586 to M or not to M

[pantannojack]

I have a "new" 586 4", AEN 24**, fresh as a summer breeze. No evidence of handling, touching, or breathing on. Has not been fired out of the factory. Has no dash or M stamp. Has a some what rough forcing cone and a stubborn .006" bbl cylinder gap. When I get one like this I stress over whether I should use for a shooter or not. The cut out Target stocks are dated 1984 and I see that products of this era are not so refined as to hope they will become drooled over keeper queen pieces. I have a "new" 28-2 I will save for that. So if I elect to fire it as intended I will be tempted to pump it up with gas check 158 lead SWC and some H110, HS7, Unique I have. What say the cooler heads than mine? Should I send it in for the "M" upgrade? Or risk it as is?

[chief38]

I sent mine back in 1984 but times were different at the S&W Factory then. I never did have any problem so sending it in was just precautionary. Today is a very different story. Personally as long as you have no issues with it, I'd leave it be! They are likely to do more harm than good - sad to say but just the way it is now. If and when you do ever have an issue - send it back then, so I see no real advantage of taking a risk with a Revolver that does not exhibit any problems. Not all of them were problematic.

[Mike, SC Hunter]

I have a 4" nickel like yours that I bought when they first came out. Never had problem so never sent it back. I haven't shot it in years. I don't really like it so it sleeps in the safe. Its not for sale since it's part of the pile.

[Condition Yellow]

Very nice. I have a 686 no dash I sent back some years ago. I did it so I could get some other work done and not have to pay shipping. They never did stamp the M, but did the modifications.

[G-Mac]

I have had a couple of 586 no dashes. Never had the M upgrade done. I did call S&W service once about it. My memory is that the guy on the other end didn't think it was all that important to get it done.

[Sixgun100]

I’ve owned my Model 581 since around 1985. It was my duty revolver for many years. I did not send it in, because after firing countless rounds, never had an issue. But, it’s really your decision. Best wishes.

[Hapworth]

An oft-asked question, M stamp or no. Run a search for much opinion on it.

S&W still does this on their dime. I think if it's a range toy and not likely to see full-house .357, might forgo.

Because I like all my firearms to be defense capable, I sent mine in a few years back. They replaced the hammer nose and bushing fine. Fixed a touch of endshake, gratis.

But I sent them a perfectly functioning revolver and they sent back one that no longer indexed properly, causing it to shave and lock up fast under casual fire.

I didn't bother taking it up with S&W; I let a pro correct it.

Frustrating, yes. Even still, I'd probably get the M stamp on an L-frame that might see serious use.