Need imput from forum members concerning the need to send revolver back for firing pin modification. Just got this revolver and it does not have M marking. Any members have revolvers not having this modification. I am a little concerned sending revolver back to Smith-Wesson. Please help me in deciding what I should do.

Thanks

My 586-1 hasn't been back and I shoot 158 gr 38 specials and magnums through it with no problem.

I have a M686 and a M686-1 that has not been back and they have never had a problem. But I don't use them for a carry gun.

Why concerned about sending it back to S&W? It is a free warranty repair, and if you ask, they will probably give you a shipping label.

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NRA Life Member

I would use the gun with any and all loads that you might use (particularly full Federal .357s, which by reputation have the softest primers). If it locks up, you have the justification to have the modification done; if not, I wouldn't.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

have sent my 586 back last year
for the same thing had it back in week and 1/2
mine would bind up shooting mag loads
all s good now
good luck

How can one tell if the revolver has been to S&W for the recall?
Is a no dash 681 included in this recall?

The M is located on the yolk recess, under the barrel on the frame with the cylinder swung out. Any 580/680 series gun that is less than a -2 is included.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I got in touch with Smith-Wesson today. They said they will
send a shipping label to send back for the modification. They
also said the gun does not have a life time warranty but will
honor the recall.

I'll have to see about mine, thanks.

The only M I could find was in MOD681.

Mike from St Pete,

The M would be stamped above the Mod 681 stamping.
If one has Mod 681 or Mod 681-1 with out the M above it
has not had the recall done. I am sending mine out tomarrow
for the recall modification. They sent me a shipping label.

I have two Model 586's,
One has the "M" stamp like this in the Yoke.
The other one does not,



I am in the "If it aint broke dont fix it" camp....
On the other hand you will get a free inspection and maybe a slight tune up.

Good luck and post pics of the new "M" stamp when you get it back.

When returning a handgun to S&W is there a need for an FFL to send/receive the package?
S&W's customer service is sending out a label to my house, no printer here. They also said they could give it a once over for a charge. Sounds like a fair deal to me.
I've been searching and ran across all the horror stories on shippers.
Thanks for any info you all can provide, mike from st pete

When returning a handgun to S&W is there a need for an FFL to send/receive the package.

I sent one back and no FFL required in KY. All states may not be the same. Call S&W and ask.

Does anyone know if they replace the cylinder as part of the recall?
Also would they or could they touch up a couple of spots of blue wear on the muzzle for a charge or would a complete reblue be needed?

Cylinder is not replaced in the recall.

As the 681 is a stainless revolver, there's no bluing to replace. S&W could sandblast it (for a fee) of course.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

I sent my 586 in in January, took 3 weeks.
S&W sends a good set of instructions with the shipping label. They used FEDEX with mine and were very specific about where it could be shipped from. No drop boxes, no Fedex Kinkos stores.
And they can ship to your house, at least in Wisconsin, but there must be someone over 21 years old to sign for it.
After I got the return shipping tracking number from Smith, I had to ask for it, since I'm not home in the daytime,I checked for the delivery attempt and then called to have them hold it for me at their facility. That was easiest for me.
Greg

Smith-Wesson recieved my 681 on March 9th.
They replaced the hammer nose and bushing.
I recieved the revolver today March 20th. Eleven day
turn around. They stamped the M modification above
Model 681. Going to range tomarrow.

Never thought to check my 681 for the "M" stamp Think I'll do that right now. Do they send a label for return?

Edit: oops, yes they do. Ahh the gun's been fine, maybe I'll just leave as is. Thanks for the info.

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Sure you did

I agree, would not send in if you have not had a problem.
Mine hung up twice at two different range outings. It freed
up with just a tug on the hammer. Was shooting magnums
when it happened. This is my HD piece so I thought I might
as well send it in.

Just checked mine, it has the mod. Thanks for bringing this up.

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Sure you did

I sent my revolver for the recall last week. FEDEX tracker has the package received 3/16.
So, by hsmith9491's turn around I should be seeing 3/27 for return.

