686 question

glwt06 · #1 09-22-2011, 10:22 PM

Hi everyone,

I posted earlier about finding this 686 at my LGS. I put some money on the gun and I'm looking forward to getting it out.

I made a payment today on the gun and asked to see it again. The initial excitement of finding the gun has worn off and I thought I could be more critical. The finish is dull in some spots and it has a few nicks in it. The grip panels seem to be a little loose. It looks like it may have been put away wet a few times.

It looks awesome.

Question:

I have been doing a little research here on the gun. It is a 686 no dash. From other members posting here this appears to be a positive thing. What I cannot find out is why.

Is the first model a better gun than later variants or is it merely an issue of having an original model?

Thanks,

Paul

Ashlander · #2 09-22-2011, 10:40 PM

Paul: Nice looking gun. Since it is a "no dash" there is one issue you need to look into. I copied the following text from another forum:

There is one minor thing to look out for if you look at an earlier 686, however. No-dash and dash-1 models were recalled because a few were built with firing pin bushings that can back out under recoil. Guns that have been sent back and fixed were stamped with a letter "M" above the model number under the yoke cut; some later-production guns actually got the correct firing pin bushing at the factory and were "M"-stamped before they were shipped. However, I understand that S&W has recently stopped "M"-stamping guns. If you find a no-dash or dash-1 with no "M" stamp, a quick call to S&W customer service with the serial number will tell you whether it's been fixed.

Not a big deal, but something to check out. Good luck.

AveragEd · #3 09-22-2011, 10:41 PM

I have several no-dash 686s - they are super guns. A lot of people see value in a first-design while others feel the later versions are better. I suppose it could be said that the most desirable 686s are the -3 and -4 guns as they have the most upgrades but still have forged triggers, hammers and cylinder releases and don't have the hated internal lock but again, that's a matter of opinion.

The only cautionary thing I'll mention about a no-dash 686 is if the update has been done, which can be verified by an "M" stamped between the model number and serial number. There were some problems with the guns being hard to open after firing hot magnum loads, usually 125-grain ammo, that the update corrected. But if you don't plan on shooting that type of ammo, it's a moot point.

I know you'll enjoy your new gun!

Ed

Oops - Paul beat me to it!

lhump1961 · #4 09-22-2011, 10:41 PM

The earlier models of course were pre-lock along with a few other features that have since been changed. As for if it is for the better or worse that is personal opinion...they all shoot. But if you like pre-lock, flash chromed hammer and trigger, hammer mounted firing pin, and no MIM parts then the earlier models are for you. The no dash and the dash 1 had a recall based on some binding with certain ammo if remember correctly...don't remember what ammo that was though.(Federal?)

I have a dash 1 that I have never sent in for the recall as I have had no problems with it. If yours was done then it will have an "M" stamped by the model #. I personally prefer the earlier models...the later ones would clash with my 66's!

scooter123 · #5 09-22-2011, 10:46 PM

IMO it's mainly the appeal of the first issue. Fact is that the no dashes were recalled due to problems with the firing pin bushing. If the one you are purchasing has an "M" stamped inside the yoke cut that means that it's had the recall service work done on it. If it hasn't had the service there is a small possibility that you could find the cylinder tying up when shooting 357 Magnums.

IIRC the problem was the hole in the firing pin bushing was large enough to allow the primer to "flow" into the hole and tie up the cylinder. The fix was a slightly smaller diameter firing pin and a slightly smaller hole in the bushing.

Finally, if it hasn't had the recall service done on it and you would like that to happen. I would suggest that you give S&W's customer service a call. Can't say it's guaranteed but I did read a while back that S&W is still doing the recall service on the 686 no dashes.

glwt06 · #6 09-22-2011, 10:55 PM

Thanks for the answers. The best I can recall is the gun was not stamped with an "M". The yoke only had the model and serial number.

