well sadly these frames are just not able to be saved....this is the main reason why have always been a little leery of them..but Dad has carried one for 23 years and has shot his a lot and never had any issues...i think when some people over due it with hot ammo or abuse them they might have a issue...but with such little issue i have heard of it for many years...i think Smith just takes care of those with any issue....Thank God we have not had lots of issues like other manufacturers do...God Bless,John