New 686+ 4", jamming once about every 100 rounds

[just for fun]

Mid 80's. Best friend bought a (then still new)586. He bought and sold more guns in year than most people "handle". Decided he wanted something else and offered it to me for $100 less than what he had paid for it less than a month ago.
First few times to the range all was well. Then it started! Pulling the hammer back to fire single action, the hammer would jam in mid travel! Let up and start over all would be well.(this was a sometimes condition!) Took it back to Jenson's (Tucson,Az. on Pima) picked it up ,maybe a week later, complete with a repaired tag-no charge.
Out to the range! Same problem. Back to Jenson's. At that time this was just about THE gun store in Tucson and they employed 3-4 gunsmiths! Luck of the draw, this time I spoke with one of the "smiths" that was about my age group, heavyset and the one that I felt was the best they had to offer. Related my story while he set there slowly cocking the gun. Of course it worked fine! Truth told he was paying more attention to that pistol than to what I was saying (thank goodness)! All of a sudden, he gets this-"I got it" look on his face and says I know that it is, be right back!
With that he may have been back in the shop maybe what 20 minutes.He comes out smiling and says,"fixed it" and with that hands it back to me.When I asked what was wrong, he smiled and says "trade secret" just shoot it.
That was over thirty years ago and it still bothers me what he could have done in such a short period of time! I've posted this story before on other sites and there have been many posted thoughts and ideas. Bottom line it has never repeated and now I'm too old to carry all the rounds that has been shot through that weapon, Well, at least at one time! It's still "in the family" my son shoots it now!

 

[JohnRyan]

Called back again this morning. They are replacing the extractor and replacing the hand, or it has been done already. They are confident that because I wrote that it's on the second trip back that the technician will make the appropriate repair. It will ship back soon. I'm hoping they get it right this time.

 

[foytfoyt]

Good luck! I hope it works out, and I am curious to know.

 

[steelslaver]

I keep seeing these type of gun lock up experiences and advice on extractors and loose ejector rods. These are often the problem, but, I think people should also check that the Cylinder latch assembly for smooth function as well as the center rod and spring in the ejector rod.

If the cylinder latch is not in the proper position when the cylinder is closed the gun will not function correctly, because the slot in the latch slide is not allow the hammer to move freely. Next time it sticks try pressing BACK on the latch.

 

[JohnRyan]

If the cylinder latch is not in the proper position when the cylinder is closed the gun will not function correctly, because the slot in the latch slide is not allow the hammer to move freely. Next time it sticks try pressing BACK on the latch.

Would that be consistent with the dent marks appearing on the brass?

 

[American1776]

Here's something to consider, and maybe I'm wrong.

Is it possible that there is TOO LITTLE endshake? Generally, we all like a revolver that is 'tight', with as little cylinder play, fore and aft, side to side. However, a tiny bit of fore and aft endshake (~.001-.002) is necessary for the cylinder to spin freely, especially when things heat up just a little bit after firing a few cylinders of magnums.

If your revolver's yoke tube is fit TOO tight, then it very well could lead to binding of the cylinder after the gun heats up a little.

Just a thought.

 

[JohnRyan]

Good luck! I hope it works out, and I am curious to know.

Thanks man. I'm hoping I have good news to report.

I sold 2/3 of my SWHC stock this morning in anger.

 

[JohnRyan]

Just got it back. Door to door turn around time less than two weeks. As expected, repairs say replace extractor and replace hand. I'm hoping this repair was performed incorrectly the first time, because I don't see why else performing the same repair will fix the problem that it failed to address the first time.

Fairly busy at the moment, but will get out to test this ASAP and report back.

 

[JohnRyan]

Back from the range where I shot 250 38's almost back to back. Never had it this hot before. Performance was flawless. The trigger feels amazing. The double action is so smooth I must have shot 240 in DA and 10 in SA.

No dings on any of the brass. The ratchet does not show any wear on it.

The real test will be 357s, but I think they actually fixed it this time.

 

[Ashlander]

Excellent news. After that little ordeal it's nice to hear you're having some fun with the gun.

 

[JohnRyan]

Made it to the range for the second time since the last repair and I'm happy to report that everything is perfectly operational.

Shot over 200 357s and over 50 38s in about 35 minutes. A smooth bang every time. The 686 got very hot. I'm wondering if that is not a good thing to do long term, but I really wanted to put it through the paces this time to test the repair.

 

[Mike_Fontenot]

[...]
Shot over 200 357s and over 50 38s in about 35 minutes.

WOW! That's an amazing amount of firing in that amount of time.

 

[rbmorse]

John, happy to hear your gun is working now.

Is the cylinder release still stiff?

 

[jaaeatax]

New 686plus 2.5"..one cylinder is turning harder

The full lockup of the 686 you describe is exactly how my 686 was returned to me from CS after warranty repair of hammer issue. I sent it right back. I suggest the next time you get that locked condition, stop and call customer service for a shipping label. Mine needed two tries but its fine now. The CS turnaround time was about two weeks. Good luck.

I have a new 686 plus that right out of the box had a very tight turn on one cylinder.... I can't find anything obvious that could cause it. I have fired maybe 75 rounds through it and dry fired it quite a bit.. I cleaned it with CLP lube and cleaner and it's getting better but not quiet there yet.. Any ideas would be appreciated..
Thank you

 

[JohnRyan]

John, happy to hear your gun is working now.

Is the cylinder release still stiff?

Not stiff in the slightest. There were a found extractions where it did not open on the first try, but nothing worth noting, and absolutely nothing like the problem I was having prior. That sucker was really hot, I don't think I'm going to get it that warm on a regular basis.

 

[JohnRyan]

I have a new 686 plus that right out of the box had a very tight turn on one cylinder.... I can't find anything obvious that could cause it. I have fired maybe 75 rounds through it and dry fired it quite a bit.. I cleaned it with CLP lube and cleaner and it's getting better but not quiet there yet.. Any ideas would be appreciated..
Thank you

jaaeatax,

Despite some trouble along the way, S&W took care of me and fixed the problem. I would give them a call if you're not able to fix this yourself.

 

[hangnoose]

686 PROBLEMS

That highlighted photo showed some issues for sure, whether they are the only ones? That star sure didn't look new any longer, misaligned & cheap materials? Did you remove the side plate, clean and do an in depth visual/manual finger drag (for smoothness) inspection, any scratches or wear marks? Any resistance/drag from the cylinder latch? NO it should not be your job to do on a new/expensive gun. So much for hand fitting parts & quality control anymore. Gotta love the "returned to factory spec" form letter, let alone a personal apology from a higher up, (after returning a new gun twice) like in the old days.

 

[JohnRyan]

Almost 1,000 rounds later and no issues. I'm happy to say the problem is now fixed.