686-5 needs a tune up after 20 years

[Bobafett]

Better than any car I've ever owned

My well used mountain gun needs a trip to the mothership.

I pre ordered it when they were 1st announced in shooting times and took delivery in July '98.

It's seen a lot of use and I always thought I took good care of it but noticed after a detail cleaning today that it's out of time, randomly not catching the cylinder stop when slow cocking the hammer.

So I'll send it in next week and let you guys know how it goes.

 

[RGVshooter]

It'll come back better than new.... Might take a couple months but I think you'll be very happy when it's back.

I've sent my 4" HB model 10 to get reblued. Took 3 months and it came back beautiful! They even replaced the hand and old rubber service grips that was on it for a new set of wood S&W stocks. They send the old parts back to you....

 

[Bobafett]

Update, this also helps me keep track on how long they've had it.

Called customer service last week and they said it was in the performance center for repairs. I questioned why it was in the performance center instead of warranty repair, and was told that the older guns go back to the P.C. dept.

I don't consider a 686-5 an older gun but whatever, and they estimated about another 3 weeks to have it finished

 

[Rock185]

Yea, the -5 is an Old Time gun now. I've seen mention somewhere before of the PC handling repair work on pre lock revolvers. Had a 686 Mountain Gun myself at one time. Fine revolver.

PS, many years ago, I sent in my 66 no dash for similar reasons. S&W returned it like new. Of course, most of the parts were actually new. The only original parts on my old 66 are the frame, side plate and rear sight. I doubt yours will need so much replaced, but if S&W does as nice a job with yours, it'll likely be good to go for another 20 years.

 

[Crh1943]

My 66-5 snubbie was spitting lead out pretty bad while shooting magnums. I adopted it from a pawn shop.

Mine was also sent to the PC and they were able to fix it up and send it out within 5 weeks. They just had to cut the forcing cone and do some work around there. Was $89 or so and they also replaced springs and other worn out pieces if need be. Came back well lubricated under the side plate and feels great!

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I sold a BNIB 686-5 Mt Gun a while back . I don't know if you'd be interested , but it went for more than my 627-0 . I had all sorts asking about it , actually had a waiting list in case the first guy backed out . You don't see them come up for sale but once in a blue moon .

 

[kraynky]

Those half underlug models are awesome. I ordered and bought a new 625-6 Mountain Gun back when they were announced in the late 90's. They said only 3,000 were going to be made, not sure how that turned out, but I should have hung onto it. I bought it to be my "woods gun", being it was in 45 colt, I could load a shot shell in the first hole in the warmer month and 240 gr. cast in it the rest of the time.

After losing my deer lease, and not even shooting it for 3-4 years, I swapped it (here I think) for a beautiful 1006. I've admired the 686 Mountain Gun for a long time, and keep mu eyes peeled for one in every shop I browse through. Haven't seen any. So hang onto that one Bob!

Looking forward to seeing how it looks when you get it back! Heck, even a "before" picture would hold me over.

 

[Bobafett]

Can't believe I don't have any pics on this computer, or at least not that I can find yet.

Wife wouldn't let me sell it even if I wanted to, she thinks it's hers

 

[Bobafett]

Called S&W today and was told nothing has been updated when she looked up the RMA. Told me to check back in another 2 weeks.

I've heard this before from their customer service but the lady said she was unsure if this would be warranty work or not.

I wasn't going to hash it out with her since it's not her decision, but it's irritating to hear none the less.

The wait continues...

 

[PD5523]

I recently sent a 686-2 in for the combat revolver package; and to correct timing which was slow on 2 cylinders. Prior to doing so, I had it evaluated by a well known custom revolver smith and was told it was functional but couldn't be tuned to his satisfaction because, even after installing an O/S Hand, timing remained slow due to overcut ratchets an two cylinders. And, he noted, parts (I.e. a new extractor) were no longer readily available from SW.

Upon return from SW, the trigger job was excellent as was the bead blasted finish. BUT, timing remained slow on two cylinders. A hand was also returned so I assume a new hand was installed (despite the fact the hand had already been replaced with an O/S Hand).

I contacted SW and was told the pistol was test fired and was fine. I was asked if I had shot it, or if it merely "appeared" slow when manually cycling. I'm concerned that implied it's satisfactory to allow cylinder momentum to assist lock up but that's not how I was taught to check timing.

So, it's on it's way back with a request to replace the extractor or cylinder if necessary to get it right. We'll see if SW can get it resolved!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bobafett]

Called S&W today and was told nothing has been updated when she looked up the RMA. Told me to check back in another 2 weeks.

I've heard this before from their customer service but the lady said she was unsure if this would be warranty work or not.

I wasn't going to hash it out with her since it's not her decision, but it's irritating to hear none the less.

The wait continues...

Here's where it gets ugly. i called today and am told there is an estimate of $205 to repair my gun but of course the person i needed to speak to has left for the day. i'll know more tomorrow

 

[Bobafett]

This isn't right. I call the extension I'm told to call and get told they don't know why its not warranty work, perhaps i sent the gun in dirty, im not the original owner, or its normal wear & tear.

Now im supposed to wait 2-3 days for this person to check into it and get back to me.

I wish we had a S&W representative on this forum.

 

[Bobafett]

Faith restored

just got called and they are sending it to the warranty dept

 

[Bobafett]

Got it back this morning! Delivered to my home, I don't think they are supposed to do that (Fed Ex)

Trigger, Hammer, Rebound slide, cyl stop, and extractor were replaced.

The hammer is hollowed out on the left side, I guess they only have MIM hammers with cut outs for the internal lock now?

Niiiice SA Trigger pull and heavy smooth DA pull. I can tell they put an 18lb rebound spring back in it. Every cylinder locks up early with an audible click of the cyl stop.

Good to go for another 20 years

Now I need to get a nice set of wood grips