REVOLVER FAIL! SMITH & WESSON 686 .357 MAGNUM

New in box Smith & Wesson 686, 7 rounds of .357 Magnum FAILED TO FIRE MULTIPLE TIMES.
Follow Up Video HERE;
• Follow Up - Revolver F...
Smith & Wesson have become almost legendary in the firearm industry. But there is a population of enthusiasts who don't care for their products any longer, partly due to politics, and also perceived lack of quality and problems of some products outside of their fantastic revolver line. Though there have been more than a few complaints and some lost customers due to problems or potential issues related to the lock mechanism found on Smith's Revolvers.
I'm a fan of these firearms, mostly because they are just plain cool. Understanding all Mechanical Devices have the potential to fail as they were designed and built by human hands and are also operated by them. Revolvers specifically tend to be among the most reliable handguns around due to their simplicity, rugged steel build, simple mechanism and reduced number of moving parts.
Apparently I have one of very few duds, as there's not a lot of information out there regarding problems similar to mine. I trust the manufacturer will take care of this issue for me without much hassle, I have not reached out to them yet since today was the first time attempting to fire this pistol, and it happens to be late Sunday night while I'm filming this.

[@MarksmanTV]

When you pull the trigger on a double action revolver, the trigger is doing three things: It is pushing on a pawl which engages your cylinder stop, it pushes on a ratchet or cylinder advancing arm to advance the cylinder and it pushes your hammer to the rear and then allows the hammer to drop and fire the firearm. When your malfunction occurs, the advancing arm and the cylinder stop are both working as they should, so the problem is the sear engagement point between the hammer and the trigger. As you pull the trigger, an internal arm connect to the trigger tips up. There is a "sear arm" (for lack of a better term) connect to the hammer that sits on that trigger arm. As the arm pushes up, it pushes the sear on the hammer back and starts pulling the hammer back. As you continue to pull the trigger, eventually the trigger arm will be too far upward and the sear on the hammer will slip off the trigger bar/arm allowing the hammer to drop. I think either the trigger bar or hammer sear are out-of-spec, or either of the two (or both) were slightly sheared during initial firing (likely due to poor heat treatment) which is causing this to happen. Why you see the hammer go forward slightly when it does not fire, is likely because the sear on the hammer is slipping past the trigger bar it casues the hammer to move forward. I am not an expert but I am fairly certain that this is the problem. I would send it back to S&W as you are doing as they will fix it free of charge. Hope that helps!

[@TheJustinJ]

Great description, Thank You!

[@quickdubbs328]

You sound like an expert 2 me partner.

[@georgegravette1132]

Great analysis. Every S&W revolver owner should at least once remove the sideplate and, being VERY careful not to let any of the parts fall out, turn the gun sideways and SLOWLY work the action to see how those intricate parts fit and function together. If nothing else, it will dispel the myth that revolvers can't fail.

[@Retiredatlast65]

Just purchased a 2023 686 7 shot 2.5 barrel. Absolutely flawless so far. And right out of the box, sights at neutral, bullseye. Very accurate.

[@deanhoward4128]

I have a 686 from the 1980's, it is a former N.M.STATE POLICE issue revolver; It is pre- lock & I have fired hundreds of rounds through it & no issues! I don't know what is wrong with yours but I have seen several videos of newer 686 with the locks & they all have some defects within the lock mechanism. I hope when you get it back, that S&W will have fixed it!

[@georgemitchell1980]

Just received my 686 last week and the first time at the range did exactly the same thing. Found an article online mentioning a potential cause being the sear and sear spring as well as the hand requiring repair. S&W sent me a return label, but thought I would try one more time at the range before sending off. As compared with the problem typically occurring one in six rounds fired, this time it happened only once in 100 rounds. Note that I have never been able to reproduce the problem when dry firing with snap caps, even at the beginning. The trigger could use some lightening as well. I am considering an Apex trigger job with my gunsmith replacing the sear and sear spring (both parts available online) vs sending to S&W first. Obviously the trigger job will void my warranty.

[@GrayGhostDog1]

I've shot plenty of cylinders thru a 686+ Performance Center with no issues at all. It sucks to see/hear of the issues people are having with their firearms. I hope they work their issues out.

[@vanillagorilla9841]

Yeah it has nothing to do with that lock,it has to do with the internals within the action my friend.

