Help! 357 mag question...
- Thread starter deadIce
- Start date
Here are some more pictures of the revolver. Everything seems (to me) to be fine.
http://www.geocities.com/sag0101/BUSH0315.JPG @750kb
http://www.geocities.com/sag0101/BUSH0316.JPG @750kb
http://www.geocities.com/sag0101/BUSH0317.JPG @750kb
http://www.geocities.com/sag0101/BUSH0318.JPG @750kb
I have to wait until at least next weekend before I can hit the range again. I'll pickup some Remington from Lebaron's and give that a shot
http://www.geocities.com/sag0101/BUSH0315.JPG @750kb
http://www.geocities.com/sag0101/BUSH0316.JPG @750kb
http://www.geocities.com/sag0101/BUSH0317.JPG @750kb
http://www.geocities.com/sag0101/BUSH0318.JPG @750kb
I have to wait until at least next weekend before I can hit the range again. I'll pickup some Remington from Lebaron's and give that a shot
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deadIce said:
Oh! no -# after the MOD686....
No M either
Well friend you have a first run of the L frame. Recall
You either have to find a .357 mag load that won't cause problems ( mine use to freeze up after each shot) stick to .38Specials or sometime in the future, get it fixed. The recall was 20 years ago so I would imagine there is going to be fee now. S&W will be able to tell you where the nearest warrenty center is for you.
Joy
Sticker
Sticker said:Oh! no -# after the MOD686....
No M either
Well friend you have a first run of the L frame. Recall
You either have to find a .357 mag load that won't cause problems ( mine use to freeze up after each shot) stick to .38Specials or sometime in the future, get it fixed. The recall was 20 years ago so I would imagine there is going to be fee now. S&W will be able to tell you where the nearest warrenty center is for you.
Joy
Sticker
Hmmm... so this recall S&W had, was it related to similar issues I am having?
Hi
I don't know all the "parts" that get replaced, but looking at the one picture of your recoil shield, I recall my firing pin bushing was also inlarged like yours, and was replaced in the recall. I don't own that revolver anymore, I sold it soon after it was fixed. I own a -2 now. No problems. If I remember this weekend, I will try and find the recall notice in an old gun magazine and scan it for you.
Sticker
I don't know all the "parts" that get replaced, but looking at the one picture of your recoil shield, I recall my firing pin bushing was also inlarged like yours, and was replaced in the recall. I don't own that revolver anymore, I sold it soon after it was fixed. I own a -2 now. No problems.
If I remember this weekend, I will try and find the recall notice in an old gun magazine and scan it for you.Sticker
The problem is that everbody that owed the pistol before you shot .38 special in it(which is a shorter cartridge)and it has left cartrdge burn in on the cylenders walls! It might be producing a swelling of the cartridge(producing extreme pressures)that would expain the primers blown out!
Get a good thirty cal or nine mil bore brush and hopes # 9 and clean out the cylenders!
We know high high the cost is of .357 mag shells are! But you really should not shoot .38 specials out of one unless you clean out the cyleders! Just a thought might not be the problem!
Bob
Get a good thirty cal or nine mil bore brush and hopes # 9 and clean out the cylenders!
We know high high the cost is of .357 mag shells are! But you really should not shoot .38 specials out of one unless you clean out the cyleders! Just a thought might not be the problem!
Bob
Sticker said:Oh! no -# after the MOD686....
No M either
Well friend you have a first run of the L frame. Recall
You either have to find a .357 mag load that won't cause problems ( mine use to freeze up after each shot) stick to .38Specials or sometime in the future, get it fixed. The recall was 20 years ago so I would imagine there is going to be fee now. S&W will be able to tell you where the nearest warrenty center is for you.
Joy
Sticker[/QUOT
I had a Combat Masterpiece 586 that had the fix think it said my model # and then a -3!
I remember now what you are talking about!
Bob
Was the gun used? If there has been many rounds of 38 special the front of the chamber may be leaded or dirty to the point where the crimp is holding the bullet and increasing pressure. Handloader magazine had an article a while back about .357s locking up with primers extruding into the firing pin hole. It didn't happen with calibers with large primers. I've never had this happen with many heavy handloads.
- Location
- Stellarton NS
The 586/686 and-1 modification is still free AFAIK, except for shipping. Just contact one of the S&W authorized smiths in Canada, then get an ATT and mail it off for the mod.
Pat
Pat
Not sure where u are located, but if in the west(or anywhere really), the S&W warranty depot is MD Charlton in Saanichton(Victoria). U can go to the website for contact info as well mdcharlton.com with the usual prefix.
Very strange indeed
Good luck
dB
Very strange indeed
Good luck
dB
Sorry to bring up a dead thread but I found this out :
"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"
I am going to call S&W in the morning to find out if they will still repair it for free. But the above describes what is happening to my revolver almost exactly.
"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"
I am going to call S&W in the morning to find out if they will still repair it for free. But the above describes what is happening to my revolver almost exactly.
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