Talyn
SAINT
In the old days at Smith & Wesson – not the old-old days, but ending toward the “north end” of the 1950’s – the company used to name their guns.
Old Guns: The Distinguished Service Magnum
- Thread starter Talyn
- Start date
Grayfox
Professional
Old? The L-frame was introduced in 1980. For a gun design that's hardly a toddler. 
S&W quit using Model Names in 1958. While they did give this one a cool name, its officially know by its Model Number. 586/686 etc. The name is merely an advertising gimmick.
I own three L-frame S&Ws and completely agree that this is the ideal .357 revolver. Heavy enough to absorb recoil and still light enough for carry. Not to mention that its extremely reliable and accurate. I love 'em!
S&W quit using Model Names in 1958. While they did give this one a cool name, its officially know by its Model Number. 586/686 etc. The name is merely an advertising gimmick.
I own three L-frame S&Ws and completely agree that this is the ideal .357 revolver. Heavy enough to absorb recoil and still light enough for carry. Not to mention that its extremely reliable and accurate. I love 'em!
HayesGreener
Ronin
I always liked the looks of L Frame revolvers
Grayfox
Professional
The L-frame was made to address the issue of cracked forcing cones in the K-frame magnums. The K-frame .357s were quite popular with law enforcement. However, it was found that continuous use of full power magnum ammo with bullets of 125gr or lighter could cause the forcing cone to crack at the 6:00 position where it is thinnest. There's a small cut out on the barrel shank there to clear the crane. It didn't happen a lot, but it did happen often enough to be noticeable.
The slightly beefier L-frame did away with that cut out and eliminated the problem.
The full underlug barrel was to add weight and soften recoil.
The fact that it resembled the Python, but at a considerably cheaper price, was just a bonus.
Mine all have the adjustable sights. The fixed sight models as mentioned in the article are actually quite scarce and hard to come by. I've had one on my grail gun list for many years. But, alas, so far no joy.
The slightly beefier L-frame did away with that cut out and eliminated the problem.
The full underlug barrel was to add weight and soften recoil.
The fact that it resembled the Python, but at a considerably cheaper price, was just a bonus.
Mine all have the adjustable sights. The fixed sight models as mentioned in the article are actually quite scarce and hard to come by. I've had one on my grail gun list for many years. But, alas, so far no joy.
HansGruber
Ronin
I’ve got an Aussie Highway Patrol 681 (think it’s a -2?) lurking in the safe along with my 686’s. I like it…
shanneba
Custom
The L frame solved the problem of cracked forcing cones but included another issue with the firing pin bushing (same part as used on J, K and N frames) due to a difference in the hammer nose. The recommendation from S&W was to not fire 357 magnum rounds until the hammer nose was replaced.
Forever etched in my mind as the gunsmith who worked for me at the time replaced all recalled Indianapolis Police Department L-frame hammer noses for S&W.
SMITH & WESSON
MODEL 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1,
586-1, 681-1, 686-1 & 686CS-1, REVOLVERS
RECALL: Reports have been received from the field where the combination of a SMITH & WESSON L-FRAME 357 MAGNUM REVOLVER and some .357 Magnum ammunition has resulted in unacceptable cylinder binding. L-frame revolvers bearing model numbers:
Cylinder binding can cause a failure to fire. Mishandling a revolver while freeing the cylinder can result in accidental discharge.
Cylinder binding can result from a number of causes, including characteristics of an individual revolver or the use of ammunition, which does not conform to industry pressure specifications or is particularly fast burning. Recent developments in ammunition manufacture emphasize the production of .357 Magnum ammunition with increased velocity and greater primer sensitivity.
Although there have been very few reported incidents of cylinder binding, in view of our concern for our customer's safety and the reliability of Smith & Wesson products in all circumstances, we issue the following warning:
In a situation where a failure to fire can be critical - such as law enforcement or personal protection - do not use .357 Magnum ammunition with an L-frame revolver bearing model numbers 581, 586, 681, 686 or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number until you have had the revolver modified.
Those who need to use their L-frame revolver under these conditions prior to modification can safely fire .38 Special caliber ammunition.
Smith & Wesson has developed a modification to improve existing L-frame revolvers. This improvement enables them to fire all .357 Magnum ammunition, without cylinder binding. Shipments of L-frame revolvers from our factory after August 21, 1987 already include this improvement.
