686 no dash return

[big&slow]

As mentioned previously, I recently acquired a 686 4" no dash with combat grips in great condition for a very fair price of $450.
Knowing of the re-call issues (m stamped on crane) because of primer material Esp. with heavier loads potentially locking the gun up. I called S&W and was sent a pre-paid Fed-Ex label and was given a time frame of aprox. 3 weeks turn around . Shot the 686 last Saturday. 150 rounds. 100 rounds of light .357 and 50 rounds of full house 158 gr lwc. No issues what so ever. Very accurate I might ad.
Asking for advice from knowledgeable forum members on whether to send it in to Smith or not to worry about it?

 

[armorer951]

Unless you are planning on carrying it for personal protection or duty use, I wouldn't worry about it. If another repair issue comes up down the road, you can request the refit be done then.......and they will pay the shipping, etc.

 

[Marine Corps Air]

There's no doubt in my military mind, send it in!

1. There is no cost to you;
2. S&W has all the required parts today (this may not be the case in the future)
3. The modifications will be completed by S&W gunsmiths
4. I sent my last 586 No Dash in to S&W in May of this year and it was back in my safe, all secured, in seven calendar days!

I have three Model 586s and they have all been modified. There is the potential risk for cylinder binding after the hammer has fallen. While it may not happen on your watch, it could happen if a friend or family member is firing it.

Semper Fi!

 

[Messer]

I'd say send it in.

It will still shoot the same when it gets back. To me, it would be one less thing to worry about.

Then, if you need to sell it, it will be in your favor to have it done already.

Just my $.02,
Bob S.

 

[sodacan]

Where are you going to stick this poll after you complete it? LOL

 

[zzzippper]

Send it in. Once the shipping window closes it will be at your cost if you change your mind or something goes bad. If something different happens down the road S&W will have no obligation to fix this, you had your chance.

I am in government QA and our philosophy is that the OEM always knows best.

 

[DR505]

There's no doubt in my military mind, send it in!

1. There is no cost to you;
2. S&W has all the required parts today (this may not be the case in the future)
3. The modifications will be completed by S&W gunsmiths
4. I sent my last 586 No Dash in to S&W in May of this year and it was back in my safe, all secured, in seven calendar days!

I have three Model 586s and they have all been modified. There is the potential risk for cylinder binding after the hammer has fallen. While it may not happen on your watch, it could happen if a friend or family member is firing it.

Semper Fi!

Send it in. Once the shipping window closes it will be at your cost if you change your mind or something goes bad. If something different happens down the road S&W will have no obligation to fix this, you had your chance.

I am in government QA and our philosophy is that the OEM always knows best.

These replies are spot on. Why would you not want to take advantage of a free warranty repair of a defective piece of merchandise? Makes no sense to not send it in.

 

[Texas1941]

I would send it in. The point about the parts not being available forever is valid.

Many people have posted that they have never had a problem with the no dash 357 L frames, and I'm sure that's true. I did and believe me it's a bear to get open without damaging the revolver. You can never be sure what ammunition you will have available. And you can't be sure that ammo that works today will be made with the same components tomorrow.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

 

[texagun]

Absolutely send it in. It's a no-brainer.

 

[artemis]

This is a legal liability for S&W and unless they recall all 686 with this potential problem S&W will be liable and the idea that they would no longer honor this recall is absurd.

As for 'qualified gun smiths' S&W has a problem here as well as in their production facility.

One person has already made a comment about a 'S&W gun smith' returning their 686 with another problem they made during the recall.

Just look at the recall S&W has in effect today and you will see this is not the same S&W of 40 years ago.

 

[WaMike]

The above post reminds me of the guy in the old Andy Capp cartoon (boy, does that date me!) who constantly walked around with a cloud over his head.

99% of those on this forum (maybe not a well-researched factoid ) who have had the "M" mark put on our 586/686 free-of-charge by S&W are very happy with the speed, quality and service.

Don't listen to the naysayers....do what's right.

 

[Messer]

Just look at the recall S&W has in effect today and you will see this is not the same S&W of 40 years ago.

That is true - 40 years ago, S&W wasn't trying to copy a Glock semi-auto.

Last year I sent a S&W 617 in for warranty repair, they had to replace the cylinder, and reset the barrel & recut the forcing cone. Everything was done well - and that gun is getting a lot of use.

S&W will take good care of your gun - as the comedian says "git r done".

Take care,
Bob S.

 

[snubbiefan]

Send it in if you plan to shoot it. Don't if you just plan to look at it. I do believe there are a few posts here in the forum concerning the lock-up occurring and I am not so sure it was the "hot light" loads that we're warned about.

 

[texagun]

It's a simple fix. It won't hurt your gun. It will increase your gun's value to have it already done because it will be more reliable and won't lock up with hotter loads.

I've sent 3 or 4 guns in with NO PROBLEMS. Why are you even thinking about this? Common sense would tell you to have it done while you can.
Here is the recall notice.



"SMITH & WESSON
MODEL 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1,
586-1, 681-1, 686-1 & 686CS-1, REVOLVERS

RECALL: Reports have been received from the field where the combination of a SMITH & WESSON L-FRAME 357 MAGNUM REVOLVER and some .357 Magnum ammunition has resulted in unacceptable cylinder binding. L-frame revolvers bearing model numbers:

581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1,
681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1

Cylinder binding can cause a failure to fire. Mishandling a revolver while freeing the cylinder can result in accidental discharge.

