681-1 with out M modification

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Need imput from forum members concerning the need to send revolver back for firing pin modification. Just got this revolver and it does not have M marking. Any members have revolvers not having this modification. I am a little concerned sending revolver back to Smith-Wesson. Please help me in deciding what I should do.

Thanks
 
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Why concerned about sending it back to S&W? It is a free warranty repair, and if you ask, they will probably give you a shipping label.
 
I would use the gun with any and all loads that you might use (particularly full Federal .357s, which by reputation have the softest primers). If it locks up, you have the justification to have the modification done; if not, I wouldn't.
 
s&w 586

have sent my 586 back last year
for the same thing had it back in week and 1/2
mine would bind up shooting mag loads
all s good now
good luck
 
How can one tell if the revolver has been to S&W for the recall?
Is a no dash 681 included in this recall?

The M is located on the yolk recess, under the barrel on the frame with the cylinder swung out. Any 580/680 series gun that is less than a -2 is included.
 
681 Recall

I got in touch with Smith-Wesson today. They said they will
send a shipping label to send back for the modification. They
also said the gun does not have a life time warranty but will
honor the recall.
 
I have two Model 586's,
One has the "M" stamp like this in the Yoke.
The other one does not,

CIMG3038.jpg


I am in the "If it aint broke dont fix it" camp....
On the other hand you will get a free inspection and maybe a slight tune up.

Good luck and post pics of the new "M" stamp when you get it back.
 
Shipping Label

Mike from St Pete,

The M would be stamped above the Mod 681 stamping.
If one has Mod 681 or Mod 681-1 with out the M above it
has not had the recall done. I am sending mine out tomarrow
for the recall modification. They sent me a shipping label.

When returning a handgun to S&W is there a need for an FFL to send/receive the package?
S&W's customer service is sending out a label to my house, no printer here. They also said they could give it a once over for a charge. Sounds like a fair deal to me.
I've been searching and ran across all the horror stories on shippers.
Thanks for any info you all can provide, mike from st pete
 
When returning a handgun to S&W is there a need for an FFL to send/receive the package.

I sent one back and no FFL required in KY. All states may not be the same. Call S&W and ask.
 
Does anyone know if they replace the cylinder as part of the recall?
Also would they or could they touch up a couple of spots of blue wear on the muzzle for a charge or would a complete reblue be needed?
 
Does anyone know if they replace the cylinder as part of the recall?
Also would they or could they touch up a couple of spots of blue wear on the muzzle for a charge or would a complete reblue be needed?

Cylinder is not replaced in the recall.

As the 681 is a stainless revolver, there's no bluing to replace. S&W could sandblast it (for a fee) of course.
 
I sent my 586 in in January, took 3 weeks.
S&W sends a good set of instructions with the shipping label. They used FEDEX with mine and were very specific about where it could be shipped from. No drop boxes, no Fedex Kinkos stores.
And they can ship to your house, at least in Wisconsin, but there must be someone over 21 years old to sign for it.
After I got the return shipping tracking number from Smith, I had to ask for it, since I'm not home in the daytime,I checked for the delivery attempt and then called to have them hold it for me at their facility. That was easiest for me.
Greg
 
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Never thought to check my 681 for the "M" stamp :rolleyes: Think I'll do that right now. Do they send a label for return?

Edit: oops, yes they do. Ahh the gun's been fine, maybe I'll just leave as is. Thanks for the info.
 
I agree, would not send in if you have not had a problem.
Mine hung up twice at two different range outings. It freed
up with just a tug on the hammer. Was shooting magnums
when it happened. This is my HD piece so I thought I might
as well send it in.
 
I sent my revolver for the recall last week. FEDEX tracker has the package received 3/16.
So, by hsmith9491's turn around I should be seeing 3/27 for return.
 
Sent my no dash 686 back to S&W for the mod and got it back in about three weeks. Had to hone down some metal burrs on the firing pin hole because it was rubbing against the cartridges in the cylinder and hanging up. Got a 681 no dash and have not sent it back.
 
I got my 681 used several years back. I noticed that it wasn't carrying up on two cylinders so I piggy backed the recall with a request to fix it. They sent a shipping label, replaced the ratchet and hand-did the modification and returned it within two weeks. No charge.
I'm good with that :D
 
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Just got mine back. 3/16 to 3/28 quick service from S&W.
Next stop will be the range, which may be a longer time than the trip to S&W.
 
IF it's a range gun, I wouldn't bother. IF it's a SD/HD weapon, I would do it. Your life could depend on it.
 
My M686-1

I just got this gun, and I need all the info for good shooting, I shot it for the first time with Federals .357 can I put .38's same brand in the gun as well? and what does the B7 stamping mean?
 
I just got this gun, and I need all the info for good shooting, I shot it for the first time with Federals .357 can I put .38's same brand in the gun as well? and what does the B7 stamping mean?

Welcome to the forum. .38 Specials of any brand and loading will work fine, the case is slightly shorter but all other dimensions compared to a .357 are the same. .38s will be cheaper in general also.

The B7 is likely a factory internal code, from assembly or fitting. Hope this is helpful.
 
686-1 Still Still Workin Great

Got the trusty 686-1 to the range last week after 20 years. Last time I fired it. Due to lots of rifle enthusiasts - the wife and I were forced to fire from the firing line at targets placed at 25 yards - way to far I think. At any rate - loaded up the revolver with 38 special - and fired at the target - all on a 11 in by 8 1/2 grid. Wife did the same - no hits. Loaded up with Remington 125 gr JSP - again - 6 hits on target - all within a 4 inch radius surrounding the BE. Wife loaded up - one shot - scared to death. I fired the remaining 5 and once again within the 4 inch radius. Also fired 380 ACP Bersa, 9 mm Ruger, and 30-06 Remington semi-auto - not a good day except for the dead-eye S&W 686-1. My point - no mod on this 1986 vintage version. I suppose that one day I should send it back for the MOD but it keeps on tickin. Any Thoughts! Incidentally - at 7 meters (21.5 feet) - the old trusty would put 6 holes in a 1 inch circle - that's why I call it DEADEYE!
 

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