686 No dash 4'

[donki1967]

Hello,
I'm recently legally owner of a no-dash 686 model, four inches.
it seems that it was not being modified as recommended by the S&W company a few years ago.
(Not being stamped as a 686-M after repair.)
I have read that the recall/modification was to replace the firing pin bushing in the frame and the firing pin in the hammer to address an issue with some hot ammunition having thin primers which would flow back into the firing pin hole upon firing, binding the cylinder and making the gun unable to operate.
But if I compare the firing pin diameter between my 28-2 and this 686 for example, I do not see any difference.
(the firing pin bushing is similar too...)
Could it be that my 686 was modified without being stamped?
I point out that this revolver was bought in France.


Best regards

 

[Engine49guy]

The condition known as "Soft primer flow back" could potentially lock the revolver but it only happened with certain ammo so may not be an issue nowadays.
S&W will still perform the hammer nose bushing modification for free if you want it done and do a tuneup while it is there.

Personally I wouldn't do the mod unless I was experiencing cylinder binding issues.

PS if you contact the factory with your serial number they will know if the gun was modified in their records.

 

[donki1967]

The condition known as "Soft primer flow back" could potentially lock the revolver but it only happened with certain ammo so may not be an issue nowadays.
S&W will still perform the hammer nose bushing modification for free if you want it done and do a tuneup while it is there.

Personally I wouldn't do the mod unless I was experiencing cylinder binding issues.

PS if you contact the factory with your serial number they will know if the gun was modified in their records.

Thanks, but I'm waiting for an after market answer,but here in Europe we can't directly mail to the US customer service...

 

[HorizontalMike]

The condition known as "Soft primer flow back" could potentially lock the revolver but it only happened with certain ammo so may not be an issue nowadays.
S&W will still perform the hammer nose bushing modification for free if you want it done and do a tuneup while it is there.

Personally I wouldn't do the mod unless I was experiencing cylinder binding issues.

PS if you contact the factory with your serial number they will know if the gun was modified in their records.

donki1967,
I just sent my new-to-me "second 686 No-Dash" to S&W to have the "M" modification done, for reasons noted above. The reason for me to do so, hinges around the fact that my cylinder/extractor is sticking/binding when trying to open it. I figure that getting the free modification done now, that I might save a couple $$$ on any "fix" on the cylinder/extractor. I suspect that the extractor rod is bent ever so slightly.

My other 686 No-Dash, I bought back in August 1986 and I had it modified in Jan 1987. Had this one for 32yr and counting. PLUS my first is and has performed perfectly since new.

 

[F75gunslinger]

I would say that unless you are carrying it for self defense, especially since it is such a pain for you to send the gun back, it isn't a priority . Not all of them had the issue.

 

[llowry61]

I had one for 20 plus years with no problem, then it started getting sticky and I was unable to open it until it cooled down after shooting a cylinder of standard .357 rounds. I went ahead and sent it in for the repair. I would think that smith and Wesson would have some method to serve their overseas customers. I would call them and see what they say. Good luck, they are great revolvers.

 

[Seven High]

Have you attempted to locate a Smith & Wesson service center in the EU?

 

[donki1967]

Unfortunately, no answer from the french service center...can somebody give me the service center mail adress from the US?
I will ask them for aid.
Thank you
regards

 

[HorizontalMike]

Smith & Wesson
By Telephone:

(USA) 1-800-331-0852
Mon-Fri 8:00AM-6:00PM Eastern Time

(International) 1-413-781-8300
Mon-Fri 8:00AM-5:00PM Eastern Time
By Fax:

1-413-747-3317 (USA)
1-413-731-8980 (International)
By Mail:

Smith & Wesson
2100 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, MA 01104

 

[donki1967]

Sorry, I forgot to ask if you can give me the email from the customer service...

 

[HorizontalMike]

Don't know if this will help, but:
For website related issues ONLY

(Missing product images, non-functioning links, etc.)
BY EMAIL: [email protected]

They have a restricted messaging system via a third party service from this page: Contact Us | Smith & Wesson

 

[donki1967]

Thanks, I will try.
Nice to see that a real solidarity exist.
I'll keep you informed.
Best regards from France

 

[donki1967]

Finally, the French S&W customer center in France called "SIDAM"responded me:
-First,they said the recall is 1987 dated...and?
-Second, they are not sure if there are spare parts available to eventually make the upgrade,
-Third, I must send my gun to SIDAM by an armorer for checking, and the sending costs would be mine.
Finally, not sure if I would make the repair, and there is no release time.
what do you think S&W friend?

 

[bigggbbruce]

Don't send it anywhere.. don't shoot 125gr .357 loads.

Life will be good.

 

[HorizontalMike]

Finally, the French S&W customer center in France called "SIDAM"responded me:
-First,they said the recall is 1987 dated...and?
-Second, they are not sure if there are spare parts available to eventually make the upgrade,
-Third, I must send my gun to SIDAM by an armorer for checking, and the sending costs would be mine.
Finally, not sure if I would make the repair, and there is no release time.
what do you think S&W friend?

My second 686 No-Dash is CURRENTLY at S&W getting the very SAME "M" modification, right NOW. I called and talked to them last week before having them send me a prepaid FedEx Return Label. S&W HAS the appropriate parts and YES, S&W is still honoring the "M" modification without charge. This is being done at the S&W in the United States.

FWIW, I would assume that SIDAM would be able to get those same parts without charge, from the U.S.

And yes, the recall was Jan 1987

 

[donki1967]

Can a kindly forum member post a picture from the modified firing pin bushing and the new firing pin?
That would be helping me a lot more for understanding the "M" upgrade.
Thanks

 

[donki1967]

Can a kindly forum member post a picture from the modified firing pin bushing and the new firing pin?
That would be helping me a lot more for understanding the "M" upgrade.
Thanks