686 Question

bipe215 · August 29, 2009, 06:08 PM

My 686-6 leaves a more shallow dimple in the primer than my buddy's 686.
This leads to occasional misfires on some reloads where I have seated the primer a shade too deep. When I have a misfire and then place the round in my buddy's gun, it fires. Is there an adjustment I can make or do I need a new firing pin. Thanks in advance.

Steve G

Dfariswheel · August 29, 2009, 06:59 PM

First step is to check the mainspring strain screw.

This is a screw on the lower front of the frame.
It MUST be tightly in place and KEPT tight.

Some people think this is a trigger adjustment screw since when you back it out, the trigger pull does get lighter.
Its NOT. Make sure its tight.

If it is tight, and this is a used gun, its very likely someone has attempted a trigger job and botched it.
To correct something like that, you need to see a gunsmith, or send the gun in to S&W.

Firing pins are seldom a problem on the S&W revolver. Its almost always something like the above.

bipe215 · August 29, 2009, 09:42 PM

Thanks for the info. The strain screw was slightly loose. I removed it and it appeared it has been ground. Ordered a new one. Thanks again.

Steve G

August 29, 2009, 06:08 PM	#1
bipe215 Member Join Date: December 3, 2008 Posts: 64	686 Question My 686-6 leaves a more shallow dimple in the primer than my buddy's 686. This leads to occasional misfires on some reloads where I have seated the primer a shade too deep. When I have a misfire and then place the round in my buddy's gun, it fires. Is there an adjustment I can make or do I need a new firing pin. Thanks in advance. Steve G

August 29, 2009, 06:59 PM	#2
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 6,589	First step is to check the mainspring strain screw. This is a screw on the lower front of the frame. It MUST be tightly in place and KEPT tight. Some people think this is a trigger adjustment screw since when you back it out, the trigger pull does get lighter. Its NOT. Make sure its tight. If it is tight, and this is a used gun, its very likely someone has attempted a trigger job and botched it. To correct something like that, you need to see a gunsmith, or send the gun in to S&W. Firing pins are seldom a problem on the S&W revolver. Its almost always something like the above.

August 29, 2009, 09:42 PM	#3
bipe215 Member Join Date: December 3, 2008 Posts: 64	Thanks for the info. The strain screw was slightly loose. I removed it and it appeared it has been ground. Ordered a new one. Thanks again. Steve G