So I just got a BHPD s&w 681 and it dosent have a M above the cylinder. I bought this as a gun I will shoot, but not heavily as it is BHPD marked
Lockup seems tight and I assume if it was a issue BHPD would have sent the gun back to s&w (unless the A22 is not a inspector mark and a recall fix though I doubt it as its not on the part that says mod 681). Based on what I've read I think there would be little reason to have it fixed and a few posts say they don't like their fixed guns but no one said why and most didn't really notice a difference? Is there any reason for a police marked one to do the recall fix and not leave it as is? Sorry for resurrecting a old topic.

Attached Images

Screenshot_20240317_225712_Gallery.jpg (32.1 KB, 39 views)

I’d send it in just for the peace of mind, but many here will tell you not to bother. It wasn’t the huge problem it gets made out to be. Duty guns were all sent back, of course, as they should have been, but for the average shooter, you’ll likely never see an issue.

The 1987 L-Frame Recall – RevolverGuy.Com

It may have been modified by a department armorer and not marked. What is BHPD? BTW, I have three no dash "L" frames that are shooters. Not modified. No issues.

I'm 99% sure Beverly Hills CA.

Had mine done five or six years ago. Took about a month.

Try shooting it with some light 125 grain or less .357 rounds. If it binds up, send it back. I've had several early L frames over the years without the modification and they all shot fine. But I shot mainly .38's in them with an occasional heavier 158 grain .357 round. I don't reload and it was a lot more expensive shooting the .357 rounds. If you shoot mainly .38 rounds and the heavier .357 rounds, I wouldn't worry about it. Good luck.

I have found that my 581-0 (No M) is regulated for standard 158 gr loadings, so I have no desire to shoot the lighter, faster ammo that will print low. Given the status of S&W today, it's NOT going back for a recall where who knows what ex-Century Arms drunken monkey will "fix" it.

I sent my 581 back last year and got it back in I am thinking 2-3 weeks with the modification.

Rosewood

I got one that had not been modified. It had been shot a lot in competition and was a little loose and didn't time up on one cylinder. Told Smith and and for no charge they worked their magic and returned to me a perfectly functioning, tight as a tick, carry up on all chambers, no shake no end play no side play revolver. I'm good!

__________________
Forum consigliere

I shoot both but I'll get some 125 grain ammo to try. If it has issues then send to s&w, if it dosent then it was fine from get go or or the dept had it fixed in house. Would it detract from any "collector" value if I had them fix it? Do they just replace the cylinder with a new one or what? Thanks.

Police or LE marked guns are kind of a niche collecting category. Believe it or not some collectors shun them. But not me. I love them and I’m glad you picked that up. That was a tempting piece and now it won’t be gnawing at me. lol. That’s a good plan. Shoot it and if no issues just enjoy it.

The modification consists of replacing the hammer nose, and hammer nose bushing.....and test firing. I have done dozens of them.

If the gun was left unmarked after a police armorer completed the modification, then it would be the result of an error by the armorer.

The "M" stamp is applied to the frame near the serial number in the yoke cut-out.





Carter




L-Frame recall.......


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 800-331-0852 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

__________________
Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

There is a genuine debate as to whether anyone with a non-modified gun should send it in or not. It’s a solid debate! There’s the idea that S&W is not what it used to be and sending a classic in to them is a mistake… especially for a condition that seems extremely rare to happen.

There is one small bit of the debate that rarely gets mentioned or discussed:

If this rare lockup event DOES happen to you and your cylinder binds up, it seems to me that you have a 5 out of 6 chance that the lock-up does not happen on your LAST loaded round. Meaning that your revolver which now will not advance and will not open will now have at least a single loaded cartridge still inside it.

You’ll now have a revolver that really needs to get back to S&W and is also a loaded handgun to boot.

That’s a situation.