Question about early 586 and 686s

[PJR]

The 586 and 686 underwent a factory recall between the -1 and -2 models. I'm currently looking at an unmodified 586 and am wondering whether the modification makes that much difference. The intended use for the revolver is target shooting with both .38 and .357.

Is anyone currently shooting an unmodified early 586 or 686 and does the mod make that much difference to the performance and/or safety of the gun?

Should I buy this gun and shoot it or continue looking for a -2 or later version?

Paul

 

[NoBite]

As I have an early 586 and know nothing of the factory recall, can you give me the details? I am wondering what needed to be fixed up!

Thanks!

 

[SnWnMe]

The cylinder could bind, locking the gun up if this mod is not done. No biggie for a range gun, but still pretty annoying.

 

[PJR]

As I understand it the problem was that some guns when fired with magnum ammo would seize up when the primer would flow back around the firing pin. The repair was a new firing pin and a new firing pin bushing in the frame.

I'm wondering whether this has actually happened to anyone who has an unmodified early series 586 or 686.

Paul

 

[Preacherman]

See here for details of the recall. Guns that have been modified have the letter "M" stamped inside the crane, usually just above the serial number or model designation.

 

[Ringer]

I have an unmodified (no dash or M) 586 bought in the mid 1980's. I experienced the problem several times during the first few years. Went many years without firing it. In the past few years I have put a couple hundred rounds of .357 through it without any problems. Don't know if the more modern ammo makes a difference or not. If there is any chance of using the gun for self defense then definetly get the mod or only use .38 +P's. I'm going to send mine back sooner or later. It is very annoying when it happens, the cylinder and firing pin get bound up pretty tight.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

I had a 4" 1981 edition of the S&W 686 - nothing that
did experience the cylinder binding problem that was
spoken of; but I traded the gun off before having the
modification.

Now, I have a 6" six-shot, 686-5 that is very near
perfect in every respect!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Josey]

They did lock up. Several LEOs were shot as they encountered this failure. A widow of a slain LEO sued S&W and forced the recall. He had fired one round, locking up the revolver.

 

[GPappy]

I have a 686 that falls into this recall I guess. I purchased it back in 1982 and fired several hundred rounds through it without any problems over the next year. Hasn't been fired since. I guess I should have the modification done. What are the laws regarding sending this in to have it fixed? Do I have to take it to a FFL holder or can I ship direct?
Thanks in advance,
Greg

 

[JNewell]

Direct. Call S&W's 800 #. They will probably mail you a prepaid shipping label to return it. Since it's a factory recall, I would be amazed if they didn't do it for free, even now (20 years later).

 

[mikey357]

...my understanding is that the "Lockup" occured only with a couple brands of ammo...the old, REAL Super-Vel and some Winchester Silvertips, IF my memory serves me correctly...FWIW, I have an old, UNMODIFIED 586 "dash nothing" that has NOT been back to S&W for the mods, has had around 35,000 rounds fired thru it, about 10-15% of them factory Magnums, and has NEVER "locked up"...it does, however, need a reblue pretty badly!!!
I guess you need to decide what you're comfortable with and, as Mas Ayoob frequently suggests in the gun rags, TEST your piece with the ammo you intend to use in it....mikey357

 

[simonp]

Just picked up a NIB M586 last month that needed the recall. Call S&W and they will send you a shipping label and do the repair free of charge, turn around when I sent mine in was about 3 weeks