just bought a 586 no dash.. haven't received it yet, but appears to be in excellent condition.. just came across something on another forum stating that there is a problem with this model. something about the hammer nose, etc that resulted in a recall..

is this something i need to have addressed as soon as i get the gun.. was very disappointed to read this..

should i just enjoy it until something happens? will S&W do recall work on something 20 yrs after the recall if it has not been fixed..

any information appreciated... i'm hoping this is misinformation or falls into the "no big deal category"

The issue with the primer flowback into the firing pin hole only seems to occur when using very hot magnum loads.When you get the gun check in the crane, and if there is an "M" stamped above the model number your gun has already been back for the recall work. Many folks have never had any issues with their x86 guns and have not sent them in. I had an old 681-1 that I used to abuse with super hot hand loads and it never showed any signs of a problem. Shoot it first, if you have an issue give S&W a call, they will take care of the shipping and the work on their dime. No worries.

__________________
Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

i'm not a "see how hot you can make your loads" kinda guy... it will be a range gun for me... i like the idea of shooting it until there is a problem and hoping there never will be one..

I have a 686 no dash, It needs to be sent back, last time I was at the range I was shooting 357 loads and had the primer flow back problem.. They 14.5grns of 2400, 158LSWC jammed the gun up and I thought it was the non mag primers I was using but they worked fine in my M28 and M13. I was telling my brother about it and he told me about the recall.. I never had this problem with 38s or my normal range load in 357 or factory loads..

The problem manifests seemingly with 125 grain hollowpoint .357 mag loads like the hot Remington load. Other 125's may do this too. If you shoot a box or so without any problems, then it is probably not necessary to send back.

__________________
Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

"SMITH & WESSON
MODEL 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1,
586-1, 681-1, 686-1 & 686CS-1, REVOLVERS

RECALL: Reports have been received from the field where the combination of a SMITH & WESSON L-FRAME 357 MAGNUM REVOLVER and some .357 Magnum ammunition has resulted in unacceptable cylinder binding. L-frame revolvers bearing model numbers:

581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1,
681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1

Cylinder binding can cause a failure to fire. Mishandling a revolver while freeing the cylinder can result in accidental discharge.

Cylinder binding can result from a number of causes, including characteristics of an individual revolver or the use of ammunition, which does not conform to industry pressure specifications or is particularly fast burning. Recent developments in ammunition manufacture emphasize the production of .357 Magnum ammunition with increased velocity and greater primer sensitivity.

Although there have been very few reported incidents of cylinder binding, in view of our concern for our customer's safety and the reliability of Smith & Wesson products in all circumstances, we issue the following warning:

In a situation where a failure to fire can be critical - such as law enforcement or personal protection - do not use .357 Magnum ammunition with an L-frame revolver bearing model numbers 581, 586, 681, 686 or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number until you have had the revolver modified.

Those who need to use their L-frame revolver under these conditions prior to modification can safely fire .38 Special caliber ammunition.

Smith & Wesson has developed a modification to improve existing L-frame revolvers. This improvement enables them to fire all .357 Magnum ammunition, without cylinder binding. Shipments of L-frame revolvers from our factory after August 21, 1987 already include this improvement.

You can check if your revolver includes this improvement by looking at the left side of the frame when the cylinder is fully open. If your revolver has been stamped either with a "2" or higher number after the basic three-digit model number or with an "M" above the model number, your revolver includes this improvement and does not need modification. If your revolver bears the model number 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number, it does not include this improvement and your should have your revolver modified.

Smith & Wesson will modify your L-frame revolver free of charge to eliminate the possibility of cylinder binding with .357 Magnum ammunition. Law enforcement agencies wishing to arrange for modification of L-frame revolvers should call 800-458-8469 between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M. Eastern time (MA residents call 413-734-8244). Other users should send their revolvers to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Service Center, specifying "L-frame improvement program" and enclosing their name and return address.

