went to Harrisburg show a couple of months ago found a 586 8 inch, nice blue but missing the rear sight and grips. No problem have a bag of each at home, doesn't every S&W guy? So ask how much, 175 bucks, and why? Didn't have a sight and didn't want to mess with it, Okedooky. Couldn't get the money out fast enough. Walked away wondering how this had lasted to late the second day, and how lucky I was. Got it home put the rear sight on and a set of Walnut Herretts on and loaded it, yea I looked it over took side plate off, the regular check up, cycled and locked up, stepped out the back door and pulled the trigger. CLICK! Looked at it opened the cylinder and the firing pin bushing fell OUT. After some checking the bushing recess is so over size even a new bushing wont stay in. This baby must have been pounded. So I guess I make a bushing or send it back, haven't decided yet. I guess its still a deal but beware whats hiding in there.

__________________
"I'm feeling MUCH better now"

Are you aware of the bushing, firing pin recall that affected the first 586/686 and some of the other models. You may be able to get S&W to fix that on account of the recall alone.

Look at the model number on the frame where the crane swings out. If there is an 'M' after the model number the gun has already had the recall work done.

To accomodate the re-fit of the L-frame bushings....or the "upgrade" as it was called.....they did make a bushing for a larger counterbore which was approx. .010" oversized.....or larger diameter than the standard "no-dash" re-fit bushing. The standard re-fit bushing diameter is .245" and the larger ones run .254-.255.

In other words, unless your breechface/counterbore area is damaged they should be able to repair the bushing if you decide to return it to the factory.

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

There is an M before the model number M5861 no dash also an M between the serial number and model number. Yea I will call them and see what they say, then decide. Thanks for the heads up about the rework. Hey always have the MIG if necessary HA Ha.

__________________
"I'm feeling MUCH better now"

The S&W Factory will more than likely repair it for free as this was a RECALL from the early 1980's. When I purchased mine new in 1983, I did send it back for the free recall "upgrade" although I never did have any issues with it falling out. Never the less, they did modify it and all has been well for 21 years. There is an M stamped in the yoke area.

PS: I have also seen this happen with NIB M66's as well. The Factory repaired those as well free of charge.

Usually the 'M' is to the right of the model number and I believe I have seen some that are high but to the right of the model number. People say that an 'M' that precedes the model number ain't right. I wonder what S&W would say about that.

Will have to ask them when I call them next week. Its definitely in front, same depth spacing and size as model#, now the one above is much lighter as though added later.

__________________
"I'm feeling MUCH better now"

The basis of that recall was that the bushing would move and lockup cylinder rotation but supposedly occurred only when using 357 Mag loads. I have an original 581 from about 1985 that has never been back to the mothership and has seen 3-4 thousand rounds of factory +P ammo without a hiccup. Nothing nada but dead balls accuracy. A few times I recall there was several hundred rounds fired without a cleaning. Performance is still outstanding and I recall watching that bushing issue in the earlier years and it had always and still does stay in spec. After 30 years or so of great service, I decided that it is definitely a keeper and I am a steadfast subscriber of that old adage,if it aint broke, dont fix it.
Again, never once fired magnum level ammo and would not with this gun.
Here is the notice I have on file:
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.

Thanks very much for the info torizus.

__________________
"I'm feeling MUCH better now"

You are quite welcome and good luck.

The basis for the recall/modification was not because of movement of the bushing, but because of primer flow into and around the hole in the bushing caused by some .357 magnum loads and primers. Material from the primer was caving/deforming into this hole. I believe there were also a few documented cases of primers rupturing. This damage to the primer could cause the cylinder rotation to be impeded or stopped.

Needless to say, this would be a bad day at your local range.... but could be a fatal situation for a person carrying for protection, or a L.E. officer in the field. I'm not aware of any deaths or injuries related to this recall.

The refit entails replacement of the hammer nose and rivet, and the replacement/staking of a new bushing. Concerning the new parts, both the working end of the hammer nose, and the hole in the bushing are slightly smaller, which precludes the primer from deforming during firing.
If the OP's gun has been marked as having been modified, I suspect the new bushing may not have been staked properly.

I did many of these refits for our officers after the kits/parts and tools were sent out to S&W revolver armorers for repair of duty guns, etc. Instructions had to be followed very carefully, and the the guns were test fired after the work was completed with Remington .357 magnum ammunition, provided by S&W.

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

Yea I think some one just shot the **** out of it.

__________________
"I'm feeling MUCH better now"