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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 06-03-2011, 07:35 PM
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Default Airweight frame CRACK???

OMG

Someone please tell me this isn't what it looks like:





I stripped the clear cote off and this was hiding under it. I'm in shock right now. I'm not the original buyer of this gun. Am I hosed or is this a repair item?
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  #2  
Old 06-03-2011, 07:43 PM
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My friend...that appears fractured.
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Old 06-03-2011, 07:49 PM
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Looks cracked to me. If they go by the letter of the warranty, you're hosed. But, if the warranty card wasn't mailed in, you might just get lucky.
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Old 06-03-2011, 07:53 PM
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It is a crack alright. Hopefully S&W will stand behind their product.
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Old 06-03-2011, 07:58 PM
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With my old eyes and when I zoom in on it...it gets too fuzzy to tell, but it looks strange in that the line appears to run out to the end of the frame and take a 90-degree angle across the base of the barrel. Looks like a crack, but I wonder why it "takes a left" out on the barrel.

As far as your warranty goes. I think if you call Smith and ask them to run the number....they may not be able to find it in the database and tell who it belonged to originally. I think they will take your word for it if they can't prove otherwise and repair it under warranty. The warranty card is mostly used to gather personal information so people can send you junk mail. It's a hit-or-miss proposition as to whether-or-not they know who the original owner is. I trust you....I am SURE it was you.

I have two air lite's and neither of mine look like that, but then....I have not tried to strip the clear coat off either. Hopefully...Smith won't take issue with that, but it may be a good excuse if they choose to.
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Old 06-03-2011, 08:04 PM
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I sent them an email. We shall see. I understand they are under no obligation so I will resist the urge for a tantrum. But this is my first gun to ever go bad in a serious way. I am so bummed right now.
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Old 06-03-2011, 08:10 PM
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Unfortunately you are correct. I had a Mod 38 with a similar crack in the same location. The crack in my Smith was a little wider than yours. I sent mine back to S&W for evaluation. They confirmed the frame was cracked and returned the grips. Several weeks later they replaced it with a new 638. If your revolver is still under warranty they will do the same for you. If it is not under warranty they will not return your cracked frame revolver- just the grips.

No mention was ever made of warranty cards. The manufacture date is the determining factor. If it was made after their commitment to replace or repair defective products you're good. I THINK that was around 1992 but I'm not positive. Good Luck!!!

Last edited by longrangedog; 06-03-2011 at 08:15 PM.
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Old 06-03-2011, 08:16 PM
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Don't be too bummed yet dude. I am telling you what I was told by a rep. If they cannot find the serial number in the database and "prove" it was purchased by John Doe....they will take your word for it. Just don't get on their case....be nice....and if all else fails, just be honest with them. I would be betting they will take care of it, but the stripping of the coating would bother me a bit. Their database is not all that correct and updated. I had the numbers ran on my Smiths and they had NOTHING in the database under the serial numbers and told me they would take my word for it that I was the original purchaser.

PS: I believe the lifetime warranty to the original purchaser was placed in effect on guns made after 1989.

Last edited by snubbiefan; 06-03-2011 at 08:19 PM.
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Old 06-03-2011, 08:23 PM
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Serial is cjd8567. No way is it as old as '89. The only reason I stripped the frame is the clear coat was coming off all over it. It had spots where it looked like tiny snail trails were eating through it. I had wanted to take it and have it either Duracoated or maybe Ceracoated. I had even thought about Brownell's Alumahide. Not thinking of those options any more.
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Old 06-03-2011, 08:41 PM
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I will not mention this particular "other company" by name, nor do I intend for this to be meant as any sort of racial, or ethnic slur. But, when I have had to call this "other company" there is a definite accent in the voice and I have a hard time speaking with and understanding some of these people at this "other company".

EVERY TIME I have ever contacted Smith...I have always been able to communicate in plain English and they have always acted like they were not doing me a big favor by taking my call, could answer my question without putting me on hold to go ask somebody who may know the answer, were very willing to help me, and did so in a very professional manner. Be nice to them and they will be very nice to you.
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Old 06-03-2011, 09:20 PM
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If I do send it to them does it need the ILS put back in???
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  #12  
Old 06-03-2011, 11:41 PM
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My 38-2 cracked - S&W said that the barrel had been improperly screwed in and replaced the gun. No muss, no fuss.

