New 686+ 3" has to go back to Smith & Wesson

[Lodogg2221]

You know, I havent bought a brand new gun in a while. Most of my stuff is used, and thats fine, but its nice every now and then to get a new one....except when you have to turn right around and send it back to the manufacturer because they cant seem to get the barrel on straight.
Its not off a ton, but its enough that its noticeable looking down the sights, and thats too much.

Ive been looking forward to this for a while now, since I settled on buying a 686 3", and after a few weeks of searching, found one, bought it, and was fairly excited to be picking it up from my FFL today, only to have all that ruined by this.

To this point, Ive been a Ruger and Smith fan, but always liked Smiths a bit better, after having a GP100 (still do), I just like the look and feel. Well, having to deal with something like this will sure change your perspective.

Im somewhat regretting this, as now I have to deal with the unknown that is Smith and Wesson service. I have no idea how long Ill be without it, or if it will be right once I get it back. Of course Im guessing I wont get the same one back, but who knows.

Today was supposed to be a good day, but has turned into a pretty crappy one.

 

[Chrisj357]

You know, I havent bought a brand new gun in a while. Most of my stuff is used, and thats fine, but its nice every now and then to get a new one....except when you have to turn right around and send it back to the manufacturer because they cant seem to get the barrel on straight.
Its not off a ton, but its enough that its noticeable looking down the sights, and thats too much.

Ive been looking forward to this for a while now, since I settled on buying a 686 3", and after a few weeks of searching, found one, bought it, and was fairly excited to be picking it up from my FFL today, only to have all that ruined by this.

To this point, Ive been a Ruger and Smith fan, but always liked Smiths a bit better, after having a GP100 (still do), I just like the look and feel. Well, having to deal with something like this will sure change your perspective.

Im somewhat regretting this, as now I have to deal with the unknown that is Smith and Wesson service. I have no idea how long Ill be without it, or if it will be right once I get it back. Of course Im guessing I wont get the same one back, but who knows.

Today was supposed to be a good day, but has turned into a pretty crappy one.

First. You will get the same one back, guranteed

Second.......the picture didnt make it through, I cant find it anywhere

Third. If its off enough to fix it will be right when you get it back, and the repair will be free, and it is a much better revolver than that g-100 thing.

 

[Lodogg2221]

Well, already spoke to someone, they are sending a label.

They say 5-10 working days from when they receive the gun. Plus time for the label to get here....looking at probably another 3 weeks.

I know they will make it right, but I just cant believe a gun gets out of QC with issues. Must have been a Monday morning or Friday afternoon....

 

[Lodogg2221]

First. You will get the same one back, guranteed

Second.......the picture didnt make it through, I cant find it anywhere

Third. If its off eneough to fix it will be right when you get it back, and the repair will be free, and it is a much better revolver than that g-100 thing.

I didnt post a pic. Should I have?

In bold...how far off is far enough? If its visibly misaligned, isnt that enough? Are there degrees?

Cant say Ive ever had a revolver that was off enough to notice so quickly.

 

[duppie]

This particular issue with new S&W's is all over the internet and has been for several years. There are quite a few well documented and videoed cases on Youtube about the 686 also.
The feeling is that S&W in the attempt to keep up with ever increasing demand and back orders is experiencing problems with a small % of their barrels not aligning properly. All the reports however report that S&W is proactive and professional when it comes to any repairs and in extreme cases, replacement of the firearm.

 

[M29since14]

Sorry for the disappointment. I have had a couple of those with new guns over the years, and not just with S&Ws. It's nothing new. All of us who have purchased S&Ws for decades know about it, but I know saying that doesn't help you.

Hope your new sixgun comes back pronto in top shape and you get a lot of years of use from it. I think you will. I have only had one incident of "terminally poor service" from them that I just gave up on - many, many more where the did a fine job. Hang in there.

 

[wheelyfun66]

I've got friends and relatives who work at the Ruger plant in Newport, NH and trust me, the quality control method is to "get it out the door", due to the high demand for firearms.

The powers-that-be deem it acceptable and expect to get a certain percentage back for re-work.

