686 extended firing pin....I need one

[robpete]

Does anybody know where I can get an extended firing pin for a S&W 686? It's an old frame....the one with the pin in the hammer. I can only seem to firng the new style, frame mounted ones.

While I have your attention, do you happen to know of a S&W specialist out of...I think Virginia? they do caliber conversions and bead blasting...and what not. I lost the info on them.

[PbHurler]

Rob,
I also have one of that vintage. I do recall, S&W published a recall on certain numbered models that were determined to need the hammer nose bushing replaced due to it potentially moving forward & tying up the cylinder. This recall was published shortly after the 686 was introduced, I'm sorry I can't provide the number identifiers. My 686 is (unfortunately) included in the recall, I've never had it repaired but I've never had an issue with it either and I don't feed it with a steady diet of heavy loads.

Is your bushing flush with the frame? I'm just curious as to why the need for an extended firing pin. If the nose bushing is not flush, this could require a longer firing pin to skirt the problem.

Just my thoughts & something for you to check out

[cajun shooter]

I am a S&W Certified Armorer with 5 S&W schools that I attended. The early model 686 did have a problem with the firing pin bushing. I repaired hundreds of them while the armorer for our Police department. S&W supplied the tools and the new bushing. The bushing is staked in with a special tool.
If you have a gun that falls into the repair serial numbers then I suggest it be repaired.
You may not have a problem with the gun but what happens when you are no longer the owner? A police officer or private citizen may try to use the gun for a life and death encounter only to have it fail. Then you would be party to that person being killed or injured.
The recall on the 686 was in 1989-90 time period and I don't know what they would do at this time.
There is a stamp that is placed on all repaired guns to show they have had the repair. I don't know how you say that your gun has not received this repair as a lay person can't see any difference after the repair is made. If you purchased the gun new, it could of had the repair before going to a distributor.

[PbHurler]

Thanks Cajun,

My 686, (purchased new, prior to 1987) does NOT have the "M" stamp as stated in the recall , that's how I know my revolver does not have the repair.

You make a very important point about having the gun repaired if it may be used in a life or death senario! My firearms won't be sold, but they WILL be passed down to family.

Here's the recall notice:

http://www.firearmsid.com/Recalls/FA_Recalls%205.htm#SMITH%20&%20WESSON,%20MODEL%20581,%20586,%20681,%20686,%20o r%20581-1,%20586-1,%20681-1,%20686-1%20&%20686CS-1,%20REVOLVERS

[km101]

So according to this recall notice all model 686, and 686-1 revolvers should be returned for repair? There is no serial number range involved?

I have a 686 (no dash) that I bought new and I had never heard anything about this recall until now. Can anyone tell me what modifications the recall involves? Does the modification mentioned include installing the frame mounted firing pin? Would S&W still do the necessary modifications under this recall?

[PbHurler]

km101,
I mis-spoke and said serial number, I meant to say model number. This recall, as stated in the link above, says:

"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."

If you purchased yours prior to 1987, and it is so marked as stated in the recall, it may need the repair. You could probably verify with S&W via your Serial number, the date of shipment and whether or not your version is included.

I apologize if I caused any confusion.

(robpete, sorry if I've derailed your thread)

[km101]

PBhurler; PM sent!

[robpete]

Thanks for all of the info. Sorry for the delayed chime-in. I've been down with a killer stomach virus.

I've decided to try some new primers first. I've been using Tula primers since the time I swapped all of my springs with lighter Wolff variants. I was initially assuming the lighter springs were the issue, but have since had some ftf's in other small primer pistols. I just bought 5,000 winchester primers. I'm going to try these first, then revisit the problem.

In the meantime, I'm going to look into this bushing recall. Thanks again for the info gentlemen.

[imashooter2]

Revolvers with lightened springs need Federal primers.

[Mal Paso]

I kept the factory mainspring which has fired every primer fed it, dropped the rebound spring to 12 lbs and cleaned up the sear for a very reliable 2 1/4 lb SA trigger (12 lb DA).