I have no idea what they'd want you to do with the lock - I personally wouldn't bother to reinstall it, as the frame is now junk anyway.
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  #13  
Old 06-04-2011, 03:37 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by snubbiefan View Post
I will not mention this particular "other company" by name, nor do I intend for this to be meant as any sort of racial, or ethnic slur. But, when I have had to call this "other company" there is a definite accent in the voice and I have a hard time speaking with and understanding some of these people at this "other company".
Accents are sexy. Not everyone is lucky enough to be born in America. I bet most of the crooks on Wall St speak perfect English; accent means nothing. Seeing you live in the great state of Mississippi,you might just have an accent that some people in other states might have a little trouble understanding at times.

S&W overtorqued the barrels on a large number of the 625-10 PC snub noses and cracked the frame. Sounds like this happens on occasion with the scandium frames.
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Old 06-04-2011, 05:58 AM
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Funny in the first pic the crack takes a turn and it you follow it, it appears to run out away from the frame, almost like it was a real thin thread sticking out.
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Old 06-04-2011, 06:19 AM
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I would install the lock before I sent it home.
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Old 06-04-2011, 06:50 AM
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I would bet that removing the IL (and returning the pistol without the IL) invalidates any type of warranty you might be entitled to.
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Old 06-04-2011, 10:08 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by snubbiefan View Post
I would install the lock before I sent it home.

This.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mc5aw View Post
I would bet that removing the IL (and returning the pistol without the IL) invalidates any type of warranty you might be entitled to.
And this.





Disclaimer: I have no experience with returning guns to S&W, however both these statements seem to be good tips that may help you reach a solid resolution. Good luck.
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Old 06-04-2011, 10:18 AM
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Great advice, definitely return the gun in it's original condition ie. ILS installed. I've had excellent service from S&W and I'm confident that if anything can be done, they will do their best to solve your problem. Good luck
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Old 06-04-2011, 10:20 AM
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Here's the deal. I sent a 360 back to Smith with the same issue. I ordered it in new for myself (I'm an FFL), removed the lock (replaced with "the plug"), exchanged springs, action job, etc. Around 100-120 rounds into shooting (.38 specials only), I noticed a crack appearing which was very easy to spot on my black finish. I contacted Smith and Wessson and they sent me a return label. The gun went back to them and a week later, they sent me a new gun. The problem was action job, springs, and "the plug" went out the window. They didn't care that I did those things to it and it did NOT invalidate the warranty-as many folks claim. They simply will not return those items to you. So, here is the kicker. You will have to provide them with a copy of a local dealer's FFL. The replacement gun must ship to a dealer due to it having a new serial number. In terms of you being the second owner, I don't see that as being an issue. In all of our dealings with S&W and guns sent back over the years, they have never once asked about original receipt, ownership, etc. Good luck with the repair!
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Old 06-04-2011, 10:24 AM
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On a follow-up note.... Smith knows that airweights are difficult to work with when it comes to the barrel and installing it. Interestingly enough, I had a customer who's new airweight began to shed the finish around month six of ownership. It wasn't holster wear as the finish was actually flaking off. We contacted Smith and they said, "too bad." They will not refinish nor do they warranty finish on their airweights because the barrel cannot be disassembled and reassembled on an airweight frame without cracking the frame. Kind of interesting.....
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Old 06-04-2011, 11:10 AM
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S&W took care of mine (not original purchaser) free of charge and paid the shipping both ways. So don't worry they are customer 1. Call them and tell them you are not the original purchaser, and that you have discovered the dreaded crack (most are in the same place), and they will take care of you, like they did for me. Be honest.
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Old 06-04-2011, 11:22 AM
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To me, it would be a blessing, I'd tell them to exchange that gun for a no-lock 442 or 642. Unless of course, if you want a hammer on a J frame.

