position 4 for 357 at 25 yards. Is the top strap showing flame erosion(IE flame cutting) ? If it was lightly used and timing is still on...I would think in the $750.00 area would be about right for a asking price...

 

[lejarretnoir]

I just bought a 686-2 with the same sights in mint condition with box for $630. I'd say I did good and it's very accurate. I prefer the option of setting sights for different distances.
Didn't know the "M" upgrade was required from NO Dash through to -2.

 

[red_bailey]

I just bought a 686-2 with the same sights in mint condition with box for $630. I'd say I did good

I'll say you robbed the seller. Six bones is the loose, visibly worn, out-of-time but still safe price. $750 is the top end for an excellent looking shooter. That's the range I gave before; if the timing is bad enough to need a 'smith it's cheaper, and mint with box and papers or otherwise collectible (something you'd hesitate to actually use because it's too nice) could go higher.

Didn't know the "M" upgrade was required from NO Dash through to -2.

Sorry, the -2 was the firing pin and bushing change, in 1987. Only the no-dash and the -1 of the 586/686 and 581/681 are affected by the recall.

The binding (cratering of primer material around the firing pin and up into the bushing channel) is only supposed to happen with soft primers (Federal was singled out) and hot .357 loads, but I've never experienced it. The places where I shop don't ever seem to have light projectile hot Magnums (125 grain, for example), and I doubt I'd use them because of the hot gas erosion they'd cause. It's 158gn SWC or jacketed, and 148gn WC for me all the time.

 

[gdawg]

The binding (cratering of primer material around the firing pin and up into the bushing channel) is only supposed to happen with soft primers (Federal was singled out) and hot .357 loads, but I've never experienced it. The places where I shop don't ever seem to have light projectile hot Magnums (125 grain, for example), and I doubt I'd use them because of the hot gas erosion they'd cause. It's 158gn SWC or jacketed, and 148gn WC for me all the time.

My -1 had the problem. I was shooting standard federal 357 158 gr jacketed.

 

[plinker 777]

Why is "an old guy" selling his son's gear is something you may want to pursue prior to laying down any cash. You can only sell what you actually possess in these parts...perhaps you'd be interested in my neighbours car? He hardly ever drives it. Priced to move if you know what I'm sayin' ...PM me, I can even provide pics.

 

[Ricecookr]

Just got off the phone with the son.

He had his pal anr rpal but just did not bother renewing it for a few years.

RCMP sent a letter, now its a fire sale.
I had an ad placed somewhere old folks hang out.

The transfer is started for the 686 and i did not pay a single buck yet, i will pay upon picking up the revolver in person once the rcmp approved the transfer and my att is received.
I will check out the 700 at the same time.

 

[plinker 777]

? RCMP sent a letter...I thought without a valid RPAL one cannot have "Possession or Acquisition" of restricted firearms? I would think the RCMP would want them rather than allow him to sell?

 

[RememberTheSomme]

I have not seen that the front adjustable commands much of a premium. maybe 50? the target grips are worth a bit though.

A decent offer for that package is probably around $650 - $700. Because to the sights and grips, I could see it selling on ee for $800+. possible deduction if it doesn't have original box / tools.

I'm posting a little late on this one, but I believe the grips were the standard issued with the gun. I had the 586 of the same vintage(1985) and the target style goncolo alves were standard. Everyone immediately replaced them with Hogue or Pachmayer(me). I can't tell if it has the TT and TH
, not sure if it was available on 686's like the 629's. I don't see too much drag marks in the cylinder either. I recall the adjustable sight option on the early guns either, maybe it was on the 0-1 guns.

 

[RememberTheSomme]

I have been offered a revolver.

An old guy called me with a revolver for sale, was his son's gun and i assume he lost his rpal or something.

S&W 686 from what i gather (only picture i have i below) chambered in 357 with both adjustable sights.

I am a M&P guy so revolvers are a bit out of my field of expertise, wondering if the sights are an added value and how much it is worth on the market at the moment.

Rice if you were an M&P guy when this gun was new,..you'd already be a revolver guy and this would be an upgrade for you lol.

 

[kamlooky]

Why is "an old guy" selling his son's gear is something you may want to pursue prior to laying down any cash. You can only sell what you actually possess in these parts...perhaps you'd be interested in my neighbours car? He hardly ever drives it. Priced to move if you know what I'm sayin' ...PM me, I can even provide pics.

? RCMP sent a letter...I thought without a valid RPAL one cannot have "Possession or Acquisition" of restricted firearms? I would think the RCMP would want them rather than allow him to sell?

Interesting argument right here.
Anyone with first hand knowledge care to elaborate on pliner's 777 comments?
I could be in a situation like this in the coming future with a prospective purchase.

 

[FLHTCUI]

? RCMP sent a letter...I thought without a valid RPAL one cannot have "Possession or Acquisition" of restricted firearms? I would think the RCMP would want them rather than allow him to sell?

This isnt turning into a High River thread is it?
It is an interesting piece of kit and good for you for being in the right place at the right time Ricecookr
Tight Groups,
Rob

 

[marshall]

Interesting argument right here.
Anyone with first hand knowledge care to elaborate on pliner's 777 comments?
I could be in a situation like this in the coming future with a prospective purchase.

His comments are not worth commenting on.
have been in the business for 40+ years and have never have seen this stuff happen.

