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686 Project

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Box T

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Feb 12, 2008
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I got a 686-5 over the weekend as a project. I haven't had much experiece working on guns, but I was thinking I'd do a RobertFBurnett-style 17-coat Mother's hand polish :D, some nice wood grips, and maybe a spring change to the Wolff Power Rib mainspring and reduced power rebound spring. Can I change these springs myself or do I need a smith to do this?

Thanks!
 

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Depends on your experience. But if you can go nice and slow, and if you have the proper non-tapered screwdrivers and a mallet with rubber on one side and plastic on another, give it a go.

The rebound spring is going to be a bit tricky if you've never done it before. Safety glasses also are highly recommended. As you ease the slide housing up just use your thumb to stop the spring or it can flip out beyond time and space and you'll never see it again. You also have to watch putting the new spring in, as sometimes they can go zinging off. As long as you can retain the springs, everything should work out great.

When you replace the side plate, just be sure you carefully position it. When it looks exactly correct, just tap it a bit with the rubber side of your mallet. Don't use one of those big rubber mallets, but a small mallet with rubber/plastic as described. The side plate should ease right on down. Don't overtighten the screws and don't engage the action unless you have the screws in, as the vibration may cause the plate to pop out on you.

It's very easy to do. If you live near a gun store, just take your tools and ask if they'll let you do the change there. That way if you run into trouble, you'll probably have at least one person who can help you out. But no, it's not difficult. Once you do one, you'll be able to do another one in your sleep.
 
You mean like this?

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I did this while watching all 6.5 seasons of the Sopranos (not continuously, though!) I used on the exterior 5,000 grit sand paper (available at hobby shops I suppose, I had some from a few years back), followed by Flitz Polish. It looks as if chrome plated but is infact stainless steel. The internals were done with Flitz & nothing more. End result is a super suh-weet trigger that breaks when you think about it. Fun gun to shoot!

Have fun & TAKE YOUR TIME!
 
Confederate - good info, thanks. I think I may cause more harm than good trying it myself - I may talk to a smith.

Apex - beautiful job. I've got some scratches that are a little too deep for polish and I may need to look into the extra-fine grit paper or something similar to tackle those.

One other question - the vertical piece of the rear sight has a slight ding in it - is there a place I can order a replacement? Thanks!
 
Very pretty! Nice job. Thanks for the pictures.

I own a S&W Model 686. I may still get wood grips for it too. I saw some other pretty ones online.

Catherine
 
Hello, mine came NIB with the Hogue grips.

I think that the wooden and other grips are SO pretty too!

Mine has a six inch barrel and is a 6 shot, not 7-plus, not ported.

She is a STRAIGHT shooter too. All of the guys who have shot mine LOVE it as they do my humble Rugers and other guns straight out of the box!

Thanks... take care.

Catherine
 
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