Help me evaluate a S&W 686 Plus Pro Series

[Savago]

Gentlemen

As I've mentioned in an earlier post, I'm planning to buy a revolver to add to my small collection.

After the feedback received from this forum, I've set my mind in a S&W 686 (instead of the Ruger).

Just found a nice 686 Plus Pro series for 700 bucks about 1h30m from my home, from a Calguns forum member.

The information I got:
a) Less than 100 shots down the pipe.
b) Includes manual/box and 2 moonclips.
c) No scratches or details.

The model is (5in, SS, capacity 7, 357 magnum/38special, adjustable sights):
https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/performance-center-pro-series-model-686-plus

And you can find photos of the gun here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1U8ZAXNRm2aj5IPrssMO05WJ03zKpflmE?usp=sharing

Judging by the photos, anything that draws attention? Any other information I should ask? Maybe any other angle that I should ask for photos?

[Gavin_Sons]

Very nice clean gun. Can you get it for less than 600 bucks?

[Savago]

@Gavins: Dunno. I will try to talk the price down, but the owner seems pretty stuck at 700.
 

[Jess from VA]

That revolver in 5" is a dandy and should be fine with low use.  

You always want to check the bore, and the cylinder yoke function (swings out, locks up tight, ejector rod not bent), wiggle cylinder when locked up should also be tight, obvious scratches, and the sights haven't been whacked.  A bit of a turn line is to be expected (not much on stainless).

That straight up patridge front sight is better than a ramp for sighting, but can make holsters an issue (you don't want to be dragging the sight on the holster all the time).

That said, never forget to ask a seller if he has a holster and is throwing it in.  If you want a holster, make sure it is designed for that front sight.

The $700 looks pretty fair to me.  Here's what new ones are going for (and CA is probably always higher than nationwide averages).

https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/178038

You'll want 5-15 more moon clips.  https://tkcustom.com/products/swl686x7-025-ss  (7's always cost more than 6's)

I'd have to get some VZ G10 grips for it.

The Smith Pro series guns are supposedly about halfway between regular production and Performance Center.    (actually, today, they're all just production) (and lifetime warranty)

[Savago]

An update: sealed the deal today, now got wait 10 days to be able to pickup the gun!
 

Had to drive 1h30m from home to find a gunshop that is still open and would do the private transfer (PPT).

[Gavin_Sons]

10 days  i can walk out same day of buying a gun. Snd don't have to have an FFL dealer transfer guns if buying from a private seller.

[Jess from VA]

We can still make private transfers in VA.................. until 1 July.   

[Savago]

10 days  i can walk out same day of buying a gun. Snd don't have to have an FFL dealer transfer guns if buying from a private seller.

Must be amazing!

Here, we got work with the anti-gun Commiefornia law.
 

[Tundra]

Looks like a nice find, still in the original oiled paper with original box and manual. Well worth the price. Relax and rest assured you bought a quality gun at as fair price. Enjoy!!

I believe I've seen them at shows for close to $900 bucks without the original box and manual.

[Savago]

California has a law that requires background checks to buy ammo.

The State law was disputed in court for years and yesterday finally a Judge decided it was a violation of the 2th amendment and ordered that people should be allowed to buy ammo without background checks.

I woke up early today and was preparing an order from an online shop for some boxes of 357 magnum and 38 special for my new S&W 686.

At the checkout, the website said they couldn't ship to my home (keep in mind we are under 'shelter-in-place' orders in whole California and all gun shops in the SF Bay Area are closed).

I thought it was weird (maybe the website isn't updated with the Judge's decision?), then after a quick research, learned this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4X4ShodNys

Basically at dark night, in a Friday, the 9th Circuit district grants an "Emergency" stay requiring background checks again.

[Jess from VA]

That guy in the video does a poor job covering legal issues.

Judge Benitez' 120 page injunction against ammo background checks remains as sterling legal reasoning.  (but now on hold)

The Ninth circuit emergency stay of that injunction, is only to return to status quo, until an appeal by the CA Attorney General can be heard by the Ninth Circuit.  The Ninth Circuit would not (normally) simply affirm Judge Benitez' injunction without giving CA a right to be heard in it's appeal.  

I do not know all the procedural particulars of an emergency stay in a Federal Circuit Court.  Presumably, the CA attorney general had to make some kind of argument that Judge Benitez' injunction was in error.  

I also do not know if the formal appeal of Judge Benitez' injunction will be heard by one, three or a larger panel of the Ninth Circuit judges. (probably not yet decided)

I am, however, absolutely certain that living in the State of California (and a few others) should be intolerable and repugnant to any US citizen who believes in the US Constitution.

I also think DJT should move Judge Benitez from the US District to the Ninth Circuit at the earliest opportunity.

[h13man]

I'm a big fan of the .357 as far as performance and very cheap to reload. After reading about the "Moon Clips" I thought WTH so with a quick research and came up with this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSbPBxQ1OqM