[@TheJustinJ]

Vapor Trails You Sir are correct. Here is the follow up video and documentation of repairs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJjZn4Gnhsipb5o

[@tedcollins4684]

Quality is still a problem, and has been for 10+ years. My revolver broke after 26 shots. They repaired it. I will never trust it or purchase another s&w product.

[@michaelposn3r]

Thank you for sharing, I’m reaching out to S&W 1st time out same miss and then the rear site went way off. They said they take care of the customers. Thank goodness

[@Kornholeeoo]

It’s a Deluxe model. I have one too! Love mine!

[@hawghawg381]

This can make or break a buyer. Just broke me.

[@TheJustinJ]

It came back better than ever. Scary light trigger in SA mode, though. I can't wear a glove or it borderline negligent discharges (though always pointed at the target). kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJjZn4Gnhsipb5osi=UZuvbCqGaSZGvsqg

[@AKAKiddo]

Ah man. The S&W 686 was a gun a wanted to get some day. Maybe not so much now.

[@TheJustinJ]

Came back from them better than ever. Smith will take care of You. Just test it and verify. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJjZn4Gnhsipb5osi=UZuvbCqGaSZGvsqg

[@GunSam]

I think it has a bad hammer sear spring or it's just filthy inside. I think it could be fixed easy, but it's Smith's responsibility to make it right. Hope they made it right.

[@TheJustinJ]

Gun Sam _Revolver Aficionado_ I believe you were correct based on repair receipt. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJjZn4Gnhsipb5o

[@kenross402]

Just bought a brand new 686-6 "Pro Series." Went to the range and it would not fire. I opened it and screwed in the spring screw all the way. And it barely touched the primer. Looked at the firing pin and the tolerances were soooo bad it barely came out of the hole. As it is now a used a return would cost me 25% restock. Lost $21 range fees. Drive time, packaging and shipping time all lost. I am a retired engineer and worth $85 per hour. WARNING TO ANYBODY THINKING ON BUYING A S&W.

[@TheJustinJ]

Before I posted this video thought that I was one of the few people with issues, but it turns out dozens of people had similar problems and most folks likely had the repairs performed silently. I highly recommend sending it to smith, it was about a 3-4 week turn around, they go radio silent for a week at a time but the gun did come back in fantastic shape and shoots very close to a performance center job.

[@orcuser]

@@TheJustinJ I have this gun in 5 inch and had A LOT of light primer strikes failure to fire in the first 250 rounds I just kept shooting it and it stopped doing it but I still don't fully trust it.

[@MeMe-ms2ly]

Nobody cares how much you think you're worth. Should've called s&w before throwing your high and mighty fit

[@nealirwin8160]

I'm

[@maverickmanson8971]

My first .357 was/is a Ruger SP101, 3 inch barrel. I recently purchased the S&W 686, 6 inch barrel. I love both and think that Ruger and Smith & Wesson are the cream of the crop of .357’s. Sometimes, even the best cream spoils.

[@TheJustinJ]

Agreed, both are great firearms. Mechanical devices can and do fail, I just wanted to show this particular case simply because many out there believe revolvers wont fail on them. There is also very little info out there that these guns actually do arrive in this condition on occasion. Since posting the video I've had a dozen people message me saying they had similar problems. The return and repair/upgrade process takes about 3-5 weeks and the firearms come back better than ever, seemingly getting a Performance Center trigger job in the process; Its really good. Since having this 686 repaired, I've put about 300 rounds through it with zero ongoing issues.

[@maverickmanson8971]

Justin J thanks! You’re one of the few gun channels that truly focuses on revolvers. Keep up the great work.

[@MohammadDakkak]

Interesting. I’ve got a 686+ .357 mag. I’ve shot at-least 300 rounds with no problem. Absolutely love the revolver. Hope you got it fixed!

[@gabrielf1911]

Damn, that is a major bummer. Glad they fixed it though.

[@chipbrown8102]

i bought it the end of march on a monday , shot it the following saturday and it was on its way back the following monday.

[@joeblow4566]

Smith & Wesson Will Repair it free of charge they will even pick it up and ship it back you can't beat their customer service obviously my comment is too late as this video is old

[@TheJustinJ]

Ya, they hooked me up and made it right. Its a sweet one.

[@djjohnson523]

Adjust the spring tension. Thats what happen to me. I adjust the spring too loose to make the trigger a little softer but back it off too far. So take the handle cover off and tighten the spring. That should do it.

