(My) S&W 586 Recall

[Ringer]

OK, I finally sent my 586 in for the L frame modification. Figured I'd share my experience in case others have been putting it off.

I emailed S&W for directions on how to get the recall work taken care of and they promptly responded with directions including an account number to use for shipping. On March 1, 2005 I shipped the gun off via Fedex, which didn't cost me a penny. Yesterday, March 11th 10 days later, I receive the gun back via Fedex with a new hammer nose and bushing. Wow, I was pretty impressed. 10 day turn around on a 20+ year old gun with no out of pocket cost to me.

 

[guy sajer]

We've sent many dozens in over the years . They handled them promptly

 

[molonlabe]

Isn't this the recall involving the lock up of the cylinder with federal ammo?

I never sent mine in because of a friend who had a bad experience.

 

[Ringer]

Hmm, hadn't heard that is was Federal ammo but it does have to do with cylinder bind. I believe it has to do with the primers of certain ammo, only in .357 variety, not .38. I had the cylinder bind on mine a couple times back in the mid 80s but hadn't experineced of late although I don't shoot this gun much anymore. Maybe someone else can expound on the types of ammo affected.

Your friend had a bad experience with sending his gun for the recall?

 

[molonlabe]

Yes. He has passed away and had it peformed sometime in 89. he said when he got it back the forcing cone gap exceeded .006 and it spit lead and powder. Because of that I never sent mine in since I never had a problem with any ammo.

 

[guy sajer]

As the recall has nothing to do with the cylinder , I'm not sure why the cylinder gap changed on his gun .

The parts replacement is as Ringer describes . Firing pin (hammer nose) and bushing . I'm not aware that the malfunction was specific to a certain ammo . That is possible . The reason the cylinder would lock up is that the firing pin was designed slightly too long . It was possible for the firing pin to stick into the primer when using 357 mag loads . It stuck forward in the primer thus preventing the cylinder from rotating . I've witnessed one occurance .

As I mentioned , we've sent in many dozens since the original recall . Always a prompt return and never any problems after the return .

 

[Jubjub]

I have a 6" 586 no dash that was one of the first ones for sale in my town. Never had a problem with the gun locking up shooting a wide variety of factory ammo and handloads, including some near maximum loads of 2400 that make the primers sort of flattened out in my gun. In my case, it's clearly, "If it ain't broke..."

 

[Stainz]

When I called S&W last Spring re my eighteen month old 625-8's b/c gap closing up (zero to .0016"), after admittedly a bunch of rounds and even a dropped cylinder (During competition... gotta check that yoke screw!), they sent me a pre-paid label, too. They also told me that the allowable b/c gap range was .004-.010", making your .006" acceptable. I got the well-used 4" .45ACP back in a week - looking and behaving like new. You can't beat their service.

BTW, I sold that revolver, mainly due to it's smooth action, for $100 more than a new one in the dealer's case the day after I got it back. The buyer read my letter to S&W and their reply - he still loves that revolver. I finally replaced it with a 625JM last month... don't know how I did without a 625 that long!

Stainz

 

[guy sajer]

I have a 6" 586 no dash that was one of the first ones for sale in my town. Never had a problem with the gun locking up shooting a wide variety of factory ammo and handloads, including some near maximum loads of 2400 that make the primers sort of flattened out in my gun. In my case, it's clearly, "If it ain't broke..."

I use this logic frequently myself . For a range/plinker gun it wouldn't bother me at all . However . these revolvers still perform as duty sidearms and home defense guns . Back in the 80's , the L frame was probably carried by more officers than any other duty weapon save the M10 M&P . S&W wouldn't spend the dollars involved in a recall if there wasn't a real defect . For the owner , the update is free and the shipping is free . Obviously , your call .

Waiting till it breaks could prove fatal for some depending on the revolver's mission .

Take care .

 

[medmo]

Wow, this is a blast from the past. guy sajer, that is exactly the defect that I heard about but I heard the problem was mainly from Remington factory ammo and primer. Who knows?? The only thing for sure is that Smith acted swiftly and responsibly to fix the problem.

 

[Greymoor]

Hmmm, I have a 6" 586 I bought in 1986. I wonder if it needs this update. I have not noticed any binding and .357 is what I mostly shoot out of it.

I would have to pull my aimpoint off as it is was setup for hunting. I guess I shall have to give S&W a call. . .