Nice to know it is not a big deal, I have heard so many people say 'pre-lock' I though it meant something. Not buying it as an investment so no biggie.

My buddies colts are 6" and I really like them, I'm not saying I would pass on a 4" if a killer deal came along.

Make sure you test drive.

I have bought a few spoons, especially pistols, that I got rid of fairly quickly because I didn't really like the way they worked for me.

I shoot a lot, have my own range so I get to ask folks to bring their guns over so I can shoot them before I buy: My range fee is a clip or wheel full of ammo:cool:

There are a few very popular pistols I have spent time with before I took the plunge that I simply can't stand.

I took a chance on a pistol for offer here a few months ago...Spanish .45 called a Llama. I normally would not have but the price was right.

Against all odds, I love the thing. I am at 950 rounds of cheap ammo with accuracy. Well, my accuracy. A man has got to know his limitations.

I did a lot of research on the lock and couldn’t find a single instance of a lock malfunction that caused a failure to fire. From what I could see, it’s a bunch of bored old dudes on the internet that need something to argue about.;)

Correct. But even so, 2 686's same price, same condition, one with the lock, one no lock, which would you choose? Just like pinned and recessed, doesn't do anything except make it more desirable to a broad segment of enthusiasts.

But, seriously, correct. Some say the quality isn't the same, some don't like MIM (metal injection molding) parts, some don't like the frame mounted firing pin. Whatever. If it makes a difference to you, then it is significant choose from the population you want (there are lots of all), if it doesn't, follow Seahawk's advice and choose the one you like best. Seriously, the difference between GP100 and 686 is marginally more significant than a lock vs no-lock 686. You cannot make a bad choice if you get the one you like best, you are deciding between high quality weapons all the way around, get the one you will enjoy most. (Also, a 686 and a 586 are the same firearm 686-stainless, 586-blued steel).

So what oil do you like in your SC?

Internal lock failure does happen One of the major selling points on a wheel gun is that they always go bang when you pull the trigger. It is not by mistake that the pre lock guns are coveted over the ones with the internal lock. If I owned one with it, I would take it to a competent gun smith and have it disabled.

YMMV

Boy I'm glad I live in Texas. Go to gun shop. Drool over guns. Show CHL. Fill out 4473. Fork over money. Leave store with spoon.

Just for giggles looked at Turners Ourdoorsman website.

For a 6" SS Ruger is only $100 less than S&W.

oh look... a 9mm carbine on sale... no, no, no stay on point Scott!

That’s slightly short of compelling, I’ll still take my chances. I still consider my 686+ to be more reliable than any automatic. And coveted doesn’t necessarily reflect true value, Pythons are cool but not really worth what they are selling for either.

Good deal?

Smith & Wesson Model 686 7-shot .38 Special/.357 Magnum

ONLY ~300 rounds through the gun!
Excellent condition, Absolutely NOTHING wrong with the gun!
GREAT DEAL!!!

INCLUDES:
- 2 Speedloaders and Speedloader
- Speedloader Double-Pouch Case
- 24 .357 Magnum Hunting Rounds (each round is ~$1/round)
- Gun Lock & Keyes

INCLUDES ALL ACCESSORIES/AMMO PICTURED!!!

$800

Anyone know how much it cost to do the FFL paperwork?

Yup, that's how it works up here in dark blue Washington State. California is....special.

https://www.gunbroker.com/Pistols/BI.aspx?Keywords=686&Sort=13

Bud's has a 686+ new for $727. I'm not saying it is a bad deal, but I think you'll likely find better if you keep looking.

My vote: Early Smith, Model 27 or 28. Seek a 27-2 or 28-2 or earlier. They are pinned, recessed and the best made Smiths out there.

Steve

Figure $75

Buds have (had?) a separate website with prices for people connected to LEO type jobs, ex soldiers etc. A lot cheaper.

Same here in GA. Happy to let the big city slickers deal with the red tape.

FFL fee here is around $35. In California? $200. (Just kidding).

Yeah, I have seen better deals too (NIB is $769)... guy is about an hour drive away so maybe I will wait.

Unless he comes down on price, I'm going to look up how much a speed loader costs.

great advice. I have a few I like the idea of and many love them but they just dont do it for me after owning. Too cool have such easy access, thats a dream of mine. It gets pretty confusing when s&w makes so many that overlap and are so similar.

For those of you recommending a classic S&W revolver, go look at Gunbroker. You’re likely going to pay quite a bit more than new, short of finding a bargain. That puts them way out of the OP’s price range.

Yes and I'm a city boy and most of my shooting is at the range so I am looking for something that is reasonably fun to shoot that won't break the bank.