586 no dash ---------

[Bad Hands]

I just picked up a 586 no dash 8 3/8 serial # is AFVXXXX which I believe is from 1984 or there about. I see in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson that the no dash and the -1 were recalled for some modification. Since this one has no M stamp I guess that it was not been updated/modified. Is there any way to find out what that mod was? Can I just contact S&W and ask and will they look it up or is there some other mechanism to do that stuff.

Gun is pretty dirty. But is going to be a shooter not a prom queen.

Will post pics after I get it cleaned up.

 

[JCS&W]

Here you go. BTW, I have a M586 no dash and I have not sent it in for the modification. Never have had a problem, but to each his own. S&W will send a shipping label, or at least they told me they would.


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.

Source:

Shotgun News November 1, 1989; page ?

Guns & Ammo, December 1987; page 6

 

[fyimo]

I've have a 686 6 inch no dash and I sold another to a friend many years ago and neither one had the modification as neither one exhibited the problem There was just a small number of them that had the problem so you can decide if you want as it's free or wait and see if you have the problem.

 

[sbeatty1983]

Smith and wesson will still honor the recall. I was having some issues with my 686 no dash so I called smith and wesson and they emailed me a pre paid label. Fed ex guy picked up my gun yesterday so Im hoping they get it back to me quickly.

 

[Bad Hands]

Thank You for the education on that. Didn't know where to even look for the info, but, as always, the knowledge base of the forum has shined on me. I am going to shoot this thing for a while and see what happens. It is going to be a range gun, not a defensive tool or a concealed carry toy. (I would have a hell of a time drawing that thing.) Thanks again

 

[PA Guns & Ammo]

I just picked up a 586 no dash 8 3/8 serial # is AFVXXXX which I believe is from 1984 or there about. I see in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson that the no dash and the -1 were recalled for some modification. Since this one has no M stamp I guess that it was not been updated/modified. Is there any way to find out what that mod was? Can I just contact S&W and ask and will they look it up or is there some other mechanism to do that stuff.

Gun is pretty dirty. But is going to be a shooter not a prom queen.

Will post pics after I get it cleaned up.

Hmmmm.... My 586 no dash is also 8 3/8 and it starts with AFV as well.

 

[BUFF]

The L frame guns from the beginning through the dash 1 didn't lock up with any or every .357 Mag loading; some did it with one loading and some did it with another. There was no particular ammo that was always or never at fault. I had an early 686 4 inch that locked up with 2 different factory loads from 2 different makers but shot fine with probably 4 or 5 other loadings. This happened before S&W knew what caused it. I sent mine in when it did that and they returned it saying it was "within specifications." It still did it and I sent it in again. They said it must be the ammunition. This went back and forth and one afternoon I ended up on a conference call with S&W's law enforcement products manager and his counterpart at Winchester ammo. It was sort of funny with each one trying to blame the other's products without insulting each other.

As time went on and more people got bad revolvers, S&W finally figured it out and developed a fix. They even sent armorers to some large police agencies that had bought lots of them.

You cannot predict if your L frame will have this problem until it locks up on something. I suggest to shooters that if their gun hasn't had the mod, have it done, especially if the gun is to be used for serious purpose. Cheap insurance against a real AW-**** moment.

It the gun is just for recreation, the update would be less important.

Just remember, YOUR gun won't ever lock up... until it does.

 

[chief38]

My 586 (no dash - I bought new) was built around 1983 and I shot it a few years before I sent it in for the Recall modification. I never had any issues, but just sent it in anyway. I probably shot a couple of thousand rounds through it before the mod and no issues, but must think there was a GOOD REASON they are incurring the cost and embarrassment of a recall so I took advantage of it.