Good Afternoon:
My Model 642 arrived this P.M. via Fed-X to my FFL.
Form 4473 plus $30.00 and I have it.
New frame was installed by the factory.
I was unable to find what caused the black rash on the original frame. I spoke with three different S&W Reps and received basically the same reply, "We are installing a new frame and it will be a new revolver".
This is the second "J" frame in two years that has developed the black rash. I am beginning to think that there is a run of frames that has defected finishes and the factory is keeping mute about.

Hi Jimmy
Thanks for the follow-up report. Appears they are doing the right thing.
Must be irritating to have a batch go wrong.
How does the new one look?

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If you would have shipped the revolver directly to Smith and Wesson on their dime (calling their 1-800 service number) you would not have to pay the 30 bucks or fill out the 4473. I would also have some reservations about a dealer charging a customer for a revolver replacement.

Smith and Wesson service is great, and I have used it a few times these last couple of years. For all of those out there reading, if you have a problem with your Smith and Wesson firearm contact Smith directly. Smith will email you a shipping label (so you do not have to pay shipping) and you just box it up and drop it off at the parcel carrier. If the frame is replaced (which means a new firearm) no transfer is needed as manufacturers are allowed to do this. This would cost the customer zero dollars compared to the 30 bucks the OP will have to part with.

When did you send it in? The turn around time must have been fairly quick because I recall reading your original post not too long ago. Does the replacement frame have the same configuration as the gun you sent in? (IL)

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The way it worked when I had a frame replacement done was similar, but seeing as I'm local, the Shooting Sports Center took care of the FFL transfer for free. Far as Smith is concerned, new frame = new serial = new gun, and they don't mess around with skirting laws.

Good Morning:
The Model 642 appears great.
The return to a FFL is S&W policy.
The FFL paper work is the same as a purchase.
The time lapse is from the telephone call to S&W Customer Service on 11/17/2010 to 12/15/2010 when the FFL received it.
The new Model 642 frame is the same as the old one which is negative IL.
Jimmy

It is not the policy of Smith and Wesson to only ship to an FFL. In your case, the revolver was shipped back to your FFL because it was shipped from your FFL. Note, Smith and Wesson is also an FFL holder.

There is no federal law prohibiting a manufacturer to ship a serialized firearm as a replacement to a customer directly. State laws may differ, for example here in PA Smith and Wesson could ship a new serial number replacement directly to me as an individual.

My point is the 30 dollar transfer, it is avoidable. If it is the policy of Smith and Wesson (which it is not unless required by TN law) I would have S&W pay the transfer fee. If you as an individual shipped the revolver yourself (no need for an FFL, call the number, get the shipping label emailed to you, box it up and send it off) you would not have to pay another 30 USD.

jimmy

glad to hear that your S&W J snub is back home for christmas. happy holidays.

glad S&W got it covered for you, I called S&W when the under barrel screw threads were stripped, the emailed me a UPS lable, I stuck it on a box with the 22A inside handed it to the Driver, and a week 1/2 later UPS handed my pistol back to me fixed...Love S&W C/S...

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BATF does say that you have to have a new 4473 if the serial number is different. S&W has been known to replace the frame with the same number and send it back to the purchaser.

I would certainly make my feelings known to the gun shop that is making money off the transfer, unless it is a different shop than where the revolver was originally purchased.

Good to hear you had a respectable turn-around with it.

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