686-4 question

[wproct]

OK guys, I'm coming to the experts here for some information/consolation. Go to a local gunshow today and find a 686-4 6"bbl revolver with box and papers in like new condition, can tell it has been shot very little. Look it over with a fine tooth comb, I thought. Got home and start admiring, and I notice that there is a slight gap between the barrel lug and the frame. Looking a little closer, I see that there is also a very slight gap all the way around between the barrel and the frame. Is this a serious problem? I quickly look at the rest of my Smith revolvers, and some have a slight gap between the lug and the frame, but none of them have the gap all the way around the barrel. What say you? Do you think I have a problem? Thanks for any opinions.

 

[C/O]

Pics of the issue would help.

 

[wproct]

Hi, I'm struggling to get photos that resemble what it looks like from the naked eye, but here goes:

Hope this helps. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. Anyway, thanks for any comments.

 

[fyimo]

I have never seen one like that before but I'm not sure if it's a problem or not. Hopefully someone will come along with a more definitive answer.

 

[RGPM1A]

I have two older 686s and both have a very small gap at the bottom of the barrel lug and frame and one has a very, very small gap at the top of the barrel and frame. None of my N or J frames have this though. Never had an issue with either piece and I'm not worried about it. BTW one of the 686s went back to S&W for the M recall mod and they didn't mention it. Also if you didn't mention the issue in your post I would have never noticed it.

 

[youngda9]

If the price is right it can always be sent in for service for a small fee. The -4 is the one to get IMO(no MIM, hammer mounted firing pin, no damn lock)...I have a 7 shot 4" version and it's great !

 

[wproct]

Thanks for the comments guys. The more I look at it, the gaps are at the barrel lug, and at the barrel rib. The barrel itself seems to be nice & tight against the frame. As RGPM1A says, I'm just not going to worry about it unless I have an issue. I was just so pleased to find a 686-4 in such nice condition, box and all. I did really look it over closely, but this just wasn't noticeable unless you hold it up against a bright light background. Like I said earlier, I'm just kind of a worrier. However, as I get older I am getting over that trait somewhat.

Thanks again for the comments.

Oh by the way, it came with the factory issue hogue rubber grips. The Hogue tulipwood grips on it now were just a pair that I already had. I would rather have the square bottom Hogue woods on it, but that will have to come later.

 

[C/O]

I would call S&W and send the pics into them. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Hawker Man]

Is the barrel tight? It must be because that gap is a lot less than one turn of the barrel would take up. What is the barrel cylinder gap like? I don't think you have anything to worry about.
Tom

 

[AKsRule]

OK guys, I'm coming to the experts here for some information/consolation. Go to a local gunshow today and find a 686-4 6"bbl revolver with box and papers in like new condition, can tell it has been shot very little. Look it over with a fine tooth comb, I thought. Got home and start admiring, and I notice that there is a slight gap between the barrel lug and the frame. Looking a little closer, I see that there is also a very slight gap all the way around between the barrel and the frame. Is this a serious problem? I quickly look at the rest of my Smith revolvers, and some have a slight gap between the lug and the frame, but none of them have the gap all the way around the barrel. What say you? Do you think I have a problem? Thanks for any opinions.

Your 586 has a one piece barrel/shroud with an integral front sight.
(it's all one piece of machined steel )

As long as the front sight isn't canted relative to the rear sight and
the headspace is normal that gap is only a cosmetic issue.

.

 

[one eye joe]

Your 586 has a one piece barrel/shroud with an integral front sight.
(it's all one piece of machined steel )

As long as the front sight isn't canted relative to the rear sight and
the headspace is normal that gap is only a cosmetic issue.

.

DITTO ! ! ! BTW, THOSE WERE PRETTY GOOD PICS FOR A GUY THAT WAS "STRUGGLING".........