Posted: 2/8/2010 9:24:55 AM EDT
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I was at the local gun store saturday and picked up a Smith and Wesson stainless 686 no dash with a 4" barrel and wood factory grips.
It's dirty, but looks like it has been shot fairly little. I paid $459 plus tax. I bought it because it looked like a decent price and another guy was in line behind me and if I hesitated it would have been gone. 
Is this a decent deal? I thought it was but i'm really not sure what these usually go for. This isn't mine, but it's the same type of pistol. 
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I'd say it's a decent deal; around my area it wouldn't last long at that price. Great guns, as you probably know. the no dash and -1 L frames had a recall for the hammer nose. If it has been worked on by the factory there should be an "M" stamp inside the crane on the frame, over or next to the model number. If it doesn't have the M, the factory will pay for the return if you want to have it done. Here's the the text of the recall notice: "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. Source: Shotgun News November 1, 1989; page ? Guns & Ammo, December 1987; page 6" |
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In 1984 our department bought 8 new 686's. Three of the eight had to go back to a repair center for binding. The primer would sort of "blow back" into the firing pin hole and lock the cylinder up when using Federal or Remington 125 grain hollow points.
I guess that means 5 of the 8 are "unmodified" these days. Does that make them worth more??? |
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Quoted: I have a 586 no dash that has not been in (no M stamp above model) What kind of work do they do to the revolver for the recall? Is is something that requires refinishing? Can you tell from looking at it what parts have been changed? I am on the fence about sending this one in and would like to learn a little more about what this entails.I'd say it's a decent deal; around my area it wouldn't last long at that price. Great guns, as you probably know. the no dash and -1 L frames had a recall for the hammer nose. If it has been worked on by the factory there should be an "M" stamp inside the crane on the frame, over or next to the model number. If it doesn't have the M, the factory will pay for the return if you want to have it done. Here's the the text of the recall notice: <snip> |
That's a good question. I really don't know much more than what's in the notice. 
I understand it involves replacement of the hammer nose and the hammer nose bushing. I have not had to have the work done on any of my guns, so my knowledge is not first hand. Best bet is to call the factory and get it directly from the horse's mouth. 1-800-331-0852 hth |
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Quoted: That's a good question. I really don't know much more than what's in the notice. I understand it involves replacement of the hammer nose and the hammer nose bushing. I have not had to have the work done on any of my guns, so my knowledge is not first hand. Best bet is to call the factory and get it directly from the horse's mouth. 1-800-331-0852 hth Yes. I've been told it's the hammer nose and the bushing in the frame. It's simply reshaped (smaller, I think) to keep the primers from the hot loads from flowing back into the bushing hole and tying up the gun. |
IMHO.... The 686/586 are the finest all around guns and the best .357 design ever offered. It has it all. It has the mass to handle .357 ammo, good balance, especially the 4" version, great trigger. Plus its got Sex appeal !!! Gunwise, that is !
So, yeah its a good deal !! My collection is incomplete without one ! Dr. |
Nice
I just picked up my 686 no dash today http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/rockrash2/032-3.jpg?t=1265858800 http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/rockrash2/036-6.jpg?t=1265858838 |
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Quoted:
In 1984 our department bought 8 new 686's. Three of the eight had to go back to a repair center for binding. The primer would sort of "blow back" into the firing pin hole and lock the cylinder up when using Federal or Remington 125 grain hollow points. I guess that means 5 of the 8 are "unmodified" these days. Does that make them worth more??? Yes. Non "M" stamped guns bring a slight premium, but I wouldn't count on getting it if the gun has been used much. |
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Quoted: Nice I just picked up my 686 no dash today http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/rockrash2/032-3.jpg?t=1265858800 http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/rockrash2/036-6.jpg?t=1265858838 Nice looking handgun you have. Enjoy it! |
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Quoted:
IMHO.... The 686/586 are the finest all around guns and the best .357 design ever offered. It has it all. It has the mass to handle .357 ammo, good balance, especially the 4" version, great trigger. Plus its got Sex appeal !!! Gunwise, that is !
So, yeah its a good deal !! My collection is incomplete without one ! Dr. The L frame is the only S&W on the market that was designed for .357 ammo. The K frame was designed forty years before the .357 was introduced, and the N frame was intended for .44 and .45 caliber cartridges. Meh, it still doesn't balance or handle like the K frame magnums, and it doesn't have the trigger of the N frame .357's. About all it does have is unnecessary weight up front. 
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IMO the L frame is the best platform for the .357 and in the 4 inch the weight of the full lug is not noticable-except when you shoot it and it helps muzzle flip!
It also has a lower bore center than the N frame-also helps recoil control The N frame is at its best as a .44 The N also has a bigger cylinder that has farther to turn to lock up on the trigger pull. L frame triggers can be just as good or better. N frames also hammer the cylinder stops harder over time because of the heavier weight of the cylinder slamming against the cylinder stop. To each his own-I like the look of both the L and N frame guns. I own partial lug and classic full lugged 629's but I believe its hogwash to claim an N frame .357 is a better gun-thats my opinion. |
| I saw a couple at the gun show yesterday for $475-550 so I'd say that's a typical price. I bought one just like it a year or so ago for $350 to replace a $300 lock version I'd bought for $300. If you look hard enough you'll find better deals on the common stuff. |
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Well I took it to the range and this pistol is the tits. .357's were not at all unpleasant to shoot;
the bigger L-frame is much better suited to .357 loads than the K- frame weapons I've shot. It's a very accurate pistol too. I put 4 shots into 2 1/2" inches at 50 yards from the bench, with the 5th round being a flyer opening it up to 6". Not bad for a 4" barreled revolver.
I think I prefer this 686 to a 1911. It's more powerful, more accurate, not as finicky, and it only holds one less round. |