What would you do?
- Thread starter Daviscc
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They're pretty deep and thought I could buff them out. But, after looking at them closely, it would take removing some material which I am not comfortable with.
Well, I don't know why you would listen to me, but it's your question. I'm not sure from the photograph what cosmetic flaw you are talking about. I think maybe you are talking about the six rows of parallel lines on the first part of the entrance of the center pin (on the recoil shield) when closing the revolver. To me, it hardly qualifies as even a cosmetic flaw, but because of the location of the "flaw" and the function of that dimple, I would not hesitate to polish it out BY HAND, using my index finger, some 600 or so grit paper, and some oil.
You might feel better if you wait and let a few more folks tell you approximately the same thing.
You might feel better if you wait and let a few more folks tell you approximately the same thing.
If you want to use a wood dowel or something similar wrapped with wet or dry sandpaper, you can blend the ripples a bit better than using something soft like your finger. No way I would consider returning the gun for something like this. 
I am with the wooden dowel method followed by some scotch brite pad.
Should it have came from the factory that way.NO. Such is to days world though. If your going to stay competitive you have to keep cost down. Only so many ways to do that and letting minor flaws go is one of them. When your competing against molded plastic and cheaper labor something has to give
Should it have came from the factory that way.NO. Such is to days world though. If your going to stay competitive you have to keep cost down. Only so many ways to do that and letting minor flaws go is one of them. When your competing against molded plastic and cheaper labor something has to give
Kid44
Member
It is a gun, go shoot it. As long as the flaw does not affect performance and/or accuracy I wouldn't worry about it. The only time you will see it is if you are looking for it.
__steve__
Member
If the marks don't add friction to the contact surface I would leave it alone and treat it as character
My though also.
Buick
Member
Id go on that with my trusty right angle die grinder spinning a grey Cratex abrasive cone.
Protocall_Design
Vendor
As stated above, I would either leave it or polish it out with 320 sandpaper, then finish with Scotchbrite. That's the great thing about stainless, you can fix these things yourself, at little to no cost.
Send it back - the only way to improve their products is to complain about their quality. The bean counters will address all the shipping costs at some point.
Protocall_Design
Vendor
After all these years, it seems more likely (to me) that they have addressed that long ago and made their decision. I agree with the sentiment, but it doesn't seem to be working.
pistolpete10
Member
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Only one out of the past 5 new S&W revolvers I've bought(recent mfg) have not had some kind of flaws, the one that didn't have a flaw had a super heavy main spring in it and I had to replace it with a new standard spring. It's what they sell now days. I've sent some back, repaired some my self, live with it sometimes.
peterdeb
Member
I don't buy new anymore just because of this. There are too many older, vintage, high quality firearms out there to go in my safe.
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
Only time you'd even see it is with the cylinder open, never when you're shooting it. I think I'd learn to ignore it, as long as it wasn't affecting operation.
How closely do you inspect a firearm before you buy it, new or used?
How closely do you inspect a firearm before you buy it, new or used?
What really upset me the most is that I have 2 other 686's and they are flawless and beautiful revolvers. Bad on me also for not seeing this before I bought it, because I would not have paid the price for a gouged gun. I know it's minor and doesn't affect the function, but it's there and I don't like it. That's my whine and I'm sure I'll get over it. Thanks for all the replys.
twodog max
Member
I would just shoot it all I wanted and forget about it. It shouldn't have any impact on performance.
I definitely would not return it to Smith & Wesson if that is the only flaw on the revolver. I would probably leave it as it is myself.
Went to the range with it and it was a nightmare at the start. Would not stay cocked single action, trigger would not reset double action on many occasions. Once, it cocked single action and then fired with no trigger pull. So, I continued, very cautiously, to "break it in" and after about 80 rounds it finally started acting like it should. Shot a total of 150 rounds (.38spl) and some .357. Towards the end it seemed to function ok. Accuracy was very good. Cleaned it up and it's ready for another go.
