Not all that common, but it does happen. The alloy frame cannot (will not) be repaired. Most of the ones I've heard about here on the forum have been replaced with a similar frame if one is available....and if the damage was shown to be caused by a defect in material, and not neglegence or modification by the owner.

I'm not a welder, so I have no idea why the frame cannot be repaired. I'm assuming it's because the repair would cost more than a new frame.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer