M stamp on L, weird dealer comment

[199]

I agree with the dealer.

Around 1990 or so, I had a very early 686 which worked fine with .38 special ammo, but firmly locked up with some types of factory .357 ammo. If I recall correctly, when fired the primer would flow into the firing pin bushing, resulting in the cylinder neither revolving, nor pivoting out of the cylinder window.

The revolver became a brick.

The immediate solution was to hold the cylinder release forward while pounding on the side of the cylinder with a mallet. And that isn't really very "immediate"!

While this could be a liability issue for the dealer, it could also be an ethical issue for him.

As I recall, the ultimate issue was a badly designed firing pin bushing.

 

[S&W Fan]

My last addition to this interesting discussion, and I thank you all for the varied opinions/thoughts: The dealer said he wouldn't put such a gun without the M up for sale. He said if he were to send it in to Smith there would be a charge for it, said it happened in the past, and would tell any owner of such a gun to send it in as there wouldn't be a charge for them to do it.

All I know is that at this point the 586 shoots great but again it's only seen .38spl ammo since I bought it-no idea on it's past, though the gunsmiths at the shop where I bought it did shoot it (as they do with every used gun and they certify/guarantee their used guns) with magnum ammo prior to putting it out for sale. The 686 has been 100% since the M after my late dad sent it in. I used it to teach both my sons to shoot when they were young, can't count how many thousands of rounds of .357 it's had through it. My father carried it regularly when out on horseback, fishing, camping and other "social" activities. Worked every time.

Thank you all again, I hope you all have a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year!