I bought my 686 new in 1987 apparently before August 1987 and just reading the FAQ, I determined that my model 686 does NOT have the "M" stamped above the model number meaning it has the defect. I have never had a problem with it not firing while using .357 ammunition so my question is: Is this a criticle issue that I should seek getting it fixed, or no big deal? And, because I am not new to S&W, but new to the forum and definitions that I cannot find answers to through the search engine, what does a "recessed cylinder" look like compared to a normal cylinder, and how can I tell if either one of my S&W revolvers (other is a 629-1) have a "pinned barrel"? Thanks for your patience with me.

Darcy

__________________
686 6" w/adjustable front.

Good questions. Two schools of thought on the M modification (new hammer nose and bushing) - some say if you have no problems, no need, and some say avoid any problems with the (free) modification.

A recessed cylinder encloses the case rims flush with the rest of the rear cylinder face. When you look at a recessed cylinder gun from the side, there is a very small gap between the rear cylinder and the recoil shield. A pinned barrel has a visible round pin on the upper frame, where the barrel threads in and above and in front of the cylinder. Others will be along with photos. Hope this is helpful.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Reference the refit......I have done a bunch of these modifications over the years. The hammer nose/rivet, and hammer nose bushing are replaced. The difference between the hole in the old and replacement bushings is only about .040 of an inch, with a corresponding difference in the new smaller hammer nose. This fix was designed to prevent documented .357 ammo primer cup failures, that would hamper or prevent the cylinder from turning after the failure occurred.
Replacement would be a purely a personal decision on your part. I believe this could be a safety or liability issue though in terms of personal injury to you or bystanders if such a primer failure would occur, so I would lean toward having the refit done to protect you and potential future owners and shooters of the gun. You can contact the S&W Service Department for further info. 1-800-331-0852 8am-8pm eastern time

__________________
Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

My recollection is that the problem was only with certain ammo and was due to soft primer flow back that worst case scenario would prevent the cylinder from turning .
The good news is S&W will still do the mod free and give your handgun a quick going over so its really up to you if you want it done,
I have one with the mod and one without.

I've never had an issue firing it and wouldn't have known of the defect if i hadn't read about it here. Does having the mod (or not) affect the value of the gun any? I know with some things (maybe not firearms) that have a defect and then something is changed to correct it, makes the original un-altered item more rare and valuable. I'm 46 and it was a birthday present from my father for my 21st birthday (May 1987) so it will never leave my collection so value is not really the monetary value but thought I would ask for a collectors point of view. I've also never been too crazy about the silhouette sight on it but love the gun none the less.

__________________
686 6" w/adjustable front.

As long as it works flawlessly and you have the option to return for the mod free IMO No it wont affect your guns value .

Being lost by UPS while in transit will have a disastrouse affect and that is always a possability when shipping anything.

The 586 really hasnt been "Collectable" until recently because they are modern guns but collectors are beginning to buy clean boxed original examples and prices are rising.
2 years ago I passed on a NIB 4" 586 at $500,
I wouldnt do that again today.

If the cylinder is loose or binding or its having any other issues S&W will tune it up and return it free of charge.
These older guns are not covered under the lifetime warranty and the recall was a long time ago so its nice to have the option to still return it anytime.
After its done the mod stamp looks like this.

Since it is a factory warranty modification. I have not seen the 58x/68x series guns values change as a result of them.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

if your S&W model 686 does not experience any cylinder binding, when firing .357 rounds, then, perhaps, the recall modification is not necessary for your revolver.

The problem seemed to be with hot 125 gr. +P loads, where the primer would flow back into the hammer nose bushing, and tie up the gun, the cylinder wouldn't rotate. Some guns never had a problem, and I wouldn't send in. If you have ever shot any hot 125 gr +P's and had no problem I wouldn't worry about it.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244