S&W 686 cylinder rubbing against frame

[john fisher]

Just got this S&W 686, it appears the cylinder rubs against the frame. I don’t think it’s normal, but it doesn’t seem to be much of an issue. I am not sure if the issue has been corrected since when the cylinder is open, it doesn’t seem to touch the frame but it looks like at one point it did. I am not sure if this is anything to worry about. This revolver was once a police revolver, it has the rack number on the side close to where the rub marks are. There is also unusual cylinder drag towards the end of the cylinder, at the time I couldn’t figure out what was causing it but now I know.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

You're talking about the turn line between the bolt recesses? Totally normal.
Probably a little holster scuffing there too, no cause for concern.
The 686 is an outstanding revolver. Wonder if NVSP could be Nevada State Police? Nice score.
Carry on.

 

[john fisher]

There is a little bit of a glare but it has WVST 338 and on the side plate is has WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE engraved on the side and it doesn't look bad. The grip covers it a little, and I was too lazy to remove the grip for a picture of the engraving.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Ahh, ok now I think I see what you mean about rubbing on the frame. I just tried to get my 686 cylinder to contact there using a fair amount of force and couldn't.
I suspect that probably was the result of some past damage to your guns crane, but it appears to have been repaired. If the scuffing annoys you, it could likely be buffed out.
It could still just be holster wear too.....
Anyway, enjoy your new Smith.

 

[Boom Vang]

West Virginia State Police gun? Great find! I worked in that state when they were carrying those. Yours should have an M stamped inside the crane, to indicate the firing pin and bushing modification. This was to correct a primer piercing issue with the .357 Magnum Winchester 145 grain STHP ammo they were using at the time. This modification was then extended to the entire 686 line.

The cylinder rubbing is probably due a yoke (crane) misalignment. Not unusual in a police gun that might have been used as an impact weapon . Find a competent S&W gunsmith to correct that... attempting to send that to S&W for factory repair is pretty useless at the moment. If S&W will even accept it, you probably not be pleased with the results: their revolver assembly and repair operations quality has taken a nosedive.

 

[ms6852]

Many revolvers used by law enforcement official may have a slight bent on the yoke because during training or an actual shoot out they grab the cylinder to reload and to close it. The proper and actual way is to always use the crane as that is where the actual pivot point is, but then most of us are not under duress when shooting our revolvers. It appears to have been corrected as much as possible with a little misalignment. Might just need a new ejector rod, or you could remove it and roll it on a flat service and see if there is a wobble. Remember that the threads are reversed.