New 686 quality issue

[Aviator]

I bought a new 686 late last year.
When you look at the muzzle the LANs and grooves on the right side are very distinct, as you pass the 6 o'clock position the LANs wash out and it looks like a smooth bore past 9 ' o'clock.
The bore is off .006 on the diameter measuring od to id. .208 on the left and .202 on the right as measured by a gunsmith/ machinist and myself.
My 15-3 puts it to shame at the range, same Ammo same day.
It has been back to s/w twice.
Here is the quote from their gunsmith "peaks and line are due to a new manufacturing process. The peaks and lines will not affect accuracy".
Are peaks and lines new gunsmith terms?
Just a heads up to anyone thinking of buying one.
Be prepared to spend $300 On a rebarrel if you want a proper gun.
Thanks
Frank

 

[Ghost Magnum]

I have a new 586, I have no problems with it.

 

[Ghost Magnum]

My 586 is new and its bore is very deep and distinct from end to end. As with every gun I ever bought. Gp100s and Tavor. You may have just have a bad combo of bad gun and service.

 

[Ghost Magnum]

All it takes is one complaint to kill an hundred atta boys.

 

[Theoak84]

Why would you have to pay 300? Isnt there a lifetime warrantee?

 

[trigger945]

From what the OP quoted above, albeit limited, seems like S&W is saying that everything is within specs, so no warranty work required.

 

[chief38]

Ahhh yes..... the "new & improved" manufacturing process

 

[Aviator]

As far as the warranty goes I'm sure if the gun failed to fire or came apart in someway they would fix it.
A bore, crown and rifling that are not symmetrical I guess is within s/w factory specs.
I've looked at about five new ones and two had asymmetrical bores like mine.
Now it's just a matter of what four-inch barrel do I put on it.

 

[Theoak84]

That sounds horrible. Ill never buy a brand new smith, or one with a lock. Hell, i wont buy one made past 1997!

 

[trigger945]

I think it's a case by case basis. I own some newer Smiths with a lock and have had no issues with any of them. I just tend to prefer older Smiths for a variety of reasons, but as far reliability and accuracy of the post-lock Smiths, I really have no complaints.

OP, sorry to hear of your dissatisfaction. May you find a resolution to your issue such that you can enjoy that 686.

 

[Aviator]

Thank you trigger 945
I failed to mention that I do love the gun.
Shooting 38's it it is a lot of fun .
I plan to start a new post soon in order to seek opinions on what would be a nice barrel.

 

[kschmider]

Aviator,

I'm rather new to the forum and have only 3 S&W revolvers that I have purchased in the last 3 years but I have to ask the obvious question...

Have you shot it yet and how did it perform?

Thanks,

Karl

 

[Ghost Magnum]

I truely don't think that S&W will let thire quality get that bad they would go out of bessness. Please note I am using a touch pad it is a pain

 

[bountyhunter]

I bought a new 686 late last year.
When you look at the muzzle the LANs and grooves on the right side are very distinct, as you pass the 6 o'clock position the LANs wash out and it looks like a smooth bore past 9 ' o'clock.
The bore is off .006 on the diameter measuring od to id. .208 on the left and .202 on the right as measured by a gunsmith/ machinist and myself.
My 15-3 puts it to shame at the range, same Ammo same day.
It has been back to s/w twice.
Here is the quote from their gunsmith "peaks and line are due to a new manufacturing process. The peaks and lines will not affect accuracy".
Are peaks and lines new gunsmith terms?
Just a heads up to anyone thinking of buying one.
Be prepared to spend $300 On a rebarrel if you want a proper gun.
Thanks
Frank

wow. I hadn't seen that one yet. I see many new SWs with misaligned barrels, hammers and triggers off center, b/c gaps out of spec. Crown cut off center is a new one.

 

[Ghost Magnum]

And yes I have shot old and new side by side and my first gun older then me I shot my grandmother's police 66 along side my brand new 586. Fired the same. Like clockwork! Aviator, you sound like a perfectionist. That is not a bad thing people like that keep them honest

 

[1angrycat]

I have never heard of that one before. I have several 'new' 686s and heve not had that issue.
That being said, I am finished buying new Smiths and now will only go for the old stuff. There is no comparison in quality as the old ones are so much better.

 

[Aviator]

Kschmider
I did test it at the range,accuracy is marginal.
As ghost magnum said I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my Smith & Wesson revolvers.
Part of the joy for me comes in making them what they should be.
When I look at the muzzle of my new 686 and see that one snaggletooth lan sticking out at 3 o'clock it just really bothers me
A good prepurchase inspection and the willingness to walk away would've saved me this problem.
I believe the issue I have may be limited to Alpha suffix guns.
Thanks for the feedback