Sticky 686

[Mike N]

Hello all, first post here. I did a search but the search engine here doesn't recognize "686".

Anyway, I recently purchased a 686 with a 6" barrel. One owner, not used much 10 year old gun. The issue is I'm sometimes having trouble cocking the hammer or trying to fire it double action. I've cleaned the gun, checked to make sure the firing pin isn't hanging up on a shell, made sure the ejector rod is tight (had that problem on my Model 63), checked to see the cylinder isn't binding on the forcing cone, oiled the moving parts etc..... still happens. I even noticed today it will bind up if I try cycling it with no shells in the gun. While this is happening, if you take your other hand and give the cylinder a little nudge in the direction of rotation, it works fine. Obviously something somewhere is not right, but I'm out of things to check.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Tyrod]

Whatever it is, I believe the gun is still under warranty.

 

[Mike N]

If it is, do I have to send it back to Smith themselves, or could any authorized S&W shop handle this?

 

[RIKMAN]

You have to ship gun to S&W. I doubt it's still under warranty but call them and ask. It sounds similar to what I just experienced on a used model 64, the hand was replaced by Smith & Wesson.


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[Hearsedriver]

Is it a 686 no dash or 686-1 ? If so, there is a recall for a cylinder binding issue where they replace the firing pin and bushing. Even thouhg it is 10 years old, it may have been old stock.

 

[Tyrod]

If it is, do I have to send it back to Smith themselves, or could any authorized S&W shop handle this?

Just call S&W. Don't tell 'em you bought it used. Tell them the serial number and the problem. They pay shipping both ways and you can arrange for home pickup. They'll email you a prepaid shipping label. Take the grips off the gun. Pack the gun up in something other than the original box. They won't send it back in the same box. Take the gun to a Fedex or UPS depot whichever they send the label for or call for home pickup. Both times I did this it as Fedex. They'll send instructions with the label. Then wait. I usually call after a week just to make sure the gun is registered into their computer. There are rumors that sometimes S&W misplaces a gun. It took 4 weeks to get my last gun back for warranty work and that was Nov 2011.

If I'm not mistaken, if your gun needs replacement, which is rare, you'll be given some options unless they have your exact model "in stock". So be thinking about what you'd like to replace it if your old one is DOA. I know it's rare for this to happen but it's better to be prepared than to be stopped flatfooted wondering what they have available and what you may want. I've heard of folks getting much more expensive guns than they sent in just for "customer satisfaction".

Except for the wait, it's pretty painless. Be warned though if your gun contains aftermarket springs & such S&W will return the gun to original parts.

Also, if you're considering any optional gunsmithing, nows the time to do it. S&W is already paying the shipping which is a major expense for an individual. After the gun is repaired, they'll do the optional gunsmithing, then send it back. It will take much longer to get it back though.

Precision Gunsmithing - Smith & Wesson

 

[Nightowl]

That could be a number of things. I agree a trip back to the factory is the best solution.

 

[rbert0005]

I think a GOOD internal cleaning is in order.

My bet is the 10 year old lube, or lack thereof internally turned into a sticky goo.

I would take the side plate off and give the internals a good scubbing and a good flushing with some Brake Cleaner, then a proper oiling.

10 to 1 this will take care of the stickyness.

Bob

 

[Tyrod]

S&W's lifetime service policy covers guns made as far back as Feb 1, 1989.

 

[Ashlander]

The lifetime warranty goes to the original owner. I believe S&W checks the registration before commiting to any warranty work. If the original owner registered the gun, the fix will be on the new owner's dime.

 

[shadowrider]

I had a 686-0 from the Bangor Punta days that was rough as all get out. It did this same thing and the culprit was a nasty burr on the ratchet. Right at the point of the hand sliding up ratchet tooth at the end of it's stroke it had to jump over this burr, creating a hitch in the trigger stroke. Some judicious filing of the floor of the ratchet between the teeth fixed it.

 

[GJH77]

The lifetime warranty goes to the original owner. I believe S&W checks the registration before commiting to any warranty work. If the original owner registered the gun, the fix will be on the new owner's dime.

I have heard this, but I have sent two used guns back for warranty or recall work, one was older than 1989, and both times the work has been done under warranty, no charge. In addition, I have a used 686 without the recall modification, and was told if I desired I could send it back and without question, they would do the work. I think many others here will tell of their similiar experiences. Call S & W, explain the problem and see what they say.

 

[Mike N]

The gun appears to be a 686-5, at least that's the number I found by the serial # when you open the cylinder.

I'm going to try cracking off the side cover and cleaning it out, and if that doesn't work I'll run it down to a S&W dealer my Dad is friends with to get his input. If it has to go back, it goes back...... no big deal.

Thanks for the responses.