The gaping 686 sideplate

[powerkicker]

Aren't side plates polished in-place on the frame at the factory? If so, how does a sideplate stand that proud on an otherwise properly polished gun?

Replacement sideplate maybe?

 

[Mickstix]

The fact that you said it's "new" and has a horrible DA trigger tells me something is binding? Could also explain the poorly fitting side plate? If it's a good dealer on Gunbroker, they should offer a 3 day "no shoot" period to accept or deny the gun?? Maybe a call to them would help? If not, Im sure S&W can fix ya up, but how much $$ it'll cost I have no idea.. Sorry for your bad luck..

 

[Sgt 127]

If I had to guess, somebody has had that gun apart. Either the trigger return slide/spring is installed wrong or, the hammer block was wedged back in there crooked. Have you taken it apart to see if something is wrong? If something was installed wrong, and you forced to through 700 rounds of dry fire and loosened the mainspring screw, it should be easy to tell now. there may be a couple gouges inside the gun and the sideplate.

If you are not comfortable with taking it apart, send it to Smith. Be prepared to pay for repairs. I doubt it left the factory that horribly fitted.

 

[H Richard]

From your description, it is Possible that is is a simple problem of the hammer block having slipped out of alignment when "someone" had the side-plate off. The hammer block rides in a grove in the side-plate, and the base of the hammer block is moved out of place by riding over a pin on the rebound slide. If this is not placed properly on assembly, the side-plate might not fit down properly, and the action would be VERY hard and gritty feeling. Removing the side-plate and properly aligning the hammer block and reinstalling the side-plate may resolve your problem.

 

[iron addict]

The side plate is not sticking out, it is actually thinner than the frame and the ridge that you see and feel is the frame. It is a new in box from a seller with almost 4,000 positive feedbacks that sells in quantity online. Doubt they took the time to play with this one just to be special.

After loosing the trigger spring tension screw about a full turn and 1000 dry fires the trigger is acceptable. Worse than all my other smiths, but functional. I shot it yesterday. It shoots very well. Called Smith & Wesson 4 times yesterday but never got through.

Iron Addict

 

[iron addict]

BTW, I just got confirmation my 386 night guard got in. I bet the side plate fits fine on that one. Will pick it up this afternoon or tomorrow

Iron Addict

 

[iron addict]

Night Guard received today, VERY nicely fit and finished (for the type of finish the NG series has) and a PERFECTLY matched sideplate that you have to look to find

Iron Addict