686 Plus with a problem

[Tensaw]

I just acquired my 686 Plus last month as a Christmas present. It's my first revolver. I haven't really had much time to play with the gun but yesterday I thought I would clean it, mainly to get familiar with it. That's when the problem that's in the pic hit me in the face. Don't know how I hadn't seen it earlier. I felt sure that S&W would take care of the problem but before contacting them I sent an email to the dealer describing the problem and attaching the pic. He immediately called me and is going to refund the full purchasing price including transfer fees and pay shipping costs to get it back. I have no problem with S&W. I've been around long enough to know that this kind of stuff happens. I'm going to get another S&W but will probably get a 586. I was kind of wishing that that's what I had gotten anyway.

 

[armorer951]

Sorry about this obvious flaw in your new revolver. Hard to believe that something like this could happen, but your experience vividly underscores the sad fact that many of the brand new revolvers, and other handguns are simply not being thoroughly inspected prior to shipment.

Be sure to give any new product the "once over". Sadly, many of the present day manufacturers are placing the burden of a final inspection and evaluation on the end user.

 

[Borderboss]

It's certainly weird looking, but won't affect the performance in any way. Since your dealer is going to take it back, perhaps he can just replace it with a different one with the proper rollmarks.

 

[Babysitr]

As a coin guy too, I'm thinking, WOW a double die S&W, or an OMM if you would.... if all else is OK, I like it...If its a shooter, it may be a blessing or a curse! to each his own....

 

[hyena]

It's astonishing to me that gun could even make it out of the factory.

 

[bigwheelzip]

FYI, returns to S&W are easy. Call them and they email you a prepaid shipping label that you print and tape to the box. Then call the shipper and they come to your door to retrieve the box.

The 4" 686 Plus was my first handgun and a great choice for a first revolver. Good luck.

 

[Tensaw]

It's certainly weird looking, but won't affect the performance in any way. Since your dealer is going to take it back, perhaps he can just replace it with a different one with the proper rollmarks.

Initially, the dealer didn't think he had a replacement but it turns out does. He's shipping it to my FFL guy and sending me a box of ammo for my trouble. He said he has the bad gun sold. Has a customer who likes to buy oddball stuff like this.

 

[gwpercle]

I think it looks sorta neat...being odd myself I would have kept it...one of a kind is cool !
Gary

 

[Sevens]

This discussion looks like warm bait for me to get forum dinged with demerits.

I'll just say that I love that you have a great dealer that was quick to do the right thing. Before I go let me also try to express how much I love (not currently made) S&W handguns!

 

[Benchrest1]

When they double stamp coins the price goes up. If it was me I wouldn't send the gun back. I would keep it just because of the double stamp. It's something different.

 

[MJK-MOD-547]

If it was me, I would keep it. Seems to me the dealer is anxious to get it back.

If you put that up for auction you'll have enough to buy five 586s

 

[hassiman]

The S&W quality control department must have been laid off. Their QA has bess horrible for the last few years. Repair has been bad as well....

 

[jughed440]

All of mine look like that if I don't have my readers on.

I agree with those who say keep it. Collectors would be very interested in having that. I would bet that the dealer is eager to get it back for that reason.

 

[UncleEd]

Three shots of Bourbon or a
double gin martini will put
the stamping in focus.

 

[Tensaw]

Before I ever noticed the double stamped logo, I had noticed that the stainless finish of the barrel looked different from the frame and cylinder. The barrel looked lighter or faded without the depth of the rest of the gun. Being a newbie, I didn't know if this was really significant for a S&W revolver and had kind of gotten past it. The new gun arrives Tuesday and I'm interested in seeing the overall finish.

 

[jkmo]

Unbelievable it got out of the factory but agree keep it or put it up for auction

 

[joe44va]

I think that I'd see how it shoots before sending it back. Double struck coins can be worth more money than regular stock. In any event, it is unusual.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

Looks like your gun developed a stutter at the factory

 

[Nightowl]

I have to disagree with some here. Since he has already contacted the dealer and the dealer has agreed to take it back and send a replacement, I think the OP has created an obligation to return the revolver to the seller and accept the replacement.

 

[OLDSTER]

For me, as a shooter, I would have it replaced. But for a serious collector you may have a valuable gun there; as previously posted, like a "double-struck" coin. Obviously your call.