Thanks for the input everyone! I found a 686-1 listed locally and spoke to the guy on the phone about it. He said that he has never abused a revolver, knows about the checkout procedure, and said his is a good one. The screws aren't perfect in the pictures, which I asked him about, and he said he thinks its because some previous owner perhaps opened it up for cleaning
...at this point maybe I should just accept the fact that I'll be buying new screws if I end up with a used revolver.
I'd be tossing in a VX1 3-9x40 that I got for free a year ago (the SWFA photography contest) and $100 cash. I think its worth it considering I'm only in the CZ $415, and I really have no use for the VX1. He's including 250rds of factory 38spl, a leather OWB holster, two speed loaders, and a leather caddy for the speed loaders. He said the stocks are period correct, NOS and that they cost him $100. Vintage grips seem to go for a little less from what I can see on eBay, but some have sold previously for over $120.
Pictures:
Most importantly, he said it hasn't had any trigger work done that he is aware of..I'm about to send him a message asking if the hammer drops when he pushes on it with his finger off the trigger..hopefully it checks out, it sounds better than the last one. We are meeting tomorrow afternoon or potentially Tuesday.
If it doesn't work out, I'm thinking I'll just pick up a new 686+. That way there's no BS with the infamous "previous owner", and everything will be supposedly perfect. Although I'm sure people have gripes with the new guns beyond the lock...maybe you folks could fill me in on what exactly stinks about a new Smith compared to an old one beyond the new lock?
Cheers,
-TNG