[@TheJustinJ]

The internals were grenade fragments.

[@charlescasey9799]

I have a model 29 nickle 6.5 inch with keyhole fired it for years no problems I never used the lock actually the new 29 is better gun than old ones. I have both like 29 s if you don’t like the lock take it out ,,,,.......the hole will be there though

[@budliteyear1439]

Scary. Long time S&W owner and super afraid to buy after watching the videos of brand new revolvers that must go back! I guess they lost their skills at producing revolvers 😢

[@iambasham5097]

Put at least 100 rounds a week through my 629 classic, no issues at all. Love my S&W .44 magnum 629 classic. Love it!

[@SlimCowboy]

I AM BASHAM I wish we were all so lucky to get a product from Smith and Wesson that’s not plagued by quality control issues

[@larrylindsey9766]

I just bought a 686 I’ve shot a box of 357 magnum ammo through it with no issues. And I hate to hear things like this makes me wonder if they are inspecting the guns before they leave the shop like they should. There is no way you should spend that amount of money for a hand gun and have that kind of problem!

[@stonecold313]

Just got mine only difference is I got rosewood gripes, no bears in my hood,but a lot of crime!

[@bnscholet911]

Sear click. Double action sear is slipping off. Take it out stretch it with a steel punch heat quench and file fit back to length. They can fix that easy

[@Timothy1987]

For 800 dollars smith needs to get their crap together..

[@chipbrown8102]

Just bought a 686 myself 25 rounds thru it now cylinder wont close. Sent back to Smith.

[@TheJustinJ]

Geez! I thought mine must have been a bad one, or a bad batch from several years ago. That's disappointing to hear they still haven't got their quality under control.

[@edwardcreel4571]

That’s a bad trigger

[@JA-ux7dd]

They know what that is at the factory, there is no way that is an unknown problem.

[@victorcastrojr.1252]

Same thing happened to me today but I have a 7-inch version of a gun same exact problem incredible..... is it a timing or the Seer problem?? Extremely disappointing

[@TheJustinJ]

I would recommend calling S&W, they made it right, and believe I ended up with a Performance Center job, took over 3 weeks round trip, all shipping paid. Little to no communication from them, but it arrived with signature over 21 required. I'm very happy with it now.

[@zabbadimbweebwee3522]

Yep, just bought the 7" version, can't even open the cylinder, brand new, yeah, extractor rod, yeah, yeah, yeah, haven't even fired one round ...

[@tedkenne]

You Can Dry Fire That 686 With No Problem,,,,Timing Is Off For Sure. Where Is S&W Quality Assurance?

[@MichaelNJ25]

I never saw a 686 with a cylinder like that. I would guess it has been modified before you purchased it. I have a performance center with that same exact safety crap key and shot probably over 600 rounds through it with not a glitch at all. Maybe this has been resolved, since it was posted in 2017. Revolvers have little moving parts really and are VERY reliable. Hope it gets taken care of. I'll try to read some comments to see what happened.

[@TheJustinJ]

I have a follow up video posted, the issues was fully resolved. I agree, its a unique cylinder and those grips are top shelf as well. It's entirely an original Smith.

[@zabbadimbweebwee3522]

That's the factory cylinder.

[@darrallipke8070]

Last model 29 l bought is pure shit and they say it's "in tolerance" , l would advise against buying a new one. I'm not ordering another , now I only buy guns I can inspect before buying.

[@rickyramirez3483]

Darral Lipke I guess there are right! Intolerance from your part not wanting a crappy product...

[@zabbadimbweebwee3522]

Just bought the 7" version brand new, got it home, can't open the cylinder, yeah, yeah, yeah, extractor rod, going back to S&W and haven't fired one round...sux...

[@francisgarner1751]

Sir your video is old have you made an update? I have a 686-6 brought it this Christmas 2022 I ran every thing through it no problem PLEASE DO A UPDATE SHOOTING GREAT 👍🏿🎯👍🏿

[@followingjesus2064]

From what I see on KZbin videos,Smith and wesson has problems with their 686,i also see reviews about not so good customer service.I was thinking about getting S&W revolver,but to be honest,although revolvers are supposed to be more reliable,I went with a semi auto ,has more round capacity,which could mean the difference of life and death.