Sucks....but all products are subject to quality issues.
In good time, you will feel better about it.

The 686 is one of the finest handguns available right now!

 

[gtmtnbiker98]

Well, I sent a new 625 back a week ago last Friday and received it back today. The issues were resolved and my revolver is damn near perfect. From the time I received the shipment notification, S&W received and shipped the gun in less than 5 business days. IMO, that is awesome and my work included fixing a rough edged forcing cone and refinishing the entire gun due to tool marks on the beed blast that I found to be unacceptable for a new gun. Now I'm a happy camper.

 

[rwsmith]

There has been a thread for this

This is the name of the thread:



hmmmmm 686 problem? normal?

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

I don't know why this particular model and barrel (3-inch 686) has been showing up with the canted barrels. Maybe it all points to the one guy who barreled them at the factory ... I wish S&W could at least pinpoint it to the person responsible and then reassign him to a different dept., because I doubt it's more than one fellow making the mistake. I have one that was manufactured new in 2011 and luckily doesn't have that issue. Hope it gets back to you soon. It's a very fine revolver and I'm sure you will enjoy it. I love mine!

 

[Lodogg2221]

Thanks guys...I knew they would stand behind it and get it right, but darn, its frustrating!
I guess instead of just hearing about it, now Im part of a statistic! LOL!

Anyway, the biggest thing is, Ive got the gun I wanted, and I will get it back GTG, so whats a little more time.

As I mentioned to a buddy earlier today, since we cant afford the ammo to go with them anymore, maybe this is Smiths way of keeping us "using" our guns! LOL!

No worries on my end really....just hope when I get a 629 that if there are any issues, they skip right over me!

 

[Nick B]

I've got a new 617 ready to go back for the same thing . Also the rear sight channel looks like it's cut off center in the frame .

 

[Cyberlinks]

Can you post a pic please.

 

[Pef]

I have sent two guns back to sw over the last several years and they made it right. I am sure they will make yours right. It is a disappointment, but in the grand scheme of things it really is a small problem.

I have a 3" 686, by the way. You'll enjoy this gun!

 

[old bear]

Thanks guys...I knew they would stand behind it and get it right, but darn, its frustrating!

Yes it is, with very good reason. It's sad you have to spend your hard earned money and can't be assured your new revolver will be in correct working condition.

P.s. I'm sorry you got one or two Smart *** responses. We do like photos but they are not required.

 

[Gyrene6891]

Your situation reminds me of something I heard a long time ago, "If not for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all." Fortunately when your gun gets home to you it should be perfect. I seriously doubt it will leave the factory this time with ANYTHING wrong.

 

[Chrisj357]

I didnt post a pic. Should I have?

In bold...how far off is far enough? If its visibly misaligned, isnt that enough? Are there degrees?

Cant say Ive ever had a revolver that was off enough to notice so quickly.

Yes, always post pictures. It helps people that can give you the best advise give you the best advise. Plus, in this forum pics is what we do

 

[FloridaFlier]

In the 'for what it's worth' category, a new gun from any manufacturer was probably only touched by a technician. When you send it back in, a serious master gunsmith will look it over this time. They are very interested in finding any and all clues about the root of the problem. My admittedly limited experience with this is that your gun will come back to you better than straight off the assembly line.

 

[Breechloader]

I wonder if the seller looked at it before sending it to you?

I guess with the "shortage" if you want something you have to take the risk of buying sight unseen.

 

[Lodogg2221]

Well, I hadnt recieved the label yet, so I called back and asked them to email me one. They did, but the guy on the phone acted like a canted barrel wasnt a big deal. That has me a bit worried that they wont do anything but call it good and send it back to me.

I cant get a good picture of it, but will try again when I get home, but if I push on the cylinder (closing it) while holding in on the release button, then let go of the button, the detent wont snap into the ejector rod. When I let go of it, it will move out ever so slightly, and the detent will engage the recess on the end of the ejector rod.

Its going out tonight, as I want it there ASAP, so I wont have a lot of time, but Ill try to get some better pictures of it before I box it up.