Hey guys, I used to post here long ago actively 2003ish. Life got busy and at some point website reset, but I found my log in after lurking again recently.

Anyway, I purchased a 686 from a buddy at work who’s father passed. It’s in great shape. I’ve learned it doesn’t have the recall “m” stamped on the frame.

Is this something I should be concerned enough to send it in?

I love shooting it! I’ve been a 1911 guy the last 15 years but love shooting this and my 66-1.

Thanks!

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66-1, 686, 640-1

Great revolvers. I wouldn't send it in unless you are planning on carrying it.....or it is malfunctioning with magnum ammo. The recall is not mandatory.


L-Frame recall.......


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 800-331-0852 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

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

what a tremendously lovely gun. I would not pound 357s through this, what for? Shoot 38s and not worry about primer flowing. Definitely NOT send it in. The best outcome is it will come back as good as it is now but there are also other outcomes, grips lost and worse...

Interesting thanks. I’ve fired Federal and Speer Gold Dot .357 through it so far with no issues. I do like to consider all of my firearms defensive capable however.

I have no real plans to carry it but do have a nice leather holster for it.

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66-1, 686, 640-1

Nice looking revolver!
I would probably send it in eventually to insure proper, reliable functioning.
When you do, remove the grips prior to shipping.
The factory won't need them and they can't be lost if you're hanging onto them.

My 686 No Dash has been there since August 27th for the repair. I plan on carrying this gun on occasion. The grips are sitting in a safe with a new coat of wax.

Welcome back to the FORUM! Nice 686, you have there! I have 1 of it's cousins. 586, no dash, 4". Mine was shipped in 1983. Bob

I have a no dash 686 also, in the S&W notice in post #2 the hammer nose is mentioned and I guess part of the modification. Does anyone here know what else is included in the mod to get the "M" stamp?
I bought mine used. I don't use it often.
Thanks, Steve W

I purchased (2) 686 no dash revolvers. Sent both in for the M enhancements. One came back within two months. One has been there for four months. Yes, I recommend getting the work done.

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Regards,
-MrMoose

Welcome from North Dakota . I would not send it in to S&W; you may never see it again. The occasional .357 won't hurt anything except your wrists, so enjoy your 686 with .38 sp.. If the situation requires, you know you can "mag" up.

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John

I know where mine is going...nowhere.

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If that prospect causes one anxiety, then support your local gunsmith.

I have two 686NDs, the first I bought new in 1986, the second used about 3yr or so ago. While I did send in the recently acquired 686ND to the mother-ship, it came back with the MOD. but without the "M" stamp. Yes I actually "know" that the mod was completed (I take before/after images of everything).

That said, I used a LGS to adjust the cylinder/frame gap from +0.009-0.010 gap, down to just 0.003in and THAT made me a happy camper. Why? Because I did NOT have to argue over the appropriateness of the "size" of an acceptable gap and it allowed me to support local business.

If it shoots well, don't bother sending it in. A no dash without the mod is worth more than one with the mod.

I’m going to take it to the range again here shortly and if it runs fine with .357 again I’m not going to worry about sending it in. I have some 125 grain to try. Thanks for the replies

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66-1, 686, 640-1

I have one I bought lightly used in 1985 I ignored the recall notice but did experience cylinder binding when shooting .357 loads. I had the gun repaired/modified by a local guy who was an authorized S&W service center. I have never had another issue with the gun although admittedly I have not shot it much with magnum loads since then

That is a stunning revolver! I would not be sending it in for recall unless I were going to be using it for self defense or it was giving me problems.

I need to check the SN, it looks just like mine. :-)
I purchased it on Feb 12, 1986, I think I will keep it. Shot a lot of .357's through it. A local Smith did the mod back in the day. It has an action to dream about.

Have a blessed day,

Leon