I just picked up a used 686 in perfect condition at a gun show this morning only to be confused by some post when I went to look on line for the instruction manual.
On the left side of the frame it has the serial # and then below that is m686-1.
Does this mean that it was already modified so I don't need to send it back to S&W for the recall? Someone told me that I do need to send it back because the "M" needs to be in the space between the serial # and model #.
No. If your Model 686 -1 has no "M" it has not been back to S&W for the firing pin bushing replacement. The -1 means it is the first engineering change to this model gun.
Congrats on your new purchase. Both the no-dash and the dash 1s were subject to the recall. The update was built into the dash 2s. You can check the FAQs if you'd like, there is a copy of the recall notice put out by S&W. And there have been a number of threads on the subject. I have several no-dash L frames that have never been modified and never had any trouble with them. All are great shooters.
I also have a no dash 686 unmodified, I spoke with the local repair station, Bolsa Gunsmithing, and we discussed this. Some in the group need it and some don't. The owner said that they will replace the bushing on all that are sent/brought in, but if you've shoot a fair amount of magnum loads and don't have a problem you won't. He said most they changed out during the rush where just fine. The problem was S&W knew a batch of bad bushings went into production, but couldn't isolate them and had to recall all.
I understand the -1 had the M modification, only the plain 58x/68x guns needed it.
The -1 was also subject to the modification. The -2 change was the modification.
Quote:
Originally Posted by log man
…The problem was S&W knew a batch of bad bushings went into production, but couldn't isolate them and had to recall all.
I am curious where you heard/read that. It was more a growing pain of the new L-frames. The recall tells armorers not to send back the L-frame bushings they have in inventory because they can still be used in K & N frames.