Questions about S&W 586 recall......

[MIL-DOT]

I recently traded into a 6" 586 from a good buddy,and I'm real happy with it, but just stumbled onto some info about an old recall on the no-dash and dash-1 models, to replace the hammer nose and hammer nose bushing ( I have a dash-1) . I've fired the pistol myself a few times in the past few years,without issue, and I'm sure my buddy didn't knowingly unload a problem-child on me.
Also, I've read that if you haven't had any problems by now, that you probably won't. On the other hand, S&W apparantly pays shipping both ways ( and supplies a free "M" stamp !!! ) in this recall.
I'm hoping to get the real lowdown on this issue, and advice on whether or not I should call S&W and pursue this. Thanks in advance for any info....

 

[bikemutt]

My no-dash 686 has been at Smith for over 1 month for the recall, at their expense shipping-wise. I called them a couple day ago to make sure I was not Mr. Lost & Forgotten, they assured me "it won't be much longer".

I'm patient and have plenty of other Smith's to shoot while I wait.

On the other hand, knowing what I now know about the length of time, I snagged an M stamped nickel 586 on gunbroker.com last week. The M stamp has time value, if nothing else.

 

[DC Plumber]

I acquired a nearly NIB 586 no dash a couple of years ago. I had a few primers flow into the firing pin bushing and lock up the cylinder. Having knowledge of the problems, I was able to free it up and shoot light loads for the remainder of my "shooting vacation". I contacted Smith and they paid shipping to and fro and fixed it. DON'T put it off. I was going to, but I realized, it was an unreliable revolver until I got it fixed. DO IT. That way it will never be in the back of your mind. It would really suck in a self defense situation to get one shot off and have it lock up.

 

[Radagast]

It's rare, but it does happen. There was a report on this forum about a year to eighteen months ago of a gun locking up. That's a total of two members I am aware of who have reported it happening to them personally in the 30 years since the guns were made.

AFAIK it's never happened with .38 specials.

TL,DR:
If you can handle not having the gun for a bit, get it done. Having th gun locked up with loaded ammo in the chambers will make shipping it a problem.

 

[Radagast]

Just read DC Plumbers reply. That makes three members.

 

[DC Plumber]

Mine did it with Factory Remington 125g JHP and my handloads of 14.5g or 2400 and a Hornady 158g JHP.

Knowing of the problem, I carefully pulled the hammer back, as to shoot it single action, while rotating the cylinder with my other hand, in an attempt to assist the rotation without putting stress on the internal parts. The soft metal of the primer gave way and it freed up.

The fact that it did it with factory ammo and handloads made the decision easy. If it were only handloads, I might have thought that the primers were too soft or my loads too hot. I'm glad it's done now. I can shoot till my hearts content.

 

[MIL-DOT]

Thanks guys, I'll give them a call on Monday and set it up.