S&W 686 Yoke Failure

[S&W686nut]

S&W 686-4 yoke failure picture - yoke screw actually cut through the yoke from IDPA aggressive reloads (Safariland comp 3 speedloaders).

The yoke will now come off the frame with the yoke screw tight in place (cylinder open)

Anyone seen something like this before?

 

[C/O]

I have never seen that happen.

 

[adweisbe]

I have seen recent production 686s go back multiple times for this issue after almost no use.

 

[lazy]

I have seen recent production 686s go back multiple times for this issue after almost no use.

This topic is ummm......

I have that same little nick on my 686 yoke, and all I was doing was cleaning the cylinder.

More than likely your spring, and pointy lil spring pin are still inside the frame so you may need a paper clip, and a flashlight to get that out.

 

[David Sinko]

When was the -4 made and what type of reload are you using? I presume you're doing the weak hand reload. I do the regular "switch hands" reload and I always believed the weak hand reload is much harder on the gun.

But still, that never should've happened.

Dave Sinko

 

[s&wchad]

You're not the first.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...-ssr-yoke-falls-off-during-speed-reloads.html

Fortunately, the 686-4 is covered by the lifetime service policy. Phone S&W and they'll make it right. You can also request a shipping label from their website. Note the "Warranty Repair Shipping Form" link found here:

Shipping/Returns - Smith & Wesson

 

[S&W686nut]

I think the 686-4 is from the early to mid 90's? The yoke head and screw on this gun are the 45 degree type - this not the spring pin type of retention screw system with a "flat" yoke head that I think came later.

I know there are a couple/few different type of yoke heads/screw types in 686's (45 degree and flat yoke heads and pointy or flat, with/without spring screws, etc), not sure the order in which they were produced. I have a no dash 686 with a flat yoke head and flat end screw but this used gun has been back to the factory at some point (marked "M") so the yoke system might not be original.

This damaged 686-4 is a round butt pre-lock with just a plain old 45 degree pointy screw that cut through the 45 degree yoke from speed reloading. When I reload I use my strong hand (right hand) to reach for the speedloader, so the gun is switched to weakhand.

It has been sent back to Smith last week ... guess it is a wait and see what happens situation now. Any clue as to Smith's current turn-around time?