686 altered

[unclenicknack]

Hey all. I have a m686-m1 as stamped. SN. AYB 25XX
2.5 inch barrel, a sweet little cannon. But the firing mechanism has been altered to double action only. I was told a credit union guard had this gun as the under barrel is laser printed - IAG Billerica ma. Which translates to Intel Architectural Group. What did they do to this gun. How do I get it back to factory configuration.

 

[bamabiker]

If you don't get the answer here try the gunsmithing section.

 

[Goblin]

At a minimum you'll need a new hammer. You'll need a knowledgable person to assess it. It could be that the notch was removed that allows cocking, and no further modifications.

 

[unclenicknack]

Thanks, I took it to a gunsmith an he said only the full cock notch was ground & polished down. There ate 2 different thickness hammers used, a .265 & a .375 thickness, mine is the .375" and ordered from S&M. We'll see how it turns out.

 

[unclenicknack]

Oops, ordered from Smith&Wesson

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

m686-m1 as stamped. SN. AYB 25XX

September - October 1987.

It was converted to DAO as a safety precaution. A cocked S&W has a pretty light SA trigger, which can be a not so good thing in a stressful situation. Many LEO guns were made DAO from the factory or converted by armorers.

The hammer spur is also a detriment to concealed carry because they can get snagged on things. So a lot of guys will have them removed. If you're keeping it for personal defense, you might want to consider leaving yours as it is.

 

[jframejoey]

Unclenicknack,
IAC is Interstate Arms Corp of Billerica Ma, its a cop shop. Its civilian branch (same company) is called Ivanhoes Guns. Started out in Watertown MA. Was actually in that store as a kid. My dad bought his 2 inch square butt model 37 there before I was born...the gun that started my "habit" !

 

[unclenicknack]

Wow, that's news. S&W said they never altered it at the factory so IAC must have, and laser imprinted there ID to own up to the mod. The spur is not a problem as I carry it in a Galco shoulder holster, Miami style with a double speed loader pack on the other side, not a true balancing act but it helps and is convenient. Also fitted it with a Crimson Trace grip, so night shooting is a snap.