Dent on recoil plate of new 686?

Not really an issue as far as operation and use goes. Like you, I would not like it. If I saw them before the transfer I might not take it depending on how much trouble it would be getting a replacement. I'd probably just take the gun and treat it as a learning experience. Not that big a deal unless you're putting it away as a NIB for posterity. Now you don't have to worry about the first nick you put in it.
 
In general, the problem in most european countries is that each specific gun you buy has to be registered to you by it's serial number.
On top of that, we are required to send in an application to the correct government entity, documenting the need for that specific firearm, i.e. sports shooting for handguns, before getting a permit to buy said gun. Documentation consists of an active membership in an approved club and that you have enough activity over time to warrant a handgun of your own. (You usually shoot club-owned guns until you have filled the criteria to apply for your own.)
The process is basically the same for each gun you want to buy, and if you want to replace a gun you own, you usually have to sell the old one first to get the registration "off your name".

This is just meant as a general overview of how things work in europe, there are of course differences between the countries.

And as others have said, the small nicks in the OP's revolver is not something to worry about structurally.
Just go shoot it.
 
Jim Watson said:
Those little nicks are unsightly if you look closely but will have no effect on shooting.
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Thank you and all others for "reassurance" about function/safety and for indulgent advices. To each their own area of expertise.

gwpercle said:
" Trigger is smooth and first shot with 357 hit the ten at 20 yards " If this is true ... Keep It and learn to love it ... Accurate revolvers with good triggers don't come along every day . All revolvers will have minor nick and dings ... don't let them bother you . Louisiana Swamp People say ... Choot It , Jack ...Choot It ! Gary
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Thx for wiseful tips! I don't have lots of experience with big calibers (was only the 2nd time I shot a revolver) but I can recognize a good trigger, this group is not that bad for the first three shots at 25m/27.3 yards in DA (haven't had time to adjust sights).

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familyman357oh said:
jackmoineau is in Brussels, Belgium. I imagine it would be a real pain.
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True story...I hear and agree with AlHunt's opinion, if it was a serious issue, I'd make them (seller and official Smith distributor) sort it out, but you can't imagine how much administrative work/money and time it would take...If this interests you, I could create a thread explaining how administrative process is in Belgium.

Yendor357 said:
^All of that is forgiveness for shoddy workmanship. Forgiveness is a commendable attribute. But when you pay $900 for a small piece of metal such as a 357 revolver, it should be correct. Nobody should be making excuses for a new gun. As stated in another post, I looked at a new 686 with the lock in the gunshop a couple of days ago. I asked if it was a used revolver because it looked that bad. I have 35 year old 629s and 686s that I’ve used, hunted with, and they look better than that thing. I dearly love my old Smiths. They were built by guys who took pride in their work, enjoyed what they did; probably grew up dreaming of working for the Great Smith and Wesson. But the stuff they’re churning out today is slapped together by people who do as little as possible.
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While I'm reassured that it's purely cosmetic issue, I agree with you. I recognize that I'm might be a bit OCD (professional quirk), but as a surgeon, I often expect people to be as meticulous in their work as I am in mine...As a new gun owner, I decided to go with the "new gun route" to avoid potential issues. I don't have problems with dents, as long as I'm the one who made them...when you made them, they are indeed part of the gun's story...Anyway, I've learned my lesson. Of course it won't stop me from enjoying the gun, but I will think twice before buying new again. I'll dig into these YouTube videos with buying inspection tips for used revolvers.

chief38 said:
Can I assume this is a used revolver? Not quite sure from your post. A "perfect" revolver is rare - even more so in today's production climate.

Assuming your revolver is used, there isn't much you can do except sell it and buy a better one. If the gun is new, then you have recourse with the Factory. Nothing there is dangerous - just cosmetically unpleasing. The side plate seam can't be fixed - however if under warranty it can be replaced. The other nicks and dents would have to be stoned out which of course would have missing metal and unless done by someone really talented, the revolver would become "misshaped".

I would need more info on exactly what you purchased to give better advise. New or used? Which dash number? Where it was bought.
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Gun was bought new (686-6) from an official Smith retailer.

Have a nice day folks!
 
