S&W 686 crapped out

newshooterinca · #1 (**permalink**) 11-19-2007, 12:01 AM

At the range this weekend and it finally happened.

I've had problems with my S&W 686 for a while now and took it to a gunsmith who explained it's a factory defect due to S&W's shoddy work these days. There's a little cam inside that slips and misses a beat now and then, and what happens is the hammer does not come fully back before firing. The result is a weak little dimple in the primer and the round does not fire.

This had been happening about 1 in 100 rounds, but the other day at the range, it became a permanent thing ... now the gun will not fire at all and only puts that wimpy little mark on the primer instead of a nice deep dimple.

I'm just curious if anyone else has encountered this - I've run into other L-frame owners who have the intermittent problem but none who have a broken gun. It's a shame because that's my favorite gun to shoot.

So much for "revolvers are more reliable" ... lol

Mtn. Medic · #2 (**permalink**) 11-19-2007, 05:18 AM

I don't know what Smith and Wessons problem has been lately. About six months ago a buddy of mine purchased a brand new S&W 460V. Once he got it home and had a chance for close examination he discovered the hammer was cracked. How it made it past quality control makes one wonder.

Smith and Wesson made good on it but still....

El Gato · #3 (**permalink**) 11-19-2007, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newshooterinca

At the range this weekend and it finally happened.

I've had problems with my S&W 686 for a while now and took it to a gunsmith who explained it's a factory defect due to S&W's shoddy work these days. There's a little cam inside that slips and misses a beat now and then, and what happens is the hammer does not come fully back before firing. The result is a weak little dimple in the primer and the round does not fire.

This had been happening about 1 in 100 rounds, but the other day at the range, it became a permanent thing ... now the gun will not fire at all and only puts that wimpy little mark on the primer instead of a nice deep dimple.

I'm just curious if anyone else has encountered this - I've run into other L-frame owners who have the intermittent problem but none who have a broken gun. It's a shame because that's my favorite gun to shoot.

So much for "revolvers are more reliable" ... lol

There is no such thing as completly reliable... Clint Smith says "one is none and two is one" cause things break so always have two...if it is man made it will break...I keep about 10 smith revolvers working to loan to people and they occasionally break... it happens....sounds like yours .... well ... broke....
Send it to the factory and they'll generally fix it grattis... plus the shipping

hbliam · #4 (**permalink**) 11-19-2007, 04:56 PM

My 686 has exhibited the same FTF problem but it's maybe 1 out of 200 rounds and not consistant.

El Gato · #5 (**permalink**) 11-19-2007, 05:16 PM

I trust we are not talking about ammo problems? Things like reloads or the Winchester lead free stuff which is notoriously hard to ignite? I have seen some taurus revolvers with weak springs and headspace issues fail to fire but I don't think I have ever seen a smith fail to fire where it was not broken. I have seen lots of ammo problem. The new smith firing pin in the frame seems to be especially trouble free compared to the old reliable firing pin in the hammer... maybe they are harder to break or something... I see alot more smiths with broken sights than I do with broken firing pin or internal problems..guns being dropped etc.
The worst offender seems to be winchester lead free or lead less whatever they call it...
hope that helps

The good news is with a revolver... I can just pull the trigger and bring a fresh caaatridg' to firiin' position.....

**CCWInstructor** · #6 (**permalink**) 11-20-2007, 01:04 AM

It's only on the later models and on all revolvers from Smith. They made some internal changes so the guns could be thrown together faster. Yes I did say thrown.

**Glock32** · #7 (**permalink**) 11-20-2007, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCWInstructor

It's only on the later models and on all revolvers from Smith. They made some internal changes so the guns could be thrown together faster. Yes I did say thrown.

Time to check the used market again. Ever since they introduced the internal lock feature I stopped buying new Smith's.

El Gato · #8 (**permalink**) 11-20-2007, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glock32

Time to check the used market again. Ever since they introduced the internal lock feature I stopped buying new Smith's.

alot of people say that but of the 50 or so I have seen on the range in the last couple of years, I have never heard a complaint... I have a 686 with the lock...did an duty tune and it continues to shoot great... might have shot a bobcat with it some months back...or so it is alleged....

The lock is less obtrusive than the Taurus and with a little dry firing/cleaning up seems to allow for a good smooth trigger. Shot a 386sc with the lock ... with magnums in it recently and no problems...

Just noticed smith will be selling the 10mm revolver again with a 4 inch barrel...

But then again, maybe all of those people who just have to have the newest shiny gun might have to unload some of those old beat up models on poor little old me....

signed...still hoping for a clean model 25 45 colt with a 4 inch barrel...

RAD-G27 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-20-2007, 07:21 PM

Get a Ruger! I'd only own a S&W if someone gave it to me.

newshooterinca · #10 (**permalink**) 11-21-2007, 01:12 AM

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll see what it'll take to get this one working again and in the meantime start thinking about alternatives.

My biggest regret now is selling my 586 about 8 or 9 years ago ... never sell a good gun! Never!!