Hello, I'm new to the forum and have a question for knowledgable people. I bought a Model 624 at auction from a private collection, no box, no papers. It is in really good shape, no scratches or nicks on the finish or grip. It appears to be very lightly used, if at all. My question is concerning the factory recall on the cylinder. My serial number is in the range of affected units AHBXXXX. I could contact S&W, send it in and risk losing the gun. I could not worry about it and risk a cylinder failure. (Has anyone heard of that happening with this model?) Or I could just hide it in the back of my closet and hope that it's worth something someday. What would you do?

I have a number of older blued S&W 44 HE's. Two years ago I was interested in purchasing a S&W624. I called S&W to find out if that specific gun was involved in the recall.

First I'd call customer service and ask if has been in for the recall. There's no point if fretting over a problem you may not have.

Welcome to the forum
Gil

Agree to call or e-mail. I was quickly informed that mine was not affected. If it is it is probably always a safe queen and without box or papers it would suffer.

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Front sight and squeeze

I had to make the same decision a few weeks ago. Mine no longer had the box with it, and I was told by S&W that it hadn't previously been back to be checked. So, after thinking on it for a few weeks I sent mine in. Judging from what I read here and talking to a couple people who have had them checked in the past, it seems like the odds are in my favor that it will be returned. Course I'll have to admit, the odds have worked against me before.

The bottom line for me was that I already have a 696 for light 44 specials, and the reason I wanted the 624 was to shoot heavier loads. Not trying to turn it into a magnum, just something a little more capable for woods carry. I decided that if it wasn't up to that, then it wasn't for me.

This has come up in the past. There was a post with affected 624's with S/N listed. Darn if I can find it. Maybe a kind person could point us in the right direction. :-)

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JIM
NRA Pistol Instr

Here is the original text from the post to which cochise refers:

624/629 Cylinder Recall

The Skeeter Skelton article in the October 1985 issue of Shooting Times magazine stated: "A steel supplier has just advised Smith & Wesson that they shipped a very small quantity of incorrect stainless steel material (11 bars) to us that was not in accordance with their certifications. The incorrect material was used in the cylinders for some large-frame stainless-steel revolvers, Model Numbers 624 (.44 Special) and 629 (.44 Magnum). The approximately 500 units containing this material were shipped from Smith & Wesson between January 1, 1985 and June 8, 1985. They would be included in the following ranges of serial numbers: ADXXXXX, AEXXXXX, AFXXXXX, AGXXXXX, AHXXXXX, ALVXXXX, N910000 thru N953000."

Skeeter goes on to say that the bad cylinder steel caused the recall of about 21,000 guns to find 500 with improper steel.

Today, Kate Fredette of Smith & Wesson basically confirmed this same info. The serial number range includes:

ADXXXX
AEXXXX
AFXXXX
AGXXXX
AHXXXX
ALVXXX (the “V” is not a typo)
N910000 thru N953000

Recalled guns were shipped between Jan 1, 1985 and June 8, 1985 only. The cylinder has to be checked on these handguns and the only way to know is by checking the full serial number against their records. The problem involves 500 guns shipped during that period.

If a handgun in the recalled range has already been returned to the factory for testing, a red letter “C” that is circled will be stamped on the box label, indicating that the gun passed re-inspection. No marks are made on the cylinder of checked guns, only the red “C” in the circle stamped on the box label.

If your gun is within this range and you do not have a box or know for certain that it has been tested, you should contact Smith & Wesson. S&W’s records prior to 1986 are not computerized, so it takes them a little longer to look up the particulars.

You can E-mail your gun’s serial number to: [email protected]. S&W will contact you regarding the status of your particular gun. If your gun is included in the recall, you'll be sent a prepaid FedEx label and shipping instructions. While E-mail is best, you may also call S&W Customer Support at 1-800-331-0852.

Recalled cylinders are tested by magnafluxing. If your recalled gun does fail, there are no replacement cylinders. S&W will keep your gun and you will be offered the choice of another handgun of equal value or a refund. However, only one gun has failed the test so far … apparently the one sent in by our own dogdoc from Alabama. He says he was offered a 629 as a replacement.

I hope this clears the recall questions up once and for all.

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I can't recall who originally posted it -- but thanks!

Well, I feel a little better about this. I'll contact S&W and check on it. I hope that it is not affected by the recall, it is a really nice gun. I guess if the worst that can happen is getting a replacement then it's worth the peace of mind.

Thanks for the input.

I have a 624 from the listed number ranges (AHBXXXX). I bought it used and the guy I got it from bought it used from someone else. I am not going to send it to Smith (to be confiscated) or call to check the numbers. If it hasn't failed in being fired by 3 owners I seriously doubt it if will fail while I continue to shoot normal pressure 44 Specials through it.

YMMV,
Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

If I owned one of the affected serial numbers, I would not return it to S&W. Instead I would obtain a SS cylinder in .41 Mag or .44 Mag along with the related barrel and just change the frame into a new handgun.

All of those "N" frames are the same regardless of caliber. ......... Big Cholla