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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 08-15-2009, 10:09 AM
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Default Model 686-1 Recall

Thought that I read something here about a (past) Model 686-1 recall.

Anyone know what particular defect prompted the recall?
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Old 08-15-2009, 10:21 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MakeMyNight View Post
Thought that I read something here about a (past) Model 686-1 recall.

Anyone know what particular defect prompted the recall?
Never Mind!

I found it on the 'net!

See below:


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 800-458-8469 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

Do not return L-frame hammer-nose bushings from your spare parts inventory inasmuch as they are useable in J, N and K-frame revolvers, which are not included in this Product Warning.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Smith & Wesson's first concern is the safety of its products and the protection of its customers.
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Old 08-15-2009, 10:27 AM
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We've sent back many dozens over the years . It's a quick fix/turnaround most times .
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Old 08-15-2009, 12:19 PM
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I have a newly aquired M686 that hasn't has the "Upgrade" & think I'll keep it "as is" unless I have trouble at the range.
Wouldn't be interested in sending it back unless it was on S&Ws dime..
Sounds like they want the buyer to pay the S&H to the factory from the statement in the above post.. Around $55..
I may call Smith on Monday & check into this..
Of course I'll have to remove the lightened springs & reinstall the factory ones before shipping it..
Gary/Hk
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Old 08-15-2009, 12:55 PM
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We haven't paid for any S&W warranty shipping in over 10 yrs . Maybe we're getting a volume deal ?
We send a good number back each year for service .

www.oeoutfitters.com
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Old 08-16-2009, 10:01 AM
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Cool

Checked My 686-1 and the M is stamped into the yoke area.
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Old 08-16-2009, 12:19 PM
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Earlier this year I sent a 686 no dash back for the modification. Emailed customer service about the recall, they emailed me a letter with a FedEx shipping number. Took less than 3 weeks and they paid the freight both ways, no questions asked.
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Old 08-16-2009, 12:38 PM
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My no-dash was sent in by the previous owner (my hunting buddy) for a new cylinder (when he purchased it one of the chambers was swollen)...the dealer sent it in to S&W for him at the time of purchase and I'm assuming the factory verified the gun was OK regarding the recall.

It's a wonderful shooter!! My favorite "go-to" .357 Magnum for range work.

Bob
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Old 08-16-2009, 03:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PMRet View Post
Earlier this year I sent a 686 no dash back for the modification. Emailed customer service about the recall, they emailed me a letter with a FedEx shipping number. Took less than 3 weeks and they paid the freight both ways, no questions asked.
That's what I wanted to Here..
I will call S&W Monday..
Gary/Hk
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Old 08-16-2009, 04:05 PM
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Over the years I've returned two M-586's and one M-686 for the recall .................. S&W paid all costs and all three were back in my hands in less than 3 weeks.

Don
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Old 08-16-2009, 10:06 PM
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I bought my 686-1 in the mid '80's, almost immediatly I had lock up problems with it. After much trial and error and some research I found that the only ammo that was reported to cause this/or did was Federal 125g JHP. Apparently, to me anyway, there seemed to have been an issue with the primer material. Everything else worked fine, it would just choke on the Fed's.
As I was heavily into reloading at the time (still am) it did not cause me any concern, nor has it ever recurred. Do not know if it was just that lot of ammo at the time or what, but i quite using 125g's for flame cutting on the backstrap reasons.
Ever since (and I still have the gun, unmodified) I've used a minimum of 140g's and have fired thousands of rounds with no problems.
While there may be some 10k of an inch set back in the hammer bushing that could cause primer flow on that model i've always thought it was much ado about nothing.
Having said that, I must say that I did not carry that gun as a defensive weapon, I'm not in that line of work. If I were and nagging doubts about reliability plagued me I would have. But in this day and age I would be surprised if any LE organization still used 686's. Semi autos having taken over that world I would be surprised if many 686's are carried on a 'life or death' basis.
MHO, throw rocks as seen fit.
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Old 08-17-2009, 03:25 AM
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The only revolvers I ever see as service weapons any more are used by Armoured Car Personel, I always see these square holes in the vehicles & assume these are for shooting threw & always thought that an auto could jam if touching the edges of the hole were a revolver would function 100%..

I'm Gonna have to shoot a bunch of ammo threw my Newly Aquired M686 before I decide to send it back to S&W..
This is something I've never done Before/YET.. Afraid!!
I'll even try an get some 125gr Federals to test in it..
I'd prefer 158grs anyhow..

Thanks for all the information!!
Great Thread!!
Gary/Hk
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357 magnum, 581, 586, 681, 686, k-frame, lock, m686, model 686, primer

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