[@TheJustinJ]

Papa Cap Semi-Auto really is ideal for concealed personal protection for that reason, and they are lighter. Just keep practicing since competency will beat gun v gun stats every time.

[@daytonagreg8765]

Papa Cap I suppose you’re referring to some newer ones? The 686p has long been considered by many revolver experts to be the best revolver, or even pistol, ever made. That said, they are manufactured machines and there is nothing in this world that generates “absolute perfection”. Whatever it is you’re gonna have problems occasionally and with the rise of social media & KZbin in particular there is no escape from these mistakes. The light shines bright... and it should. This still is the Golden Age of firearms.

[@sandraherdman3783]

We've all had a gun out of time at some point hard to see a pistols get a pass from the factory with that kind of issue but that ammo sucks I hate federal ammo spend a extra dollar get the good stuff,,do some singal action and break it in

[@TheJustinJ]

Ya, I agree on the ammo. Not great stuff but it was on the shelf at the store lol. Somehow it slipped past the QC people, or maybe they don't have any? The customer is Quality Control. They repaired it good as new, if not better, in about four weeks turnaround.

[@sandraherdman3783]

@@TheJustinJ at least they fixed it I got a convertible from buds and never got the extra 9mm cylinder I'm still waiting been almost a year good luck with your channel

[@Petedrumsusa]

Mine did the same thing. Smith fixed and now it’s back fo being out of time. So dissatisfied. I own old ones that are perfect!!

[@TheJustinJ]

Agreed. I love the overall design but they have obviously eliminated several steps in the quality control department, I highly doubt it was ever fired before shipment. Besides the broken internals, which screams improper hardening or low quality metal, the damn thing doesn't even shoot straight. 300 rounds through it, rear sight is maxed to the right. (To bring the point of impact to the right). And beyond about 30 yards, it misses a 6" target to the left. (Shoots 3-4" left) which, in itself is not unusual for a fixed sight on a revolver, but with the rear sight centered, I'm off about 2-1/2 or 3 feet at 100yrds. I'm thinking a gun smith might be able to straighten the barrel alignment, which is off-visually just a hair.

[@carll.freemanjr.9867]

@@TheJustinJ I had that exact same problem with a Taurus model 66 I had which if I'm not mistaken was modeled after the smith 686. Sight maxed to the right and still shooting about 4 inches to the left at 40 feet or a bit over 13 yards. Just proved to me how shitty taurus was. I wanted to buy a smith but seeing this video as well as you having similar sighting issues I'll probably get a ruger or something.

[@scubaguy007]

That's a pain I'm sure. Beautiful gun. Hope to see a follow up video with you having no issues.

[@silverhorder1969]

When S&W went to the key hole I went to Ruger and never looked back!

[@MPGunther1]

ditto

[@recklessrt]

I have the same gun. I had no problems but the trigger pull was rough. We have a great gun smith in the area so I had the Boulder, CO store give it to him and he smoothed it out. BTW no grizzlies have been officially recognized in Colorado for years. But every now and then there are unconfirmed sightings. Their last hold out was supposedly down in the San Juans. But just because they are unconfirmed doesn't mean they aren't out there. I've lived in CO since 89. We do have Black Bears. They can be cinnamon and brown in color. They can get up to 800 lbs. We have no Brown Bears either if you're referring to a Kodiak Brown Bear. Grizzlies have been called brown bears. If in Wyoming(Grizzly Country) I would carry my S&W 44 Magnum with Buffalo Bore Heavy 44 Magnum rounds. Hiking in Colorado I might still carry the 44 in a chest rig, because of the Moose. They are onery, aggressive and have been known to attack hikers up by Brainerd Lake in Boulder County. These creatures are huge, prehistoric, and are quite nasty. Charging at me I'd prefer the 44 to the 357. With a charging Moose or say a Grizzly in the worst case you might get one or two shots off. Would one round of a 357 be enough. Hmmm I don't know. Better safe than sorry.

[@TheJustinJ]

It's a great gun! I primarily hike in Colorado, but venture up to Wyoming often enough. I've spent some time in Western MT as well, but not recently. Here is Colorado you gotta watch out for cats mostly, imo. I don't expect to need any form of protection in this state, except in theaters and on the interstates to defend against mass shootings and road ragers, apparently.

[@elrico1364]

Maybe slamming the cylinder hard- open.... as you do .... offset the timing?