 

[Jon.]

Interesting argument right here.
Anyone with first hand knowledge care to elaborate on pliner's 777 comments?
I could be in a situation like this in the coming future with a prospective purchase.

I can only speak to my personal experience. I was working one night, a guy came in and said he has a gun he'd like to turn in for destruction. We talked, he had his RPAL, bought a pistol and shot it a few times, but let his license lapse(almost 2 full years if I remember correctly) and had no interest in handguns or joining a range again. He said he called Miramichi and was told his only option is to turn it in for destruction, that he couldn't transfer it or sell it in any way. I told him that was a load of crap, and he asked me to hold onto it at the detachment in the meantime. I called Miramichi and told them the situation and what he was told, as expected I was right and he had been given terrible information. They actually asked me who he had spoken to so they could 'fix' that problem, but he didn't know the name.
Fast forward I go see the guy, he says his friend may be interested and I told him I could hold onto it and do what I can to expedite the transfer to help out. His friend didn't want it, he had nobody else to offer it to, I told him I'm not too interested in the gun, but I'd buy it from him before I'd see it get melted down. He agreed and said we'll settle on a price, and the transfer was initiated. Had it transferred to me, went to see him and settle up, he refused money. He didn't drink and refused a few cases of beer, refused any sort of compensation whatsoever. I tried but he never would take anything, saying he was happy that I helped him and did all the work for him, etc etc. I told him I'm not going to get rid of it and if he changes his mind to contact me and I'll transfer it to him or someone of his choosing when the time comes. Guy has since moved as I haven't seen him around for some time.

Soooo yes you can transfer it even without a valid RPAL, so long as it was registered to you before the PAL lapsed(or whatever).
Anyone who says differently is full of poop. If Miramichi gives you a hard time or tells you otherwise, PM me and I'll tell you my PAL# and the serial# of the pistol, and whatever else so they can look it up.

Edited to add one more thing. The only reason he was spurred on to get rid of it was he re-wrote his PAL test and when he sent it in they saw a pistol registered to him and that he couldn't get his PAL until he got rid of the pistol.

 

[plinker 777]

His comments are not worth commenting on.
have been in the business for 40+ years and have never have seen this stuff happen.

Well thanks for that!? Made my day (Richard!). My first comment was a bit of a joke interlaced with a word of caution, and my second comment was a bonefide question. The root of the question comes from my own experience dealing with a prohibited handgun that belonged to my Grandfather.

When my Grandfather (who was approaching 90 years at the time) let his licence slip, and moved from one "home" to another, and another, all the while neglecting to inform big brother (RCMP) apparently became a problem. Correspondence from the RCMP after some time began to catch up to my Grandfather (who was oblivious he had erred or that the RCMP were "looking" to speak with him), the tone of the letters were ominous. "Be informed you are currently in violation of criminal statute blah, blah, the penalty of which is up to and including 1 million dollars and 17 centuries hard labour in a Canadian Federal Institution...You are hereby ordered to contact so and so, failure to do so by such and such a date will attract black helicopters and a Federally appointed inquisitor." (clearly I'm paraphrasing, but you get the drift.)

Anyhow, this old man had never been in trouble in his long life, he didn't want to see the pistol which was his fathers go to any detachment for destruction, and he also became very anxious with the sudden, unwelcomed attention, so a slight alteration to my RPAL (12-7) and a transfer of ownership solved his problems. I say this action solved his problems, because MY problems then began. My Grandfather died (very well, thanks for asking. We should all be as lucky.) shortly after the event of transfer and within a few months the RCMP was contacting me about the pistol. I explained the situation...not good enough, apparently. The pistol was to be turned in to detachment "whathaveyou" they say. Interesting!? I said. The pistol is now in my possession and in my name. It's at your residence? Club member? Club name? Yep, yea, whatever. I retort. How did you come to take possession? My Grandfather brought it to me. We don't have a record of a TATT, that's a violation of blah, blah. You'll have to take that up with him. I said. We have his current address as such and such, is that correct? Nope. I said. Where is his current address/residence? He died 4 months ago and he currently "resides" at such and such cemetery.
Would you believe me if I were to tell you the bastards had me forward his death certificate to them, along with a statement (affidavit I suppose) from the executor of the estate!? All True! I will never forgive them.

So, big brother can get to be quite a nuisance with these sorts of things, which again was the basis for the questions.
@Jon; clearly you are a LEO and it's refreshing that you were able to help out a citizen, there should be more of this sort of thing from our law enforcement representatives. However, are you not putting yourself in a conflict of interest scenario? You clearly personally benefited due to your position within the police department.

Anyhow, take care. have a great weekend and welcome to my ever growing "ignore" list. (Marshall, not Jon)

Plinker777

 

[Jon.]

@Jon; clearly you are a LEO and it's refreshing that you were able to help out a citizen, there should be more of this sort of thing from our law enforcement representatives. However, are you not putting yourself in a conflict of interest scenario? You clearly personally benefited due to your position within the police department.

The original plan was for him to transfer to a friend, and I was going to facilitate and do the legwork for them, and worst case I'd pay market value for it. He refused any deal, and while yes I guess I benefited from it, I didn't work it out with a strict intention of me scamming a gun or taking advantage. The over the counter no questions asked deal stories curl my toes too.

I hate to see a gun get chopped up.