Not much to say other than I am really bummed.  While cleaning my 686 today I noticed what I thought was a scratch on the frame on one side near the hammer.  Upon further inspection it is definitely a crack that goes completely through the frame on one side where the hammer passes through all the way around the cylinder and almost down to the trigger guard.

 

I am very surprised because even though I bought this gun new back in 1985 it has at most 1000 rounds through it most of which were 38 spl. with only a few (maybe 50) 357 rounds all factory.  And I have never seen any indication of overpressure. 

 

I will take it to a gunsmith but I think it is toast.  I will try and post pictures when I get a chance.

 

 

Sorry to hear that.  Reading the title alone hurt my heart.  

 

Are you the original owner?

From the S&W website: Lifetime Service Policy

We will repair any defect in material or workmanship without charge to the original purchaser for as long as you own the handgun. 

I think i'd cry...

Did you contact S&W to see what they say?

yes, I am the original owner, and am contacting S&W now.  I just looked at the gun again and saw another crack down by the trigger guard.  I think my kids feel worse for me than I do!

Just call S&W......  they dont even ask if you are the original owner....

 

They will fix it

Just call S&W......  they dont even ask if you are the original owner....

 

They will fix it

Even if I bought the gun back in 1985?  I sure hope so!

Not much to say other than I am really bummed.  While cleaning my 686 today I noticed what I thought was a scratch on the frame on one side near the hammer.  Upon further inspection it is definitely a crack that goes completely through the frame on one side where the hammer passes through all the way around the cylinder and almost down to the trigger guard.

 

This is almost too obvious, so please don't be insulted. The crack you describe almost sounds like you are seeing the sideplate seam. Starts on the right side up at the hammer. Descends down along the recoil shield, then forward under the cylinder, then around a screw and down toward the trigger guard. Pictures would be a tremendous help.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

I don't want to sound like a jerk, but are you sure it's not the side plate that comes off on the right side of the gun? The side plate is wedged in there very tightly so I could see someone thinking it was a crack.

 

Edit: as usual, pizza Bob beat me to the punch again.

I don't want to sound like a jerk, but are you sure it's not the side plate that comes off on the right side of the gun? The side plate is wedged in there very tightly so I could see someone thinking it was a crack.

If this is the case I would be glad to be an idiot!

 

I will take a look

Just looked at mine.....

 

What you are describing is what others above have said.....  1000% normal, gun is not cracked....

Mine ....  to compare

 

 

Look at my revolver without the side plate. Your crack matches that profile?

I just looked at mine again and you all are correct! 

 

I don't know how I missed that before (probably because it has been almost 30 years since the last time I shot this gun), but that is definitely it.

 

Thanks you all who helped, this forum is truly amazing!

Here's a little better pic...

 

I just looked at mine again and you all are correct!

 

I don't know how I missed that before (probably because it has been almost 30 years since the last time I shot this gun), but that is definitely it.

 

Thanks you all who helped, this forum is truly amazing!

lol...30 years between shootings. I am not that bad yet. Glad everything worked out for you

Here's a little better pic...

 

That is it exactly, but for some reason when looking with the hammer pulled, it looked liked it went completely through. 

 

False alarm!

Sleep well tonight - your S&W gurus are awake.

lol...30 years between shootings. I am not that bad yet. Glad everything worked out for you

Kids kinda got in the way...

 

Thanks again!

Sleep well tonight - your S&W gurus are awake.

And much appreciated!

Kids kinda got in the way...

 

Thanks again!

I uave 3 in diapers with 2 being newborn twins so i feel your pain

Glad ur gun is okay.

lol...30 years between shootings. I am not that bad yet. Glad everything worked out for you

You are almost there...lol

You are almost there...lol

thanks for the support..lol

thanks for the support..lol

I'm here for you

you guys suck, I was just about to send him an offer to buy his broken cracked useless 686.