One of the modifications to improve the L-frame revolver is the installation of a new hammer nose. This obsoletes all old L-frame hammer noses (part numbers 4702 and 7513) and all old L-frame hammer assemblies (part numbers 3366, 3378, 3380, 3382, 3391, 4722, 4723, 4726 and 4728) in field parts inventories. Superseded parts should never be fitted into a modified revolver as this may result in malfunction. It is essential for safety that you return these obsolete L-frame hammer noses and obsolete L-frame hammer assemblies for a free exchange to:

Smith & Wesson
Service Department
2100 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, MA 01101

Do not return L-frame hammer-nose bushings from your spare parts inventory inasmuch as they are useable in J, N and K-frame revolvers, which are not included in this Product Warning.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Smith & Wesson's first concern is the safety of its products and the protection of its customers.

Source:

Shotgun News November 1, 1989; page ?

Guns & Ammo, December 1987; page 6"

Thanks.

Good theory if you never have to depend on it to save your life. Why take the chance? S&W will fix it for free.

I just contacted them yesterday about my 686 no-dash. They sent me a reply with a link to request a shipping label from them.

I'm curious about the updated hammer nose. I have a new forged, color case-hardened target trigger and hammer set I wanted them to install while they had the gun. They gave me a quote of $30 to install them but didn't mention that mine may not be compatible with the gun after the update is done. How would I be able to determine if they are the "old" or "new" style? Are those part numbers on the parts somewhere?

Ed

You know, that logic is just a little too sound to argue with. When it arrives, if it hasn't already been done, i'll send it back for them to make it right...

thanks to all for the info.

Agreed. I bought a used no dash 6" 686 that hasn't had the work done, either. I just got my return label today so it will be shipping back to S&W next week. I wonder if they'll inspect the gun beyond the usual recall work, just to make sure it's safe to use? Anyone know if that is the case for sure? I may put a note with the gun asking them to check it over and adjust if necessary....I wouldn't mind paying for it as long as it didn't get crazy expensive....

Warner

I have a 581 without the recall stamp.

By the looks of her she has seen thousands of rounds and years of holster wear. I've put through a couple hundred rounds with no issues.

I am almost afraid to send her in. The trigger is the smoothest of any S+W that I have owned.

But... it will be a primary HD/IDPA gun.

The whole point of ownng an L frame is to shoot hot rounds when feeling froggy.

Morally, if I ever pass this gun onto another unsuspecting buyer and something terrible happened, I would be devestated. So she'll be sent it very soon...

My local gun shop has a 681 no dash in much better condition without the stamp. Decent price, but the aggravation might not be worth it...

I believe either way you go is fine. But I'll chime in on the "don't fix if not broken."

I have a 686-1 with no mod that I have been using for 30 years. Never a hint of a problem. (This revolver always brings home the bacon, literally.)

I never have cared for 125 grain bullets, and I don't depend on it for my safety. Not worth the trouble to me to send it in.

Well, 9 days after FedEx came to my house to pick up the 686 to go back for the recall work, I got my gun back. It came back to my house yesterday with the "M" stamped onto the frame to signify that the "magnum" recall had been done.

And maybe it's just my imagination or wishful thinking, but it seems to be a little tighter than it was when I sent it to them. Pretty good service and product support for a gun that was originally purchased (not by me) almost 30 years ago.

Warner

I recently bought a 586 no dash and my gunsmith is doing the bushing, hammer nose, re-blue, and a new front sight.
It appeared as though it had been carried but the rifling was sharp and the lock-up was fine.
Oh, it's getting new Altamont super rosewood grips too, the old ones were a little worn.
So in the end I'll have a like new no dash without the M mark but with the improved bushing and hammer nose. As a bonus the trigger is real sweet.
I haven't even shot it yet but am looking forward to it when I get it back.

Im late to the party, but this advice is just too good not to comment on.

The ONLY way I'd go with the "shoot it and fix it when it happens" mantra is if that gun would NEVER be used in self defense. Meaning it is a STRICT range/competition gun.