Posted: 3/7/2007 11:40:26 AM EDT
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Given comparable condition, which 1980s model 686 is the most valuable 2.5", 3", or 4"? Or is the difference in rarity/value negligible? ETA: current listings haven't yielded anything concrete. |
are you sure CS-1 guns were made for Customs? the reason I ask, is that I managed to trade for one of these locally (I traded a year old 686 for it). I don't doubt you (hell, I heard it here from someone else), but when I mentioned this little tidbit to the dealer from whom I traded it..he gave me the  look.fwiw, he's a good friend of mine, but not necessarily the most knowledgeable person when it comes to revolvers (he's more of a rifle man). |
Yes they were built on contract for U.S.Customs, but some did make it into commercial circulation. Certainly Customs spec'd the dull finish, pinned black front ramp sight and the round butt. I would not call them "rare" as I have seen several over the years, but you can bet that NO US Government handguns will get back into commercial channels ever. (they have not sold off any for many decades and even retiring agents do not get to keep their issue sidearms) So I am now seeing the CS-1 guns start to bring better prices compared to standard 686s in similar condition. I have never seen any approximate figure on the number of commercially released CS-1s and I doubt S&W would ever give out the number that Customs contracted for. |
They also made some 6 inchers just like it...about 2876 or so it is believed. If you have box and all papers, etc. hang on to them. Nothing wrong in my book with shooting nice revolvers. I have two P&R M27s I shoot and a little flat latch M36 no dash from the 1950s I ankle carry sometimes...all beautiful examples of the gunbuilders art. |