Jack & OP,
Or, we might also ask question 3>. Are you going to trust you family's life, or even your own life with a 686 (or any gun) that has had documented "lock up" problems. You can do a SEARCH here on our forum about "Lock ups" & see what has actually happened. Sure a "lock up" is far & few in between. May never happen to you, or anyone you know. I just could not trust that potential situation. If your gun is for "Target practice" & its not for self defense "why care"? As a retired LEO with 31 years of LE work, i have to be sure my weapon will fire every time. No, S&W will not work on your weapon even under Warranty if the IL is removed. You can always put it back in before sending it up. Best of luck & I hope your weapon fires Every Time.
Carl

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Retired FBI Agent