[@dylantyt6654]

I would return that shit

[@makanaokalanichong808]

Take the side plate off and remove the lock. Takes 20 min.

[@Antoninorosetta]

How soon is S&W going to go broke, with the revolvers they're making today!!! Maybe the should switch over to BB guns!

[@Timothy1987]

No they wont because they never refund.. So they basically just laugh to the bank

[@boricuaarecibo9259]

I won't worry too much send it back to smith and wesson and they will fix it

[@boricuaarecibo9259]

I'm thinking about getting this one

[@NomadicNorthwoods]

Get a Ruger dude.

[@orcuser]

I own the 5 inch I had a lot of light primer strikes leading to failure to fire from all brands of 38 and 357 ammo how did I fix it? I kept shooting it after awhile it quit doing it haven't had a free in 200 or so rounds still keeping an eye out for em.

[@TheJustinJ]

I would call S&W. They really took care of me. I don't believe any firearm should ever miss fire, ever. If it does, and I cannot determine a reasonable reason, it's going back to the manufacturer for repair or replacement. If they won't play ball, and they always do) I'll likely resort to torture testing with heavy equipment: preferably a dozer, or bobcat with jackhammer attachment. ;)

[@quickdubbs328]

What is the proposed bear round with the .357 Magnum?

[@TheJustinJ]

"HSM Bear Load" - 180 Grain. It's a mean round. It seems adequate for any black bear or cougar, in my opinion. It might suffice for defense against a smaller brown as a last resort.

[@johninphx9360]

Thanks, between you and a few others with totally different problems … Ill be buying the Ruger GP 100 , That said 400$ Taurus suddenly looks like a better deal then a 700$ "Taurus coin flip"

[@Timothy1987]

My taurus m66 is flawless.. Hundreds of rounds...

[@carll.freemanjr.9867]

@@Timothy1987 Really? Mine was a pile of inaccurate shit. Proven by at least 5 people who shot it with identicle results. Worst $400 I ever spent on a gun.

[@thomasmanson1119]

So JJ, have you gotten it fixed yet? Did they charge you? That had to have been a simple malfunction and I would have torn into it in a heartbeat since there are so few parts in it. But I want to know what I’ve missed since it’s been so long now. Tom KC3QAC

[@TheJustinJ]

Follow up vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJjZn4Gnhsipb5osi=UZuvbCqGaSZGvsqg Smith & Wesson took care of it. Round trip took a while, but they replaced a few internal items, including seer.

[@AmilcarPino]

1. Get it be repaired 2. Sell it 3. Buy Ruger GP100

[@TheJustinJ]

Papa Mike Charlie Haha! But this one looks so much cooler! Ruger is a Hoss though and one I've often considered.

[@jeremy13bravo]

I second that motion

[@GrayGhostDog1]

@Fred J3 I guess a 9mm is better than nothing out in the woods, but according to what OP wanted out of the gun .357 is the preferred bare minimum in bear country... if you can get your hands on proper 10mm ammo, a Glock in 10mm should suffice.

[@GrayGhostDog1]

If a S&W Performance Center example is too rich for your blood, maybe the upcoming Colt King Cobra? Rugers are just too porky for my liking.

[@TheJustinJ]

This gun came back practically a performance center gun. 😮 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJjZn4Gnhsipb5osi=UZuvbCqGaSZGvsqg

[@hksigman]

What was the outcome?

[@TheJustinJ]

hksigman Thanks for asking! Here is the follow-up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJjZn4Gnhsipb5o

[@joeyphillips1181]

If you complain about recoil in a 686 your weak lol mine feels almost like shooting a 22 and soaks up all the recoil and mine has been flawless

[@carlostrujillo4750]

What a crying shame all that 💰 money for a s&w.people always trash talk taurus.at the end of the day nothing perfect bye the cheaper gun

[@thomasmanson1119]

Get a better camera that will focus!

[@weissrw1]

I presume you sent it back under warranty. What was wrong? How do you like now?

[@TheJustinJ]

Ronald Weiss Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJjZn4Gnhsipb5o

[@MrCeo1978buddy]

Could it be the lock on the gun

[@TheJustinJ]

I thought it could be so initially, but after receiving it back from smith, they replaced and repaired several components. I'm more than happy with the service they provided, I would purchase another potentially. See my follow-up video.

[@nightvan4427]

voice not good

[@TheJustinJ]

Follow Up Video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJjZn4Gnhsipb5o