Collector value and recalls ?

[OldLawman]

I had an online discussion recently with someone who picked up an early 586 non-M stamped, meaning it had not been sent in for the L-frame recall.
The new owner insisted that while he would shoot it, he also would not send it in for the recall work because he thought it was more valuable without it being performed.

IMHO, unless a gun like that was true NIB, never fired, with correct box and papers, it not only has no more value and perhaps even less. I don't see a fired gun, made in such large numbers, in fired condition as "collectible".

Do I misread the market? BTW, I have been buying and selling guns for over 40 years. Love old Smiths, meaning pre-lock/pre-MIM.

 

[toroflow1]

I'd be nervous to send in a 586 no dash, in fear the mothership would keep it, saying they didn't have parts to fix it, and send me a NEW model gun in compensation. Of course this new gun would have a lock and cast parts! No thank you!

 

[Dump1567]

I just found a used 586-1 a few months ago in excellent condition without the "M" for $549. I promptly sent it off to S&W for the modification and had it back within a 3 week turn-around.

I'm with you OP. Unless it's NIB w/paperwork, I don't see a used non-"M" as having more value. But who knows what a different buyer may think?

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I have a no dash 4 in nickel 586......It never failed So I never sent it.......WHY????........Fix something that ain't broke?

 

[OldLawman]

I would have to dive back for the original reason(s) for the recall. I believe it was due to lock-up issues with magnum ammunition that came to light in LE usage. But Smith would not go through the whole recall/shipping/cost without a good reason.

 

[OldLawman]

Here's the best detailed history on the recall:

The 1987 L-Frame Recall – RevolverGuy.Com

revolverguy.com

 

[wproct]

It's a personal decision. Personally for me I would not send it in, because if I shot it I would never be firing full power .357 cartridges in it. If I never shot it, which happens with me, It would then be the new owner's choice as what to do.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I had an online discussion recently with someone who picked up an early 586 non-M stamped, meaning it had not been sent in for the L-frame recall.
The new owner insisted that while he would shoot it, he also would not send it in for the recall work …

Every collector see things differently.

If it’s not broken I would not send it in. I still miss the S&W Authorized Repair Service Centers.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

A side note would be why send a 45 year old revolver back to the mothership?

It will likely be a Safe Queen because most of us have many revolvers.

 

[Mike LaNier]

The article shown by 'Old Lawman' was a great read. The key seems to be understanding what happened (primer flow into the firing pin bushing) and why (i.e., high-pressure, fast powders and light bullet loads). The thread on the recall outlined the issue as well. ML

 

[Dump1567]

I know some people have had issues from my other thread and figured I'd get it done since they still do it for free. And didn't want to worry about what ammo I use. I also didn't like how large my FP hole looked.

 

[toroflow1]

Every thread needs pictures!

 

[raygixxer89]

I just found a used 586-1 a few months ago in excellent condition without the "M" for $549. I promptly sent it off to S&W for the modification and had it back within a 3 week turn-around.

I'm with you OP. Unless it's NIB w/paperwork, I don't see a used non-"M" as having more value. But who knows what a different buyer may think?

View attachment 775467

It would have been funny if they sent it back with a lock!

 

[Dump1567]

It would have been funny if they sent it back with a lock!

More of a nightmare. Actually I thought that could happen. They’d probably call first and I’d opt. to pay the difference for the 586 Comp version. Finding used original 586’s or 686’s locally hasn’t been that hard for me. This isn’t a gun with any sentimental value. The 686-3 served as a duty gun for me for about a year. I foolishly traded it away in the early 90’s.

 

[raygixxer89]

More of a nightmare. Actually I thought that could happen. They’d probably call first and I’d opt. to pay the difference for the 586 Comp version. Finding used original 586’s or 686’s locally hasn’t been that hard for me. This isn’t a gun with any sentimental value. The 686-3 served as a duty gun for me for about a year. I foolishly traded it away in the early 90’s.

You could also send it to Cylinder &Slide. They do excellent work.

 

[CH4]

I wouldn’t send it in because it’s not necessary, at least for me. That said, they’re still honoring the recall, there’s no risk of them keeping it - they just replace the firing pin bushing and possibly the firing pin. My 586 ND has the M stamp. For a shooter I would not care, but if were a true collector piece, I’d prefer it all original.

 

[Thaddeus Beauregard]

I personally think that since S&W is performing the recall mods, using original S&W parts and the recall is for a known issue, that it would not impact value, as long as S&W didn't cause any accidental finish damage while they were working on it. Plus, 586s and 686s aren't exactly rare and comparatively speaking are not as valuable as some other classic Smiths.

 

[CH4]

It would have been funny if they sent it back with a lock!

That’s funny