S&W 686 4" no dash PIC'S ADDED!

[Smee78]

Hello Forum Members,

I worked my way into a S&W 4" 686 no dash today, a co-worker had one that he did not use and wanted to move on and I was able to pick it up for a good price. We were both happy, I started to look it over at home and noticed that it has not been marked with the "M" for the recall so I was wondering what I should do? Send it in or keep it as is? It will go to the range before I do anything and there is no way I would ship it at this time of the year but after Christmas is over and everything is back to normal then mabye. She sure feels like champ and can't wait to get it to the range, dont worry pictures will be up in a day or two.

 

[mtelkhntr]

I have a 4" no dash without the mod. and I just shoot the snot out of it. I bought it used and it's been used enough the trigger is lights out sweet. You've been around to read the posts so know the drill but I'd shoot it and if it shoots fine keep shooting until it doesn't. That is unless you're using for personal protection.

 

[alde]

I bought a 686 no dash with no M at a show about 8 months ago. It was used and I have been shooting it with full magnum loads with zero problems. I asked the same question when I got it and was told if it works to just shoot it and don't worry as most never had a problem. It's a fantastic revolver and a please to shoot.

 

[sbeatty1983]

I sent my no dash into S&W earlier this year to have the mod done. I was having some problems with primer flow on hot loads. Fire some hot magnum loads at the range and see if you have any problems. If you dont, then i wouldnt bother sending it in. The mod fixed my problem.

 

[Smee78]

Thanks everyone for the quick replies. If you have any pics of your please post them, I need to decide what grips I want to put on mine (rubber wont cut it for me ). I am looking at the Ahrends stained maple square butt finger groove model.

 

[alde]

Thanks everyone for the quick replies. If you have any pics of your please post them, I need to decide what grips I want to put on mine (rubber wont cut it for me ). I am looking at the Ahrends stained maple square butt finger groove model.

Mine just has the original S&W Target Grips that came with it back in the day. I like them just fine.

 

[sbeatty1983]

I have rubber pachs on mine. They are ugly but fit my hands like a glove, so I tolerate them

 

[S&W Fan]

This is one my late dad bought when the 686 first came out. We have the original box, docs, tools & receipt for it. He had problems with it binding, sent it back & it has the "M" stamp. He then sent it to a 'smith to have a trigger job & bead blast finish on the stainless. I got it when my dad passed in '92, shot it for a while w/Hogue soft rubber grips as for me I handled magnums in it better that way. Started shooting a lot of .38s in it, put the wood targets back on. It now lives with my older son, he uses the wood targets too.

 

[Smee78]

S&W fan, your 686 looks great. How do you like the bead blasted finish? I cant decide on weather to polish mine up or have it redone at S&W If send it back for the "M" mod. Mine has a few light wear spots on it.

 

[Smith357]

General wisdom is, if you plan on using it as a defensive tool then get the work done, if it is just going to be a range queen don't bother unless it acts up or you want to use the free shipping to get some custom work done while it's at the factory.

 

[charlie sherrill]

My department was issued the 686-0 way back when. The problems showed up immediately at the first range session with them. All of them went back and we carried our old 66's for the month they were gone. After that they were the finest issue revolver I've ever had. I'd send it back anyway. You never know what might happen.

 

[Chaosrob]

I would send it back and have the issues addressed. There may come a time when it is the only tool you have to lean on.

 

[Shamrock]

I would send it back and have the issues addressed. There may come a time when it is the only tool you have to lean on.

I agree with Chaosrob. You know she functions fine when not needed, it'd be nice to know that she functions properly when or if needed.

 

[S&W Fan]

S&W fan, your 686 looks great. How do you like the bead blasted finish? I cant decide on weather to polish mine up or have it redone at S&W If send it back for the "M" mod. Mine has a few light wear spots on it.

I've always preferred the more matte appearance on stainless revolvers. I've been debating having my 2.5" 66-2 done but so far haven't done it. The 686 looks more "frosted" if that makes any sense, all the markings are still sharp & clear.

I agree with the others, have the mod done. My dad carried his daily & was nervous with it at first with the binding problems (he too went back to his 66 while it was away), after the mod he had all the confidence in it to rely on it for his personal protection.

To my eye the K frames are more "elegant" in appearance but the 686 is a workhorse, this one is damn accurate too-or at least I shoot better with it than any other revolver I've ever owned. My son wants me to have it back as it just sits in his safe & he knows I'll shoot it, we'll see. If I do, it'll be back with him one day for sure.

 

[Smee78]

Thanks everyone for your imput, if I do send it in it wont be until after the holidays, I would hate for it to get lost in all of the other mail only to have it sit at S&W while they are closed for the holidays. Can anyone tell me what a refinish job from S&W would cost? I'm looking for a round about cost just to give me something to think about.

 

[S&W Fan]

The Performance Center gunsmiths will do a glass bead finish for $170, they also have a Combat Revolver package that includes trigger job, glass bead, a trigger stop added to the back of the trigger guard, chamfer of the cylinder chamber holes & test fire for $265.

I have a friend with a 2.5" 686 that had that done & his is very happy with how it came out. It's been a year or so since he had it done, they had his gun for just under 3 weeks, no idea what turn around time is now.

Just call S&W, they'll answer all your questions, good luck & enjoy that 686!

 

[Smee78]

Sorry it took so long to get the pics up, I had to dig out my old camera. Thanks everyone for the info, I still havent gotten to the range yet.

 

[alde]

I still havent gotten to the range yet.

You better get that old 686 to the range. You will really appreciate it then. It will make the kids with the 9mm's turn there heads when you light off some magnums.

 

[1bdvet]

Your right, when I hit the range, and light-off 686 everybody looks to see who's shooting.
Then use my 9mm.