I'm just curious: can anyone tell me what the dashes mean in 686 model numbers? I know that a 686 without a dash should be sent back to S&W for factory work, and that an "M" near the model number means it already has. However, what do the dashes mean, and how many modifications have there been to the 686 design over the years?
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What do the "Dashes" Mean for a 686?
- Thread starter Martowski
- Start date
tony stark
New member
686 back to factory
fill me in. yo'all say "you know the 686 no dash need to go back to the factory"? was there a recall or something?
thanks, tony
fill me in. yo'all say "you know the 686 no dash need to go back to the factory"? was there a recall or something?
thanks, tony
Richard Simmons
New member
The recall or whatever you want to call it applied to 586 and 586-1 revolvers. Not sure what it was all about but as far as I know it did not effect the 686 series of revolvers. The -1, -2, -3, etc., indicate engineering changes. As to what or how much had to be changed to warrant a new dash number I do not know? HTH
I have a 686 no dash that "needs" to go back for the recall. ( Something to do with the fireing pin /hole if memory calls. It was a reliability vs safety issue.) I haven't gotten around to it and the gun functions perfectly and reliably. ( I'd make time I guess if it was a personal defence weapon.) A simple Email to S&W with your model and ser # will tell you whether it was part of the recall and if it has already been done. If it needs it they pay shipping both ways and tell you exactly how to proceed. ( Great customer service.) BTW, they reportedly stamp the grip frame with an M once it goes through S&W for teh mod.
Richard Simmons
New member
I stand corrected. The recall applies to both 586, 686, 586-1 and 686-1 revolvers.
Just tossing this out since I do not know s&w well at all, but my 686 gash something has the firing pin on the hammer.
I would expect that the newer versions with the firing pin not attached to the hammer have a different number.
I don't know if new 686s have a key hole in their side, but that would also seem to be a major upgrade as well.
I personally like older stuff and I would make sure of what a recall is and does before sending something in.
I know more about the old 3 screw blackhawk rugers, single actions that have to be carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber. There is a recall for these and I believe it then lets you carry hammer down on a loaded chamber.
I don't mind having the parts for carrying with the hammer down on a loaded chamber, but I sure would keep an original ruger and its original parts together simply because that is how it was shipped and if carried in the proper manner there is no problem.
I would expect that the newer versions with the firing pin not attached to the hammer have a different number.
I don't know if new 686s have a key hole in their side, but that would also seem to be a major upgrade as well.
I personally like older stuff and I would make sure of what a recall is and does before sending something in.
I know more about the old 3 screw blackhawk rugers, single actions that have to be carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber. There is a recall for these and I believe it then lets you carry hammer down on a loaded chamber.
I don't mind having the parts for carrying with the hammer down on a loaded chamber, but I sure would keep an original ruger and its original parts together simply because that is how it was shipped and if carried in the proper manner there is no problem.
I have an old 686 no-dash, meaning that it is one of those in the recall, and no, it has not had the recall mod done to it, and I haven't had any problems with it. Best I remember, S&W stamps an "A" inside of the yolk where the model number/serial number is when the recall mod is done. IIRC, there is a little pin on the hammer that connects the firing pin that is not in spec with some, but not all 581,586,681 and 686 no-dash and -1 revolvers. Some are in spec, some not. IIRC, what would happen would be that if they were shot with hot magnum loads, they would be more prone to primer back-out causing the cylinder to lock up. Chances are, if you have one of these and have actually been shooting it with mag loads and have not had any problems, you won't have any problems because you didn't have an out-of-spec pin in the first place.