I was very excited to find this 686 plus 4" at my LGS and grabbed it right away. While cleaning it before taking it to the range I discovered a "cosmetic" flaw that in no way will affect the performance but just looks bad. What do I do? Return it or just shoot it?

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IMG_1382.jpg (46.9 KB, 856 views)

Looks like some crummy machining on the relief that depresses the center pin. Just how deep are those marks?

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

They're pretty deep and thought I could buff them out. But, after looking at them closely, it would take removing some material which I am not comfortable with.

Well, I don't know why you would listen to me, but it's your question. I'm not sure from the photograph what cosmetic flaw you are talking about. I think maybe you are talking about the six rows of parallel lines on the first part of the entrance of the center pin (on the recoil shield) when closing the revolver. To me, it hardly qualifies as even a cosmetic flaw, but because of the location of the "flaw" and the function of that dimple, I would not hesitate to polish it out BY HAND, using my index finger, some 600 or so grit paper, and some oil.

You might feel better if you wait and let a few more folks tell you approximately the same thing.

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Formerly Model520Fan

If you want to use a wood dowel or something similar wrapped with wet or dry sandpaper, you can blend the ripples a bit better than using something soft like your finger. No way I would consider returning the gun for something like this.

I am with the wooden dowel method followed by some scotch brite pad.

Should it have came from the factory that way.NO. Such is to days world though. If your going to stay competitive you have to keep cost down. Only so many ways to do that and letting minor flaws go is one of them. When your competing against molded plastic and cheaper labor something has to give

It is a gun, go shoot it. As long as the flaw does not affect performance and/or accuracy I wouldn't worry about it. The only time you will see it is if you are looking for it.

If the marks don’t add friction to the contact surface I would leave it alone and treat it as character

My though also.

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

Id go on that with my trusty right angle die grinder spinning a grey Cratex abrasive cone.

As stated above, I would either leave it or polish it out with 320 sandpaper, then finish with Scotchbrite. That's the great thing about stainless, you can fix these things yourself, at little to no cost.

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protocalldesign.com

Send it back - the only way to improve their products is to complain about their quality. The bean counters will address all the shipping costs at some point.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

After all these years, it seems more likely (to me) that they have addressed that long ago and made their decision. I agree with the sentiment, but it doesn't seem to be working.

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protocalldesign.com

Only one out of the past 5 new S&W revolvers I've bought(recent mfg) have not had some kind of flaws, the one that didn't have a flaw had a super heavy main spring in it and I had to replace it with a new standard spring. It's what they sell now days. I've sent some back, repaired some my self, live with it sometimes.

I don't buy new anymore just because of this. There are too many older, vintage, high quality firearms out there to go in my safe.

Only time you'd even see it is with the cylinder open, never when you're shooting it. I think I'd learn to ignore it, as long as it wasn't affecting operation.

How closely do you inspect a firearm before you buy it, new or used?

What really upset me the most is that I have 2 other 686's and they are flawless and beautiful revolvers. Bad on me also for not seeing this before I bought it, because I would not have paid the price for a gouged gun. I know it's minor and doesn't affect the function, but it's there and I don't like it. That's my whine and I'm sure I'll get over it. Thanks for all the replys.

I would just shoot it all I wanted and forget about it. It shouldn't have any impact on performance.

I definitely would not return it to Smith & Wesson if that is the only flaw on the revolver. I would probably leave it as it is myself.

Went to the range with it and it was a nightmare at the start. Would not stay cocked single action, trigger would not reset double action on many occasions. Once, it cocked single action and then fired with no trigger pull. So, I continued, very cautiously, to "break it in" and after about 80 rounds it finally started acting like it should. Shot a total of 150 rounds (.38spl) and some .357. Towards the end it seemed to function ok. Accuracy was very good. Cleaned it up and it's ready for another go.

This is very alarming. Get it looked at by a Smith.

A 686 in good working order would never exhibit this behavior.

The Hammer to Seer engagement needs to be looked at.

Thanks. Will do

I would have immediately sent it back before shooting it and not given it a second thought. You paid for a perfect gun and didn't get it. Now you have a questionably revolver that has that gouge that you will never be able to get out of your head. Well I guess its your now. Good luck with it.

Forget it and enjoy that gun.

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S&W Accumulator

"It SEEMED to function ok." Uh uh. Not good. Now you have a reason for it to go back. Describe for them exactly what you told us. It wasn't breaking in; it was functioning improperly. If the plant tells you it is within specs, then find a smith who knows revolvers and have it seen to. The 686 is a magnificent shooting machine. Make it right. I wish you and your gun well. Be safe.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Cosmetics are one thing, but any impairment of function has me reaching for the phone for a return label.

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SWCA #3356, SWHF#611

Not sure I understand whether it’s a new gun or a used one

I must have two dozen revolvers of all ages, some new some used, and not once did I experience such malfunctions, so I would send it back for fixing or refund if either is an option.

Uh-oh! Sounds like there are more issues with this new revolver than cosmetic. Hate to say it, but you need to contact S&W, sounds like this one will need a return trip to the mother ship.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

Are you the first owner (was it msrp, date on the box)?

If you send it out to S|W, it takes quite awhile.

Yes I am the first owner. Very dissapointed

I did that. and really didn't see anything that stood out but I am kind of like a pig looking at a watch when it comes to internal revolver parts. Now Semi auto's I am very good at.

Back to S&W. Called them and they sent me a shipping label and said it would be 2-4 weeks

You’ll get it back fully sorted.

It’s unfortunate that the company let a substandard gun out the door, but they will take care of your issues.

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- Post No Bills -

Jeez... those malfunctions in a brand new S&W revolver are MIND BOGGLING. That revolver has serious problems of far more importance than the scratches in your photo.

Build quality of current production S&W revolvers must be depressingly poor for that to have gotten out the door.

That is surprising. I sent mine out 4 weeks ago, they told me 4-6 weeks. Jealous I am

Perhaps a factory burr or machine shaving found itself through the workings.

Let us know your outcome here.

Regardless of what others think you should or should not do...if it bothers you, send it back because you will most likely never be completely happy with it.
The time it takes for the gun to go back, get fixed, get back to you is nothing to the years of second guessing should you have sent it back.