i've got an 5 yr old 686+ that's starting to have light strikes. what parts can I replace before paying for a 'smith to swap out some parts? i know that wolff offers many springs, etc. for them, what would you recommend? thanks again for the knowledge i will someday be able to pass on to others. nate

If your 686 is a Beretta 686 you might try a disassembly and thorough cleaning. I use carburetor cleaner and compressed air. I have seen these gum up with time; mostly crud getting in around the firing pins I have an older Beretta (35+) that still has all its original springs etc. Just remove the stock and soak the works for a bit. You can use a nylon brush to scrub things if necessary. After drying use a little Rem oil to lube the works and a little gun grease to lube the cam surfaces.
If your 686 is a S&W 686 the same still applies except check the hammer tension screw.
Hope this helps.
C.G.B.

smith, sorry.

Has your S&W ever been "tuned" by anyone? Or have you had it since it was new?
If it has been worked on the rebound slide spring may have had a few coils cut out(bad) or the mainspring bent or loosened.


Take off the stocks, and turn the strain screw(the screw that tensions the flat mainspring ,atttached to the hammer strut) at the base of the frame all the way in. If it was loose, that may end the problem.

If not, is it really caked in grease? Again take off the stocks and really douche it out with Kroil, or some other penetrant/cleaner. That may do it.

If not order up a set of replacement springs from Wolff and change out the main spring and rebound slide spring. Unless thers some other problem that......in my humble estimation....should do it.

Smith revolvers are easy to work on ,but you do need to know a few "proper procedures" . Know any old Police Armorers that are savvy on revolvers? That would be one way of doing it. Or jump in the car and come out to Craig north of Wolf Creek and I'll do it for free.

Frank N.

[This message has been edited by Frank Nowakowski (edited 03-16-2002).]

frank,
thanks for the offer, if i can't figure it out with the info you gave me, i'll take you up on that offer. bought it new, and haven't cut anything, yet.
thanks for the info also. nate
ps. is there anything i can polish or stone to get the trigger a bit smoother?

nated,

There's all sorts of stuff to polish and things to attend to in order to get a decent trigger BUT out of the scope of what a non pro should be doing. Once you bust through the case hardenting on a hammer or trigger you have basically ruined them.

I highly reccomend shooting it for at least 250 rounds before getting too excited.
I do get over to Missoula every few months too. So meeting and doing a quick take down would be a half hour job. I'd shoot it though first.

FN