I'm quite new here and to S&W revolvers. I have the opportunity to get a 4" 686 no-dash. It doesn't have the M above the model number. I've read the recall, but I'm unclear as to whether it has to have the M, or if it is okay if the first number in the serial number is a two or higher. Will S&W still honor the fix for this for a 20+ year-old gun? The serial # is Axx5xxx

Thanks

Welcome!!

I too just picked up a 4 inch 686 no dash that was not sent back for the recall. As long as the hammer nose(firing pin)does not stick in the bushing during dry fire or you have trouble with ammo not firing your gun is fine. If I remember correctly the recall was issued on the no dash and -1 revolvers in 1985 or '86. If this 686 does have issues with it S&W will still fix it free. I have seen 686's in the serial number range for the recall work just fine. Some don't.

Like stated above S&W will still fix them for free. I have one that has not had problem but it can occur especially with a lot of full load magnum rounds fired in one session very close together.

Even though I haven't had any problems with mine I'm thinking of sending it in for the rework.

The primer flowback problem that the recall was meant to address only occurred with Federal ammo loaded with a lighter bullet at high velocities. It wasn't anything widespread, there were a limited number of occurrences.

In my opiinion, S&W did the recall only to error on the side of liability caution and for damage control to their reputation in the LE market. They had a lot at stake with not wanting to have the L-Frames being perceived as being unsafe/unreliable for LE use, when LE sales were begining to be eroded by the 9mm pistol.

I have a 586 and 686 no dash without the mod, and had a 686 no dash with the mod.... no problems what so ever with ones without the mod in the 20 or so years I've had them, ingesting a variety of ammo, including the Remington and Winchester ammo that were equivalent to the Federal loading.

I would not let the fact that a recall was issued 20 years ago dissuade you from purchasing AND using it.

I would hazzard to guess that there are more running around without the mod than with, and working just fine.

As previously stated, the recall was for the no dash and -1 versions. I purchased a 686 new in the early 80's, sent it back for the recall last year. Contact S&W customer service, they will email you a pre-paid shipping label. Mine was gone less than 3 weeks, no cost to me.

I sent my 581 back to S&W about two months ago. I had it back in my hands in two weeks.

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on a great gun, with or without the M. Like the posters above, my no-dash L frames work fine without being modified, but I admit to using mostly 158 grain ammunition. There is a copy of S&Ws original recall notice in the FAQ thread if you're interested in reading it.

I have a 6" 586 no dash that I bought in 1985 or 1986 and a 4" 586 no dash that I bought about 6 months ago. Neither has been modified and both function flawlessly. I have used the 686 in USPSA since new. It must have somehwere over 5000 rounds through it with never a problem. I have no intention of sending either of them back at this time. If you like it and are otherwise satisfied with the deal, buy it. You can always sned it in if you believe it needs it.

If your life may depend on this handgun, the recall work needs to be done ! S & W will inspect and replace the hammer nose rivet, hammer nose and bushing free of charge. Mine had issues with Remington 158 gr SJHP ammo.

I have a 581, a 586, a 681, 2 686s, and a CS-1. Only the CS-1 is modified. I shoot 158 gr. LSWCHPs in them, .38 +p. Never a problem. The guys who shoot the death ray 125s seemed to have problems. I don't intend to send mine in; hardly ever shoot them.

"The primer flowback problem that the recall was meant to address only occurred with Federal ammo loaded with a lighter bullet at high velocities."

Not true. I bought 4 inch and 6 inch M-686's when they first hit town. My 6 incher worked fine but the 4 incher would lock up with Federal 125's, Winchester 145 Silvertips and CCI's in both 125 and 158 grain bullet weights.

The firing pin and bushing issue wasn't diagnosed yet. There were law enforcement teletype notices going around blaming the problem on Winchester's then-new Silvertip ammo, but I had seen others besides mine lock up with other ammo. My dealer sent my 4 inch back to the factory and it was returned with a notice that it was "in spec." It still locked up. I don't think they shot it as it was spanking clean upon return, just like when it left.

I spoke to the law enforcement managers at both S&W and Winchester. They both hemmed and hawwed and were reluctant to blame each other or accept blame for their own products. Both said that they had reproduced the failures, but had found what they thought might have been 'out-of-spec' issues with the guns or ammo that did it for them, but wouldn't say what they were.

My dealer swapped my 4 incher for another new one that didn't do it when I tried it out.

The firing pin/bushing problem was diagnosed a few months later and the recall notice was issued. I returned my 4 inch but not my 6 inch, as the longer one was just for target games.

A good friend bought a nice blue 4 inch 586 at about the same time. His still has never failed, but he hasn't shot it much. He still says he intends to return it some day!

I would do it just to deny Murphy the opportunity to raise his head at a bad moment.

I just started or learned about the recall on the no dash and 1.. does S & W repair still?

Welcome to the forum.
As far as I know they will still do it. Look on their website and get the customer service number and give them a call.