Re: s & w 686 W/ no dash problems
When you pull the trigger, it only goes part way and everything binds up?
Then try like was stated earlier, that is an easy quick fix. These revolvers are like tanks, I have a 6" 686-(5 I think). No lock, but frame mounted pin and MIM parts. It actually has a very fine trigger, peerless.
Anyway, yours is the all stainless. I can't imagine it being damaged or broken, at least not the important parts...
You didn't show good pictures of the cylinder stops. Heavy loads or lots of shooting wears those out on this pistol and that cylinder won't lock up tight after time and has to be replaced, but it doesn't look THAT bad from what I can tell. I think mine is worse.
But essentially what is happeneing is the hand can't advance the cylinder to the next stop. That is tied into the trigger, which is tied into the hammer, thus affecting the whole bunch. Another thing that can bind them up is debris (a tiny rock) or some other junk inside. Perhaps a part broke or sheared after working loose and did this too. Perhaps something is loose.
It is easy to remove the side plate, but make sure you watch it done right a few times on youtube. It is easy to damage that and the frame, so you don't want to pry it off, but you do have to do just that a little since they are sometimes glued on. Just be careful, use a plastic knife or spatula or something, careful not to let the metal bind opposite where you pry when it comes loose. It is real easy to work on the lockwork if you are mechanically inclined and have the diagram available (Brownells has your specific diagram).
Here, just inspect it and look for damage. Then clean it well and lube it properly and put it back together. Usually a good cleaning and reassembly of a weapon can fix many problems. A lot of folks never take the weapon apart or maintain things so stuff can and does get gummed up, work loose, and then sometimes those little problems can cause big ones.
I've been inside all my revolvers, the ones with locks I disabled the flag by grinding off the post on it. Looks and acts normal, just doesn't lock (obviously I'd have to replace the flag if I wanted to sell it, or make it known in writing). Like I said, they are easy to work on. No point sending it in likely, plus if you do, they may change out your forged parts with MIM ones. They have been known to do that once they run out of the others. Trust me here, I was lucky not to send in my 1006 for work! I heard they did the same with revolvers, and I'd bet yours is one of those. No, if you inspect it and find broken parts, I'd find a good smith to work on it, one that can fit parts, and find the proper stainless or forged parts you have in your revolver to replace them with.
Good luck, and nice, nice revolver man. Definitely a keeper. I like the rubber grips on my round butt, but to each his own; no matter how you look at it, that is one of the finest .357 revolvers ever made.
