686 ?

[jhde69]

Just found a 686-1,2 1/2 bbl. Looks unfired. What is the reason for the recall on early 686's. I will have to get a picture up next week.

 

[amazingflapjack]

I think recall was on no dash 686, but call S&W.

 

[158Grain]

The recall was to replace the firing pin and hammer nose. There may have been another part included as well. Someone else will know the exact list. I believe the no dash and -1's were both included.

 

[fyimo]

The recall was done because the revolver would lock up when primers would flow back into the firing pin hole. It only happened on small number of guns but it was enough to get S&W to do a recall.

 

[Georgiastonewall]

They had to replace the hammer nose, firing pin bushing annd some were delivered without or improperly cut forcing cones. The Department I worked for took our much beloved model 66's in the middle of the shift and gave us the 686's instead. The 686 was so new there were no speed loaders out for them yet. The traded in 66's went to the worlds fair security in Tenn. that year. Needless to say there were many shots fired calls in the county over the next few days for testing. The next series of range qualifications were a nightmare. Guns locked up with .357 ammo and they were spitting lead out the flash gap. It took the armorers a long time to sorth that mess out.

 

[jhde69]

Thank you

I will look at the revolver closer this weekend. I went to my gun shop last saturday found this 686 went to do paper work and found I had left my billfold at home on the dining room table. So paid for the revolver and will pick up saturday when I have my permit to purchase with me. I never leave home with out it. This has been a long week and it's only tuesday.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Just found a 686-1,2 1/2 bbl. Looks unfired. What is the reason for the recall on early 686's. I will have to get a picture up next week.

Here is the recall:

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.