686 update question

[mtelkhntr]

Please Lord forgive for I know I've seen this somewhere but I've read so much about 686's in the past two weeks I don't know if I can find my way to the outhouse.

In an earlier thread I talked of looking a model 60 and a 686 no dash and decided the 686 was the better deal. Somewhere I read that if it had the update it would be marked with an M. Not so on this one. On the frame inside the yoke is the serial number and MOD.686. On the other piece it's marked E22 and the number 65161 both of which are maked on the frame under the butt and also a sideways S. Does any of this indicate that the update was done on this revolver?

 

[UnderDawgAl]

Nope, it was not sent in for the modification. Otherwise, you'd see the M marked on the frame inside the yoke. I used to have a 686 no-dash w/o the mod, and I shot it plenty. Never saw the need for the mod for my shooting. Like an idiot, sold it in college.

 

[lhump1961]

I just bought a 686-1 without the mod and I expect it to work fine. The problem the modification addressed was not common...to the best of my knowledge it only showed up in small percentage of the 686's using a particular type of ammo/primer. I bet more than half of the 686's never went back...just a guess though.

 

[Tom Kent]

I have a 686-1 that was the last revolver I carried as a duty weapon before we went to optional autos. It had never been modified. Two years ago I sent it to the S&W Custom shop for one of the revolver packages you can have done. When it came back it had been modified. Still works fine and the revolver package was very good.

 

[mtelkhntr]

Now you have my attention! Revolver packages???
Please, more details

 

[BruceM]

The reason for the recall was that a very small number of the guns had a problem with primers extruding back into the hammer nose bushing, locking the gun up. At the time, the gun was aimed at the LEO market so Smith recalled them all.

It's a free fix with Smith & Wesson picking up the tab for freight both ways. If you don't have a problem, I would probably leave the gun as-is. You can always return it if you encounter a problem.

The numbers you mention are probably assembly numbers as all guns repaired by Smith have the "M" proof mark, as previously mentioned.

B.

 

[williamlayton]

I am different---Murphy lives above me, or so I believe.
I sent mine back for the recall just last week. Probably not needed----unless it IS needed.
Blessings

 

[a1bigtuna]

How does one tell if his 686 needs a mod, or rates one?

 

[one eye joe]

Nope, it was not sent in for the modification. Otherwise, you'd see the M marked on the frame inside the yoke. I used to have a 686 no-dash w/o the mod, and I shot it plenty. Never saw the need for the mod for my shooting. Like an idiot, sold it in college.

UnderDawgAl--IN THEORY you are correct. A modified 686 SHOULD have a stamped "M" on the frame inside the yoke. I sent my 686 in for the mod, which was completed as per the paperwork shipped back with the weapon. However, IT WAS NOT STAMPED WITH AN "M". To the OP, I would suggest you purchase the 686. It's my favorite of the very many S&W revolvers that I own. If your 686 will be used as a range gun, there is NO immediate need to have the mods done. NOT ALL of the 686 and 686-1's have the problem. Just shoot it and if and when a problem occurs, S&W will fix it for free. IF however, as in my case, you are going to use this weapon for self defense or home defense you MUST have the mods done immediately before you trust your life to it.....

 

[mtelkhntr]

Joe,
I did buy the revolver and am absolutely amazed at how smooth it is. I have several other S&W's but the trigger on this one is lights out compared to the others. But, in all fairness, this has been shot more than them. I bought this with money I got from my Dad who now in his 80's with failing health said to use it for something I wanted. Seeing's how his first firearm that he bought for himself was a k-38 I felt nostalgic in using the money for a smith. You can only imagine the smile on his face when I showed it to him. I think for now I'm going to just shoot it and see how it does. If it does fine I may just keep using it as is. Thanks all for you replies. I have this renewed love of smith's and as always I don't know how long it will last or how far it will go but I've found all of you to be a great wealth of information. Thanks.

 

[one eye joe]

Joe,
I did buy the revolver and am absolutely amazed at how smooth it is. I have several other S&W's but the trigger on this one is lights out compared to the others. But, in all fairness, this has been shot more than them. I bought this with money I got from my Dad who now in his 80's with failing health said to use it for something I wanted. Seeing's how his first firearm that he bought for himself was a k-38 I felt nostalgic in using the money for a smith. You can only imagine the smile on his face when I showed it to him. I think for now I'm going to just shoot it and see how it does. If it does fine I may just keep using it as is. Thanks all for you replies. I have this renewed love of smith's and as always I don't know how long it will last or how far it will go but I've found all of you to be a great wealth of information. Thanks.

What a great story about a very special relationship between father and son. The 686 came out in 1980, so your revolver--being used--has probably been fired enough times that if it was gonna break it would have by now. I wouldagree with your plan--just use it. REMEMBER--have the mods done if your gonna use it for SD/HD. Better be safe than sorry.......