Are these, especially the ones without the "M", considered less valuable since they were part of a recall after they first came out? As compared to a 686-2,-3 or -4?

Not "Less valuable" each revision has its own merits and detractors,

The non M stamp 686 and 686-1 can still go back to S&W under the recall for the hammer nose mod and a tuneup for free but I wouldnt send a non M stamp 686 back unless it was locking up.

The 686-2 has the new hammer nose bushing but also has the "Floating hand" which im not crazy about,
The dash 3 is the last of the hard chromed hammer trigger, new yoke retention system

The dash 4 is a serrated RB frame with case colored hammer trigger , new cylinder release and new rear site also drilled and tapped for a scope also can be found in 7 shot version .

Dash 5 is the last pre lock frame but has MIM hammer trigger and internal firing pin and non serrated RB grip frame, 6 or 7 shot versions.

If I wanted a 586 or 686, and found a nice example of one, I would not worry about the dash number. I bought a 586 as soon as I knew they existed, AAA serial number. It has had thousands of rounds through it. Our department had 686s that we shot for some time without issue, but we did the M update when it was offered.
However, I am not a fan of the floating hand and replace any I find in my guns.
If you intend to scope one, it would be easier to buy one already drilled and tapped, though.

__________________
Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Mine is one of the early ones I got new in the early 80s. I have shot it a lot over the years but never sent it in. Probably won't anymore.

Just purchased a used 4" 686-1 with the M overstamp. What exactly were the modifications provided in the recall/update?
Thank You; Lonnie

the no dash and dash 1 are more desirable to me if they haven't had the recall work done. smith and wesson will pay the shipping both ways, do the recall fix free. while its there you could have the action tuned and save a bundle in shipping.

Lonnie,

Replacement of the hammer nose and hammer nose bushing. Another post above stated that S&W also gave it a free tune up.

__________________
That's what we do!

Thanks Bill, do you know what the issue was with the hammer nose/bushing?

There have been many posts in this section of the forum on this subject. Here is the citation from the recall notice that I obtained:

“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.”

My past readings here have indicated to me that at the time of the original incidents the problems were associated with the primers for a specific ammunition manufacturer (Federal, I believe). However, IIRC, there may have been a recent incident by a forum member whose revolver had not been modified. Beginning with engineering change #2, the required changes/modifications (part substitution) were integrated in to the manufacturing process before the revolvers were shipped.

__________________
That's what we do!

Thanks again Bill, your information is most appreciated. I will spend more time looking for past posts. Lonnie

I don't intend to sell it. I've popped off some really hot loads and never had any problem with lock up (just a bruised hand). Some thought that soft primers were a major factor, but S&W didn't want their revolvers to have a bad rep. If you do want the modification, they do it for free.

They are great guns, sweet shooters and typically have a very nice trigger. I don't want to do any 'trigger jobs' on mine because I'm afraid it will mess it up!!!!!!

__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"