The 80's were a great decade for S&W

[sprscientist]

I haven't had any completely disastrous experiences, but a did go to a dealer that had 5 model 4.25" 69's and every one had barrels that were over screwed so that the front sights were not at true 12 o'clock. I gave up and left without one.

 

[white cloud]

The 1980's in general was a low point for American manufacturing, not just guns. Not that most of them on an individual basis weren't good, and some outstanding, just lower quality compared to the 50's and 60's. It wasn't just S&W by a long shot. GM & Ford were certainly leaders in the race to the bottom at the time. This lack of quality led to major improvements in the 1990's.

For those few who like to learn about this stuff instead of arguing on the internet, here's one interesting (to me) paper:

https://www.qualitydigest.com/static/magazine/dec/juran-2.html

This is 100% right. I had a Buick Regal purchased in the 80s. It was junk. I swore that I would never purchase another GM car and have kept the oath to this day.

If you want to hear an old man whine and complain about 1980s firearms, let me know. I can issue forth on Ruger, S&W and Colt issues for paragraphs. While I understand that current S&Ws do not always show top notch quality control, the 686+ I bought two years ago is the best timed revolver that I have ever owned.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

... the 686+ I bought two years ago is the best timed revolver that I have ever owned.

I agree my 686+ I bought a few years ago is exceptional.

 

[kraynky]

I purchased my very first handgun in the 80's a 6" blued Model 586 from Wild Bill's Gun and pawn shop outside Ft Knox Ky. I paid $279.

Had the big target grips, I still have the screwdriver and cleaning rod that came with it. Sadly, like a dumb ***, I was young and needed money and I sold it.

and 39 years later.... I still regret that. Never owned another Smith until this year. Swore I would never buy one with that awful internal lock. but I broke down and purchased a 4" model 617...

and the Irony, the Cold Diamondback .22 lr I looked at, that was $100 less...I saw too many You tube videos with guys returning the Colts due to issues. While mine sits at Smith....for issues.

I think that's penance for selling the 586.

Wild Bill did a lot of business back in the day. His wife was the backbone of the business in his later years. I bought quite a few guns and a lot of ammo from them before I started reloading my own. Still have a lot of Silvertips in 38 super I bought from them back in the 80s.

As far as S&W guns from the 80's, I have a few of them still and no problems with any of them.

 

[skamaria]

I have had no issues with any 80s Smiths that I own and my 657 from 1986 is one of my favorite revolvers, but I do think the metallurgy improvements of the early to mid 90s make that time a better era.

 

[rwsmith]

My 686 and my Third Gens were all products of the 80s (and early 90s) I'll say it was a great time.