I had this happen to me about 20 yrs ago, with model 64. Actually showed up late for range at Ohio Dept of Rehabilitation & Correction. Picked up the last weapon on the table and fired 1 round at 25 yds. Did not fire a second as I could not find the front sight. The the guys in the next lanes started yelling at me to not fire. They saw the barrel go down range about 5 yds. I sheared off right in front of the yoak. The institution sent all the weapons (about 60) back to S&W for inspection and repair if necessary. Smith did replace the barrel for no cost.
These weapons were about 5 yrs old at the time. With probably several thousand rounds through them.
FCSO117

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