Sent my no dash 686 back to S&W for the mod and got it back in about three weeks. Had to hone down some metal burrs on the firing pin hole because it was rubbing against the cartridges in the cylinder and hanging up. Got a 681 no dash and have not sent it back.

I got my 681 used several years back. I noticed that it wasn't carrying up on two cylinders so I piggy backed the recall with a request to fix it. They sent a shipping label, replaced the ratchet and hand-did the modification and returned it within two weeks. No charge.
I'm good with that

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Forum consigliere

Just got mine back. 3/16 to 3/28 quick service from S&W.
Next stop will be the range, which may be a longer time than the trip to S&W.

IF it's a range gun, I wouldn't bother. IF it's a SD/HD weapon, I would do it. Your life could depend on it.

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I just got this gun, and I need all the info for good shooting, I shot it for the first time with Federals .357 can I put .38's same brand in the gun as well? and what does the B7 stamping mean?

Welcome to the forum. .38 Specials of any brand and loading will work fine, the case is slightly shorter but all other dimensions compared to a .357 are the same. .38s will be cheaper in general also.

The B7 is likely a factory internal code, from assembly or fitting. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Got the trusty 686-1 to the range last week after 20 years. Last time I fired it. Due to lots of rifle enthusiasts - the wife and I were forced to fire from the firing line at targets placed at 25 yards - way to far I think. At any rate - loaded up the revolver with 38 special - and fired at the target - all on a 11 in by 8 1/2 grid. Wife did the same - no hits. Loaded up with Remington 125 gr JSP - again - 6 hits on target - all within a 4 inch radius surrounding the BE. Wife loaded up - one shot - scared to death. I fired the remaining 5 and once again within the 4 inch radius. Also fired 380 ACP Bersa, 9 mm Ruger, and 30-06 Remington semi-auto - not a good day except for the dead-eye S&W 686-1. My point - no mod on this 1986 vintage version. I suppose that one day I should send it back for the MOD but it keeps on tickin. Any Thoughts! Incidentally - at 7 meters (21.5 feet) - the old trusty would put 6 holes in a 1 inch circle - that's why I call it DEADEYE!

NRA sanctioned outdoor pistol matches are commonly fired @ a distance of 25 yards. The "Army-L Pistol Target" is the 25 yard target used to qualify applicants for Concealed Carry permits in many states, including my own.

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I have a 686-1 that was never sent back for the modification. I carried it as my duty weapon as an armed security patrol officer and never had any problems with it. Try every load you can get your hands on and if you don't experience any problems why send it in? The number of guns that actually need the modifications of a recall is very small compared to the number of guns made.

It is not just the firing pin and you SHOULD have the modification done by S&W. They also replace the firing pin bushing, which is the circular piece of steel in the bolster face behind the firing chamber. It is done too prevent primer flow which will lock up the gun.

I have two 681-1s that have not been modified. I have shot some hot loads with soft federal primers without a hitch from either one. It was very few of the pistols that ever had a problem. If you pistol will digest full house federal 125gr loads without hanging up, it is good to go. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

To give yourself peace of mind with a weapon used for personal or home defense you may wish to have the free mod done. On a range or field revolver, there is no need unless it breaks--which may NEVER happen. I have two no dash 686s. My CCW 2 1/2" has been modified, my 8 3/8" version has not....

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Folks can do as they want, but for me I'm not going to risk a situation where the gun locks up at the worst possible moment(ie..a threat situation to me or my family). I've had the modification completed on 3 different no dash L-Frames that I've owned and will do it again if I get another one.

It makes no sense to me why someone would turn down an opportunity (an opportunity with no cost to them at all) to make their gun more reliable. There is no evidence that having the modification effects the value of the gun and it certainly increases the reliability of the the guns in question.....so why is there even a question about having it done??

As I said at the first of this post ....folks can do as they want , but I would think of myself as being foolish not to make sure my gun was as reliable as possible ..... you never know when that could be a life saving decision.

Don

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Laus Deo! <><