I have a 686-4 4". When I shoot in single action the hammer is sometimes a little difficult to get to fully cock. It sometimes requires a little extra effort to get it to fully cock. It may just be me and my thought processes! However, does anyone have some light to shine on this issue?
686-4 4" hammer a little difficult to fully cock
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IrishFritz
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Kind of hard to diagnose a potential problem like this since there are many possible causes but the simplest answer is dirt and lack of internal lubrication. If you're comfortable doing so take the side plate off and clean and lube everything if it has not been done in a while.
OP
Thanks for the advice. I've never done that before but I'll give it a go!
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Hard to diagnose without an inspection, but I would suspect the extractor ratchets have not been properly fit, and the gun has a condition called "long ratchets". One, or more, of the ratchets may not have been fit correctly.
This results in resistance from the offending ratchet (or ratchets) as the hand attempts to pass by during SA cocking, after the cylinder has carried up fully.
An evaluation by your trusted local gunsmith would likely determine the actual cause. The other option would be to return it to the factory for evaluation and repair, if you don't mind the wait.
This results in resistance from the offending ratchet (or ratchets) as the hand attempts to pass by during SA cocking, after the cylinder has carried up fully.
An evaluation by your trusted local gunsmith would likely determine the actual cause. The other option would be to return it to the factory for evaluation and repair, if you don't mind the wait.
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Learn how to take the side plate off first - check out youtube or search here. Basically involves taking the screws out and then tapping on the frame with a non-marring item (I use wooden dowel) so that inertia gradually removes the plate.
DO NOT PRY!
DO NOT PRY!
Before you start, do you have any gunsmithing screwdrivers? If not, either buy some or take your revolver to a 'smith.
Has this M686 always been hard to cock? Is the strain screw tight?
Has this M686 always been hard to cock? Is the strain screw tight?
OP
It was hard to cock during the entire cocking cycle when I first bought it. My gunsmith fixed that. Now, it's just the last little bit before fully cocking that is sometimes a little difficult. I'm gonna check the strain screw and open it up and clean the internals and lube with some Ballistol and see how it works. If that doesn't work, I'll take it back to my gunsmith and see what he thinks. Thanks for the advice!
OP
I took the grip off and checked the strain screw. It's on very tight! I'm just gonna take it back to my gunsmith and let him open up the side plate and clean it out and lube it. I'm not confident enough in my ability to do it. This small issue only happens with rounds in the cylinder - not on an empty cylinder. The timing and cocking work perfectly on an empty cylinder.
pantannojack
US Veteran
If you don't know how to carefully do it, or don't know someone to show you, don't attempt repair yourself. I write this as a caution because bubba bruising a pre lock S&W may some day become a hanging offence. Just joking of course.
OP
Would it help to cock the hammer back and put a squirt of Ballistol down into the opening?
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