Cylinder binding can result from a number of causes, including characteristics of an individual revolver or the use of ammunition, which does not conform to industry pressure specifications or is particularly fast burning. Recent developments in ammunition manufacture emphasize the production of .357 Magnum ammunition with increased velocity and greater primer sensitivity.

Although there have been very few reported incidents of cylinder binding, in view of our concern for our customer's safety and the reliability of Smith & Wesson products in all circumstances, we issue the following warning:

In a situation where a failure to fire can be critical - such as law enforcement or personal protection - do not use .357 Magnum ammunition with an L-frame revolver bearing model numbers 581, 586, 681, 686 or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number until you have had the revolver modified.

Those who need to use their L-frame revolver under these conditions prior to modification can safely fire .38 Special caliber ammunition.

Smith & Wesson has developed a modification to improve existing L-frame revolvers. This improvement enables them to fire all .357 Magnum ammunition, without cylinder binding. Shipments of L-frame revolvers from our factory after August 21, 1987 already include this improvement.

You can check if your revolver includes this improvement by looking at the left side of the frame when the cylinder is fully open. If your revolver has been stamped either with a "2" or higher number after the basic three-digit model number or with an "M" above the model number, your revolver includes this improvement and does not need modification. If your revolver bears the model number 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number, it does not include this improvement and your should have your revolver modified.

Smith & Wesson will modify your L-frame revolver free of charge to eliminate the possibility of cylinder binding with .357 Magnum ammunition. Law enforcement agencies wishing to arrange for modification of L-frame revolvers should call 800-458-8469 between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M. Eastern time (MA residents call 413-734-8244). Other users should send their revolvers to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Service Center, specifying "L-frame improvement program" and enclosing their name and return address.

One of the modifications to improve the L-frame revolver is the installation of a new hammer nose. This obsoletes all old L-frame hammer noses (part numbers 4702 and 7513) and all old L-frame hammer assemblies (part numbers 3366, 3378, 3380, 3382, 3391, 4722, 4723, 4726 and 4728) in field parts inventories. Superseded parts should never be fitted into a modified revolver as this may result in malfunction. It is essential for safety that you return these obsolete L-frame hammer noses and obsolete L-frame hammer assemblies for a free exchange to:

Smith & Wesson
Service Department
2100 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, MA 01101

Do not return L-frame hammer-nose bushings from your spare parts inventory inasmuch as they are useable in J, N and K-frame revolvers, which are not included in this Product Warning.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Smith & Wesson's first concern is the safety of its products and the protection of its customers.

 

[snubbiefan]

Some that have the nickel or blued 586 fear finish damage. They can also make a 686 look a little "ugly" of they try hard enough. I have seen several "M" guns that you could hardly tell the bushing was changed....and then there is the particular one I sent in that they obviously had the parking-lot attendant or the janitor do (no insult to house service personnel intended). It's a bit hard to explain, but it was simply a butt-ugly job. Chances are good that it won't look "factory" when it comes back, but I suppose it really can't. For shooting purposes, it's a must to do, but the collector guys have head-problems with having their gun mistreated. I still vote to send it in while you can, but I simply traded straight-up for a -4 and have been happy ever since.

 

[Harrison]

If it ain't broke, why fix it?

 

[shawn mccarver]

I vote to send it in. You will have confidence if you need to use it for defense, and it is more desirable on resale. Since they quoted only 3 weeks, I think it is a "no-brainer." If they had said 6 months or something terribly long as I have read on some threads for other types of repairs, then I might say to wait and do it later, but I would never say don't do it at all.

 

[rwsmith]

Since you have.....

As mentioned previously, I recently acquired a 686 4" no dash with combat grips in great condition for a very fair price of $450.
Knowing of the re-call issues (m stamped on crane) because of primer material Esp. with heavier loads potentially locking the gun up. I called S&W and was sent a pre-paid Fed-Ex label and was given a time frame of aprox. 3 weeks turn around . Shot the 686 last Saturday. 150 rounds. 100 rounds of light .357 and 50 rounds of full house 158 gr lwc. No issues what so ever. Very accurate I might ad.
Asking for advice from knowledgeable forum members on whether to send it in to Smith or not to worry about it?

Since you contacted them already, have the ok, and have made arrangements to ship, go ahead and do it.

I've not had any trouble with mine. I may have the recall done yet.

 

[clang444]

Can anyone show a picture of exactly what is changed/replaced when you send a gun in for the "M mod"?

Thanks

 

[artemis]

The above post reminds me of the guy in the old Andy Capp cartoon (boy, does that date me!) who constantly walked around with a cloud over his head.

99% of those on this forum (maybe not a well-researched factoid ) who have had the "M" mark put on our 586/686 free-of-charge by S&W are very happy with the speed, quality and service.

Don't listen to the naysayers....do what's right.

I am not an employee of Smith and Wesson and I say what I please about the company.

The recall has more to do with a 'Legal Liability' and I also believe from experience 'If it's not broken don't fix it.'

The 'New' S&W revolvers with a 'lock and key' on the side plate next to the cylinder release is an over engineered and absurd 'Safety Device'. I would never buy one of these revolvers.

Write all the retorts you want, but I am very fortunate to have bought my S&W Revolvers forty years ago.