686 PC Woes

[MDF4]

[FONT=&quot]This 686-6PC has been a safe queen since last May and I decided to take it to the range tomorrow. I haven't fired it and was bought NIB from a LGS with labels, etc. I used my range rod (.357/.38) to check cylinder alignment and it stopped dead before clearing the barrel, and yes. it is clear with no obstructions. It was so tight I did not force it any further. It's my understanding that the PC's are test fired at the factory but I'm not sure this revolver is even safe to shoot. This can't be right when my other .357's slide right through. Any ideas, recommendations are greatly appreciated.[/FONT]
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[valk93]

Had the same problem with my 686 plus. Put a hundred or so rounds thru it and checked it again. Was fine. Go figure.

 

[Nightowl]

Sounds like a constriction where the barrel threads into the frame.

 

[joe44va]

I wouldn't be shooting that until the mothership looks at it.

 

[AlHunt]

Slug the barrel.

 

[MDF4]

Slug the barrel.

I was thinking the same but never having done that before what is it I'm looking for?

 

[chief38]

Doesn't it seem strange that there are so many problems with Performance Center guns!? I read more about problematic PC guns than their regular line up - seems like when the try and "tweak" them they actually screw them up!

One would THINK that when they take a regular model and "soup it up and tune it" they would correct any problems along the way - it almost seems like they add problems.

I hope you get your 686 straightened out and would think it's high time for you owners of PC guns to contact the head honcho's at S&W! It would be very interesting to hear what they have to say bout this phenomenon!

 

[Wee Hooker]

Doesn't it seem strange that there are so many problems with Performance Center guns!? I read more about problematic PC guns than their regular line up - seems like when the try and "tweak" them they actually screw them up!

One would THINK that when they take a regular model and "soup it up and tune it" they would correct any problems along the way - it almost seems like they add problems.

I hope you get your 686 straightened out and would think it's high time for you owners of PC guns to contact the head honcho's at S&W! It would be very interesting to hear what they have to say bout this phenomenon!

I used to work in a LGS a 1/2 dozen years back and can testify to the truth in that. At the time, we rarely had any issues/returns with production run pistols from S&W. However, I'd say maybe 1 in 4 ( of a sample of 20 ish?) PC and Pro series revolvers had significant issues. I myself purchased a 929PC that went back twice with barrel /forcing cone issues and a 986 that had a clocked barrel. Like many, I was mortified that something so obvious could get by in a gun that got PC shop attention. ( Maybe they don't use the same QC process? ) In the end, both got traded off as I was never happy with the resulting product even after rework. From what I was told, the cause was that SW had a big turn over in their PC shop operations due to retirements. I never did confirm.

 

[MDF4]

^^
Also having read many complaints with PC's has soured me on any further buys. In fact, there's a 986 at the same GS that I've been looking at...don't think so. I'm calling S&W today and see what they can do about this. Who knows', they may say "Fine", fire it.

 

[ladder13]

Do they actually charge more for a PC gun?

 

[AlHunt]

I was thinking the same but never having done that before what is it I'm looking for?

You seem to be concerned that the barrel is too tight. Slugging it would tell you how tight and you might be able to discern where it's tightest. Give you some peace of mind before you pull the trigger.

Use plenty of lube and just tap a lead bullet down there, careful not to damage the crown.

 

[MDF4]

I took the 686 back to the GS where I bought it and this company also has a gunsmith. He inspected it and said in his opinion that it was fine and okay to fire. I guess I kind of gave him a look of, "Are you sure?" There were several customers in the shop browsing around he asked everyone to step outside and he took the revolver in the back and fired 12 .38SP test rounds. He came back with a smile and.."Great trigger."
So, I'll pump a few hundred rounds through it and see where it goes from there. Thanks all, I do appreciate your feedback.