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Well now that I know the gun is new, the ball is in your court. Obviously the dings, dents and not so perfect fitting side-plate are frustrating on a brand new gun, but this is what they are shipping now. It's certainly not right - but perfection (even though we pay for it), is rare!

Sending the gun back might actually make maters worse = you never know with S&W service these days! Plus, from your 25 meter target at least it shoots straight!

If it were mine and I decided to keep as-is, I'd take an Arkansas stone and gently fade the nicks out without making it look like metal was removed. The side-plate is what it is hwever like I said above, if you send it in you never know what they will do, how many more :beauty marks" there will be and how long it will take.
 
I haven't had time to go to the shop to show the gun and see what and if they offer anything, but what a pleasure to shoot!

At least it shoots right...2nd time at the range, 5 bullets with .357 at 15m/16.4yards in single action.

When I shoot at 10m with air pistol, I use a "match aim". Here I aimed at the centre and quite surprisingly, I was able to have enough contrast and see my front sight. It shoots a bit low so I'll have to adjust the rear sight (haven't yet figured out which distance and caliber to use to adjust the sights, maybe 38 special to use sth in between 38 WC and .357? ).

Anyway, I'll keep you posted if they offered a commercial gesture.

Cheers from Belgium

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Guns are tools. Tools get nicks and scratches. If that's a new gun (you said you examined it carefully at the shop), did you order it and have it delivered to an FFL? It's not the FFL's job to examine the firearm and make sure it's perfect. That's your job before you sign the forms and take it home. You missed them when you picked it up. You're right. Pictures (especially close ups) can make a small scratch or dent look huge. Those will no way effect the function or durability of that firearm. I have several firearms that many would consider safe queens. I have no such thing. I shoot them all. If they get a little imperfection in them, so be it.
 
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bobsguns said:
Tiny nicks like that allow for great stories, IMO.

"See this nick? It got that when I beat off 50 Somali pirates while riding a tramp steamer. The other nick? It got that one fighting off a Russian company in Ukraine."

Guns are fun. Make the best of them, IMO. :D
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NEVER let the truth get in the way of a good story! 😎
 
jackmoineau said:
I haven't had time to go to the shop to show the gun and see what and if they offer anything, but what a pleasure to shoot!

At least it shoots right...2nd time at the range, 5 bullets with .357 at 15m/16.4yards in single action.

When I shoot at 10m with air pistol, I use a "match aim". Here I aimed at the centre and quite surprisingly, I was able to have enough contrast and see my front sight. It shoots a bit low so I'll have to adjust the rear sight (haven't yet figured out which distance and caliber to use to adjust the sights, maybe 38 special to use sth in between 38 WC and .357? ).

Anyway, I'll keep you posted if they offered a commercial gesture.

Cheers from Belgium

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It loooks like a keeper to me! IMO, the small dings, although irritating, are not extremely unsightly, and who, besides yourself, is going to be that close, inspecting your gun? Unless he/she is Swiss! 😎 Enjoy your new gun!
 
jackmoineau said:
Hello,

As mentionned in my presentation post, I’m a new gun owner so please forgive trivial questions.

I just got the authorizations so I went to collect my awaited first gun and revolver 2 weeks ago.

Hadn’t had the time to clean it and shoot before yesterday (btw trigger is smooth and first shot with .357 hit the 10 at 20 yards).

While cleaning it, I noticed two chips/dents. I thought that I examined it enough while in the shop, but excitation of the moment probably made me miss those...

What bothers me the most is the dent/chip on the recoil plate. You don't see it from behind nor from side view. What’s your opinion about it, a dent from a fall/knock or a chip from manufacturing process which escaped quality control at the factory?

Might this affect firing and long term life of the gun? I have to admit that pictures tend to magnify small details, it's not that big, still it's there.

For context, a simple "exchange" is probably not easily feasible here because of regulations (each firearm needs an associated authorization with the serial number so I can’t just enter the shop and ask for an exchange, I would have to introduce a new demand for a new firearm with a specific serial number).

I don't blame the seller who probably didn't see it before the sale, but for record, I'll send him pictures so we have a proof of the current state if the dent had to extend in the future due to shooting.

