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S&W 686 plus
montanajoe
Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 59,956 ******
Why is it not marked with the model number, like other smiths?
Comments
That is the plus ....
I guess I never realized it was marked differently. I will go get mine out of the safe to see the difference....
My 4" 686 Plus has .357 Magnum on the left side of the barrel but I do not note a model number as you stated. Are you talking inside the cylinder ?
I handled a 686 plus at a local pawn today. It looked to be in great shape, no turn line, lock up tight. Wanted $849 for it. Looking at it I noticed it had no model number anywhere on it. (use to my 629 classic that has that printed on side of barrel)
I passed on buying it. When I got home and looked at ones on the auction side they are same as the one I handled. So without already knowing, how would you know what the model was?
Good question.......
Neither of my 686's have the model number on the barrel.
Open the cylinder and look on the frame behind where the yolk is when closed. Should be stamped 686-4, -5 or -6. -4 is the original first model 7 shot, the -5 has the MIM parts and the -6 has the lock.
I believe that only the classic and deluxe models have the chambering stamped on the side of the barrel.
Nope. Had a CXC32.... No model.
And can't find any on auction side that show picture with cyl. open.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/974592387
Looks like the one you were looking at was a 2014 model, with CXA and CXD prefix's used.
Note the M stamped above the model number on this 681 (special order for NYSP). Some early 681's & 682's were recalled by the factory & stamped M to indicate that fact. There may have been other markings applied by service centers when they modified these revolvers.
Neal
I'm a little suspicious of the stocks not being original. Picture #4
They're not. Diamonds around the screw escutcheons were stopped in the late 50's.
my early 6" 686 was sent back in for the recall, ! when i first got it way back in 83 may 84, you could Not fire a full cylinder through it with out it jamming up tight , the primers would crater and then flow back into the firing pin hole and lock things up tight as all get out , you would have to beat on it with the heel of your hand real hard to get the cylinder to open
copied from the High Road>>>>>>> some very interesting reading , well worth the time to read both pages
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/s-w-686-recall.64124/
The M marking recall of the 586, 581, 686 and the 681 was that the cylinder would bind due to soft primer material, the primer would flow into the firing pin hole on firing and cause the gun to lock up. S&W replaced the firing pin, AKA the Hammer nose, and the firing pin bushing in the frame.
The problem really was due to the primers in some ammo and the Ammo Manufacturers have changed their primers so using modern ammo you should have no problems.
If you have a tight cylinder at the front it has nothing to do with the recall but needs to be looked at either by S&W or a competent Gunsmith.
Here is the recall notice:
From here
http://www.firearmsid.com/Recalls/F...1-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1 & 686CS-1, REVOLVERS
SMITH & WESSON
MODEL 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1,
586-1, 681-1, 686-1 & 686CS-1, REVOLVERS
RECALL: Reports have been received from the field where the combination of a SMITH & WESSON L-FRAME 357 MAGNUM REVOLVER and some .357 Magnum ammunition has resulted in unacceptable cylinder binding. L-frame revolvers bearing model numbers:
581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1,
681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1
Cylinder binding can cause a failure to fire. Mishandling a revolver while freeing the cylinder can result in accidental discharge.
Cylinder binding can result from a number of causes, including characteristics of an individual revolver or the use of ammunition, which does not conform to industry pressure specifications or is particularly fast burning. Recent developments in ammunition manufacture emphasize the production of .357 Magnum ammunition with increased velocity and greater primer sensitivity.
Although there have been very few reported incidents of cylinder binding, in view of our concern for our customer's safety and the reliability of Smith & Wesson products in all circumstances, we issue the following warning:
In a situation where a failure to fire can be critical - such as law enforcement or personal protection - do not use .357 Magnum ammunition with an L-frame revolver bearing model numbers 581, 586, 681, 686 or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number until you have had the revolver modified.
Those who need to use their L-frame revolver under these conditions prior to modification can safely fire .38 Special caliber ammunition.
Smith & Wesson has developed a modification to improve existing L-frame revolvers. This improvement enables them to fire all .357 Magnum ammunition, without cylinder binding. Shipments of L-frame revolvers from our factory after August 21, 1987 already include this improvement.
You can check if your revolver includes this improvement by looking at the left side of the frame when the cylinder is fully open. If your revolver has been stamped either with a "2" or higher number after the basic three-digit model number or with an "M" above the model number, your revolver includes this improvement and does not need modification. If your revolver bears the model number 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number, it does not include this improvement and your should have your revolver modified.
Smith & Wesson will modify your L-frame revolver free of charge to eliminate the possibility of cylinder binding with .357 Magnum ammunition. Law enforcement agencies wishing to arrange for modification of L-frame revolvers should call 800-458-8469 between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M. Eastern time (MA residents call 413-734-8244). Other users should send their revolvers to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Service Center, specifying "L-frame improvement program" and enclosing their name and return address.
One of the modifications to improve the L-frame revolver is the installation of a new hammer nose. This obsoletes all old L-frame hammer noses (part numbers 4702 and 7513) and all old L-frame hammer assemblies (part numbers 3366, 3378, 3380, 3382, 3391, 4722, 4723, 4726 and 4728) in field parts inventories. Superseded parts should never be fitted into a modified revolver as this may result in malfunction. It is essential for safety that you return these obsolete L-frame hammer noses and obsolete L-frame hammer assemblies for a free exchange to:
Smith & Wesson
Service Department
2100 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, MA 01101
Do not return L-frame hammer-nose bushings from your spare parts inventory inasmuch as they are useable in J, N and K-frame revolvers, which are not included in this Product Warning.
We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Smith & Wesson's first concern is the safety of its products and the protection of its customers.
My 686-1 was sent back for the recall. I bought it long after from a buddy. Only Model marking in inside the yoke.