Model 676 Questions

[woodstock]

In my search for a 929, I found a model 676 with the 4.5" barrel for sale at a local pawn store. Serial number prefix is AU***** (1980?). Finish is at least 95% or better with some minor marks on it. There is no box and it only comes with the 22 wmrf cylinder. He has a price of $300 on it but said he would deal if I was serious. I know this is high but what would a fair price actually be? Is it hard to find 22 LR cylinders? Thanks!

[jim ritchie]

woodstock,
I have posted on your threads elsewhere.
$ 300 is pretty pricey for a 676 with no box, and only the mag cylinder.
I have 8 H&R convertibles.
I have paid over $ 300 for some of them, but, they all had origial box, both cylinders, and excellent condition.
The 4.5" barrel is probably the 2nd hardest to find, behind the 12" model, so that probably helps the value a little.
I would have to talk him down a ways before he sold it to me.
And yes, I still stand behind my statement that lr cylinders are much harder to find than the mag cylinders!

Here's one for you to take a look at, nice piece, decent price!

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=223661105

Great revolvers, good luck with this one, or any other you may find.
If I can help, I will share what little knowledge I posess!
Jim

ps I just checked my files. Out of all 5 model 686's I have, which is the new improved 676, with fully adjustable sights, all 1980 pieces. The most I paid is $ 305 for the 12" model.
These were all bought in 2007, and 2008. so the value may have risen a little.
There is a 676 with 5,5" barrel listed on auction right now for $ 299 both cylinders, original box, appears excellent. You see them at this price pretty often.
You should talk him down at least $ 50, or continue loking IMO.
Here's a pic of my model 686 4.5"
Bought in June 2007 $ 225

[woodstock]

Thanks for the advice! I will try to talk him down to under $250 and walk away if he doesn't want to budge. I really like the 4.5" barrel and put that on my want list if this one falls through. I compared it to a colt frontier he had and I think I like the H&R a little better. Plus the $500 dollar difference was helping me a little . I may be more happy with the 686. Either way, there is a gun show this weekend so I will see if anything turns up there before I make a move.
By the way, how does your 686 shoot? Does it like the 22 mag over the 22 LR?

Thanks again!

[32 Magnum]

I know Jim Ritchie is having some problems with his computer - so let me say, from MY experience, the 676 model that I shoot or others that I have shot -- seem to have an accuracy advantage with the .22 MAG cartridges.  Other's may have differing results. 

[jim ritchie]

woodstock,
Sorry I haven't replied sooner.
My computer has been down.
I agree with 32 magnum, the magnums seem to shoot slightly better than the lr cylinder.
It's really not a noticeable difference though, at least not for someone with my limited skills!
I just really like the WMRF, bigger bang you know!
For killing cans, you just can't beat the price of long rifle ammo, the mags get expensive fast.
I am very happy with all my convertibles, I'm sure they don't have competition accuracy, but, I don't have competition talent!
I don't have any 676's, but my 649's have the same sights, and I must say, that I really prefer the fully adjustable sights of the 686, over the windage only sights of the other models!
I can't really speak about the 4 5/8 barrel as that is the one I have fired the least, except the 10" which I have yet to shoot at all
Jim

Here's more pics of my convertibles

Model 686 5.5" 1980


Model 686 7.5" 1980


Model 686 10" 1982


Model 686 12" 1980


Model 649 5.5" 1980


Model 649 7.5" 1980


Model 650 1980

[woodstock]

No problem Jim! Computer problems are a pain. I went back to the guy and told him that I wasn't interested in anything more than $250 and he said he'd think about it. My buddy went by the store and said it is still in the used gun case so I may let him stew on it for a few more days and see if he budges. If not, no big deal, there is another gun show this weekend! By the way, those are great pictures of fantastic pistols! I think I prefer the adjustable sights too. Thanks for sharing!

[jim ritchie]

Let us know if you get it!
Pics too!