You can check if your revolver includes this improvement by looking at the left side of the frame when the cylinder is fully open. If your revolver has been stamped either with a "2" or higher number after the basic three-digit model number or with an "M" above the model number, your revolver includes this improvement and does not need modification. If your revolver bears the model number 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number, it does not include this improvement and your should have your revolver modified.
Smith & Wesson will modify your L-frame revolver free of charge to eliminate the possibility of cylinder binding with .357 Magnum ammunition. Law enforcement agencies wishing to arrange for modification of L-frame revolvers should call 800-458-8469 between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M. Eastern time (MA residents call 413-734-8244). Other users should send their revolvers to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Service Center, specifying "L-frame improvement program" and enclosing their name and return address.
One of the modifications to improve the L-frame revolver is the installation of a new hammer nose. This obsoletes all old L-frame hammer noses (part numbers 4702 and 7513) and all old L-frame hammer assemblies (part numbers 3366, 3378, 3380, 3382, 3391, 4722, 4723, 4726 and 4728) in field parts inventories. Superseded parts should never be fitted into a modified revolver as this may result in malfunction. It is essential for safety that you return these obsolete L-frame hammer noses and obsolete L-frame hammer assemblies for a free exchange to:
We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Smith & Wesson's first concern is the safety of its products and the protection of its customers.
Source:
Forever etched in my mind as the gunsmith who worked for me at the time replaced all recalled Indianapolis Police Department L-frame hammer noses for S&W.
SMITH & WESSON
MODEL 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1,
586-1, 681-1, 686-1 & 686CS-1, REVOLVERS
RECALL: Reports have been received from the field where the combination of a SMITH & WESSON L-FRAME 357 MAGNUM REVOLVER and some .357 Magnum ammunition has resulted in unacceptable cylinder binding. L-frame revolvers bearing model numbers:
581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1,
681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1
681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1
Cylinder binding can cause a failure to fire. Mishandling a revolver while freeing the cylinder can result in accidental discharge.
Cylinder binding can result from a number of causes, including characteristics of an individual revolver or the use of ammunition, which does not conform to industry pressure specifications or is particularly fast burning. Recent developments in ammunition manufacture emphasize the production of .357 Magnum ammunition with increased velocity and greater primer sensitivity.
Although there have been very few reported incidents of cylinder binding, in view of our concern for our customer's safety and the reliability of Smith & Wesson products in all circumstances, we issue the following warning:
In a situation where a failure to fire can be critical - such as law enforcement or personal protection - do not use .357 Magnum ammunition with an L-frame revolver bearing model numbers 581, 586, 681, 686 or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number until you have had the revolver modified.
Those who need to use their L-frame revolver under these conditions prior to modification can safely fire .38 Special caliber ammunition.
Smith & Wesson has developed a modification to improve existing L-frame revolvers. This improvement enables them to fire all .357 Magnum ammunition, without cylinder binding. Shipments of L-frame revolvers from our factory after August 21, 1987 already include this improvement.
You can check if your revolver includes this improvement by looking at the left side of the frame when the cylinder is fully open. If your revolver has been stamped either with a "2" or higher number after the basic three-digit model number or with an "M" above the model number, your revolver includes this improvement and does not need modification. If your revolver bears the model number 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number, it does not include this improvement and your should have your revolver modified.
Smith & Wesson will modify your L-frame revolver free of charge to eliminate the possibility of cylinder binding with .357 Magnum ammunition. Law enforcement agencies wishing to arrange for modification of L-frame revolvers should call 800-458-8469 between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M. Eastern time (MA residents call 413-734-8244). Other users should send their revolvers to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Service Center, specifying "L-frame improvement program" and enclosing their name and return address.
One of the modifications to improve the L-frame revolver is the installation of a new hammer nose. This obsoletes all old L-frame hammer noses (part numbers 4702 and 7513) and all old L-frame hammer assemblies (part numbers 3366, 3378, 3380, 3382, 3391, 4722, 4723, 4726 and 4728) in field parts inventories. Superseded parts should never be fitted into a modified revolver as this may result in malfunction. It is essential for safety that you return these obsolete L-frame hammer noses and obsolete L-frame hammer assemblies for a free exchange to:
Do not return L-frame hammer-nose bushings from your spare parts inventory inasmuch as they are useable in J, N and K-frame revolvers, which are not included in this Product Warning.
We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Smith & Wesson's first concern is the safety of its products and the protection of its customers.
Source:
- Shotgun News November 1, 1989
- Guns & Ammo, December 1987; page 6