If it runs well, I may just leave it be. If the recall can still be serviced, I might do it just for the sake of value. I only plan on reloading / shooting 38's on steel so it may not be an issue.

Again, thanks for the replies.

Paul

lhump1961 · #7 09-22-2011, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glwt06

Thanks for the answers. The best I can recall is the gun was not stamped with an "M". The yoke only had the model and serial number.

If it runs well, I may just leave it be. If the recall can still be serviced, I might do it just for the sake of value. I only plan on reloading / shooting 38's on steel so it may not be an issue.

Again, thanks for the replies.

Paul

I think averaEd got it right on the ammo. I have put many 158gr .357 loads down my dash 1 without the recall. This doesn't mean much to another 686 because some obviously needed the fix. I don't put the light grain high pressure loads in any of my .357's but I shoot mostly shorter barrels and K frames. Plus I see no reason to beat the snot out of any my guns with full throttle ammo.

You will like the 686 any way you go.

TDC · #8 09-23-2011, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glwt06

Thanks for the answers. The best I can recall is the gun was not stamped with an "M". The yoke only had the model and serial number.

If it runs well, I may just leave it be. If the recall can still be serviced, I might do it just for the sake of value. I only plan on reloading / shooting 38's on steel so it may not be an issue.

Again, thanks for the replies.

Paul

Good thinking, Paul....

Some people see the word "recall" and immediately think the worse...

Reality here is the problem as described does exist but it has only occurred on a small percentage of the early 686s sold.

The gun was primarily targeted to the law enforcement community and occasional malfunctions were reported there. As can be imagined NO potential and identifiable malfunctions can be tolerated in a handgun that could easily end up in "fire fight" situation. To S&Ws credit, all L frames from that era have been recalled.

Many people have shot them without mishap for decades without the modification. I believe the modification is still available free of charge to anyone wishing to have it done....

williamlayton · #9 09-23-2011, 09:14 PM

I bought a 586 that had the recall on it.
S&W sent me a shipping label and I mailed it in. Got it back about a month later.
The hole where the fireing pin goes thru is no smaller and the fireing pin is shorter.
My understanding from S&W was the punctureing of primers and flow causing them to lock up---on some.
Anywho--I'm a happy camper.
Blessings

cptdco · #10 09-23-2011, 09:51 PM

Nice looking example of a great model. The L frames are a fine platform for the .357 caliber and I don't know if the no-dash is any more desirable as a shooter, but it certainly isn't any less desirable. You mentioned a few dull spots on the finish. If you like, a little time with a rag and some polish will give it a nice overall smoothness without going too far from the original matte finish, and will blend in the scratches somewhat...part of the beauty of the stainless steel guns. Fixing your loose grip panels might be nothing more then tightening the grip screw. They look like they are original to the gun. Nice grain on the grips. I have nine no-dash L frames...a couple with the M but most without and I've never had a problem. congratulations on your purchase and enjoy it.

Tracer_Bullet · #11 09-23-2011, 09:57 PM

I don't know that one engineering change is any better than another, but I can tell you that my battered old ex-police 686(M) shoots like a laser beam with every ammo I have tried and kicks about like a cap gun with .38 wadcutters. A great all-around revolver. I do like some of the later models that had a pinned front sight that could be swapped out, but am very happy with mine overall. Congrats on purchasing a fine revolver that will give you many years of enjoyment.

686targets.jpg

one eye joe · #12 09-23-2011, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glwt06

Thanks for the answers. The best I can recall is the gun was not stamped with an "M". The yoke only had the model and serial number.

If it runs well, I may just leave it be. If the recall can still be serviced, I might do it just for the sake of value. I only plan on reloading / shooting 38's on steel so it may not be an issue.

Again, thanks for the replies.

Paul

Leave the gun as is, if all you're planning to do is clang steel w/ .38Spl. Not all of the early 686s even had the problem shooting .357s. If it was a CCW or HD weapon, I would do the mod as your life may depend on it. For your purpose, you should be fine.....