686 no dash and no "M"

[gcs71]

What exactly is the deal with the 686 no dash needing sent in to S&W for a modification? Thanks

 

[gcs71]

What exactly is the deal with the 686 no dash needing sent in to S&W for a modification? Thanks

 

[john traveler]

The S&W factory recall for no-dash M686 was to replace defective recoil shields that caused the revolver to lock up when firing .357 Magnums. The "M" stamp in the frame cutout area means that the revolver was inspected or had the modification done to it.

 

[Twist]

The fix is a new hammer nose bush and a new (smaller diameter) hammer nose.
If you have not experienced the problem AND DO NOT use the gun for self defence... forget about it. It only happens with relatively hot .357 Mag loads

 

[cptdco]

All true. my 686 was the first handgun I ever bought. Has had many thousands of rounds through it the last 25 years or so without a problem. I also own an unmodified 581 that has never locked up. But if you're interested, S&W will still modify it for you. I just sent a 686 CS-1 back for the mod but only to get it a free ride to the factory...I was really sending it back to have it factory bead-blasted.

 

[g17]

No "M" and no problems ever with any of my 686 no dash guns. Not saying some didn't have a problem but mine never have. Take it out and fire it. Supposedly, there were problems with primer flow that would lock up the cylinder?

 

[PMRet]

I bought a new 4" 686 no-dash in the early 80's when they first came out, and I never knew anything about the modification until recently when I read about it somewhere. I emailed S&W customer service, the work was free including overnite shipping both ways, and I had it back in 3 weeks.