Thx for your inputs, shoot safe.

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That revolver is a real beauty! Over time, it’ll pick up scratches and dents—just part of its story. If the wear and tear ever bothers you, you can always have it repaired. But when it comes to performance at the range, I can’t see how those marks would be a problem. It’s built to do its job, and it’ll do it well!
 
VincentW said:
That revolver is a real beauty! Over time, it’ll pick up scratches and dents—just part of its story. If the wear and tear ever bothers you, you can always have it repaired. But when it comes to performance at the range, I can’t see how those marks would be a problem. It’s built to do its job, and it’ll do it well!
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I know it will collect dents, but these will be mine and not from the factory...

Anyway, I finally had the time to finetune the sights and it shoots like a dream!

First five shots two-handed, five next shots with one hand (.38 special at 25 meters/27,3 yards).

For record, the bull's-eye is 2.5cm (0,98 inch), the larger 10 is 5cm (1.9") and the 9 measures 10 cm (3.9").

An accurate gun with a good trigger is a keeper!

Thank you all for the advices!

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I agree—a brand new, expensive revolver should be completely dent-free. Nice shooting! I usually shoot without a scope, letting the sight naturally move left and right around the bullseye. When I feel relaxed, I slowly exhale while gently squeezing the trigger. I’d probably flinch a bit with a .357, but with a .22 caliber there’s zero flinch. Solid shooting on that target—congrats
 
Hi Jack! First, that's some really nice double action shooting there, especially given that you are new to shooting and revolvers!!!

Second, I could pretty easily remove those small nicks and make it so you never knew they were there, if I am properly visualizing their scale. Just want you to know that it can likely be fixed pretty easily with a small, fine file, stones and some fine grade Scotch Brite pads if you want them gone badly enough and have a reasonably talented gunsmith locally and are willing to spend a little money. It's a good thing that is a brushed stainless finish, as they are easier to make cosmetic repairs on and make them look good as new. The one on the top strap of the frame can be removed by adding a small, uniform radius along the edge where it's located. The one on the recoil shield is a little trickier to remove I think, but it is less noticeable when the cylinder is closed. Neither pose any potential structural problems other than minor cosmetics. The slight sideplate seam mismatch can likely be fixed with sandpaper wrapped around a flat sanding block and sanding over the seam to blend both sides with the sideplate installed. Use progressively finer sandpaper and wet sand, followed by adjusting the sheen to match the rest of the finish with the Scotch Brite pad.
 
Thaddeus Beauregard said:
Hi Jack! First, that's some really nice double action shooting there, especially given that you are new to shooting and revolvers!!!

Second, I could pretty easily remove those small nicks and make it so you never knew they were there, if I am properly visualizing their scale. Just want you to know that it can likely be fixed pretty easily with a small, fine file, stones and some fine grade Scotch Brite pads if you want them gone badly enough and have a reasonably talented gunsmith locally and are willing to spend a little money. It's a good thing that is a brushed stainless finish, as they are easier to make cosmetic repairs on and make them look good as new. The one on the top strap of the frame can be removed by adding a small, uniform radius along the edge where it's located. The one on the recoil shield is a little trickier to remove I think, but it is less noticeable when the cylinder is closed. Neither pose any potential structural problems other than minor cosmetics. The slight sideplate seam mismatch can likely be fixed with sandpaper wrapped around a flat sanding block and sanding over the seam to blend both sides with the sideplate installed. Use progressively finer sandpaper and wet sand, followed by adjusting the sheen to match the rest of the finish with the Scotch Brite pad.
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I do this as well, but was reluctant to recommend this to someone that just purchased a new revolver.
 
No way can I see those little bitty dings and where they are loc,ated being a detriment to the long term service of the gun. I was looking for something around the firing pin that MIGHT be a problem, but was relieved to see where you had marked the pictures.
 
My Colt Python came new with a similar-sized nick in the frame, as you can see in the center of the photo. I saw this in the shop and bought it anyway, as it was the only Python they had, they were hard to find at the time, and they offered me a $150 discount for the blemish. I don’t regret it and it doesn’t bother me. Most of my S&W revolvers are used police guns and carry far worse marks, but they all shoot great.
 

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