On Mon, 22 Jun 2015 07:56:31 -0400, Justan Olphart
wrote:

Looking at an ad which says in part "typical 686 rear sight a little
messed up"

Anyone know the specifics of what that might mean?

===

Yes.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764964_-1_757798_757797_757797_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

Probably the rear sight has been damaged in some way.