Last edited by ladder13; 06-04-2011 at 11:30 AM.
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Old 06-05-2011, 06:46 PM
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I found a similar crack on a still-NIB 442 that I purchased from the previous owner. When I contacted S&W about it, they never asked whether I was the original owner--they simply gave me instructions to return it for a free replacement. They even paid shipping both ways. My only cost was a transfer fee from my local FFL, because the replacement had a different serial number and therefore had to be transferred through a dealer.
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Old 06-05-2011, 06:49 PM
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Hmph. I don't believe that's the case under federal law, anyhow, and it's not how they replaced mine: they sent me the new gun (new SN) directly to me.
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Old 06-05-2011, 08:07 PM
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Quote:
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Hmph. I don't believe that's the case under federal law, anyhow, and it's not how they replaced mine: they sent me the new gun (new SN) directly to me.
C*** sent a replacement to me directly, not even the same model, in 1987 or 1988, and I doubt that the law has changed since then.
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Old 06-05-2011, 08:12 PM
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Quote:
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Hmph. I don't believe that's the case under federal law, anyhow, and it's not how they replaced mine: they sent me the new gun (new SN) directly to me.
Both Colt and Sig sent me new replacement guns directly, both had new serial numbers.
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Old 06-05-2011, 10:37 PM
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Had the same thing on mine I bought from a friend. Sent it to Smith and they sent me a new on N/C
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Old 06-06-2011, 05:51 PM
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Since I'm on pins and needles over this... What was the response time from initial contact? I sent the email last Friday night. I know it's unrealistic to think I would have a reply this morning but should I wait what? A week? Two? When should i follow up with a phone call? Or should I? I'm a wreck over this. It would be different if I was monkeying around with red hot reloads or something stupid that was my fault. And it bugs me that I couldn't see this since the coating hid it. Not cool.
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Old 06-06-2011, 06:06 PM
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I would just call them. You may mention you sent an e-mail, but I called them today to send a revolver back due to a re-call and they e-mailed me the shipping label. Call them....somebody will answer once you work through the menu...I think 7 is the choice you need to make.
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Old 06-06-2011, 06:10 PM
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That is what I thought. I will call them tomorrow when it is more business friendly hours. I just wasn't sure if I would seem pushy trying to call so soon after I sent the email. I should have just waited and called in the first place. Thank you.
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Old 06-06-2011, 09:55 PM
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IIRC, when I had my issue, S&W customer service talked to me right when I called them - I got an email address from the customer service guy and emailed him the pix. He then got me a return label right away - I had the new gun in hand within a fortnight.





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Old 06-06-2011, 11:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twogunjay View Post
On a follow-up note.... Smith knows that airweights are difficult to work with when it comes to the barrel and installing it. Interestingly enough, I had a customer who's new airweight began to shed the finish around month six of ownership. It wasn't holster wear as the finish was actually flaking off. We contacted Smith and they said, "too bad." They will not refinish nor do they warranty finish on their airweights because the barrel cannot be disassembled and reassembled on an airweight frame without cracking the frame. Kind of interesting.....
This isn't true. My 442 has had two different barrels installed on it by the factory and the frame hasn't cracked at all.
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Old 06-07-2011, 01:50 AM
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I had a 442-2 no lock (one of the first ones that were still marked -2, later ones are marked -1 now) that was sent back to the factory for some warranty repair. I asked them if they could smooth out some rough edges on the end of the barrel near the crown from where it took a fall once. They replaced the barrel instead of polishing the marks out. Same frame came back to me because the scratches it also had from the fall were still there. Its fine, no cracks.
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Old 06-07-2011, 09:34 AM
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Interesting info regarding the barrel replacements. Last I heard, S&W was not very receptive to the idea of changing barrels on the Airweights. When were these barrel changes done?
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Old 06-07-2011, 12:20 PM
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Just this past month for the second one, and then maybe a year or two ago for the first one after I first bought the revolver. The first time I sent the gun back because the barrel crown was pretty ugly, and they just replaced the barrel instead of recrowning it. The second time, they replaced the barrel without me asking them to, after it was sent in for endshake repair.
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Old 06-07-2011, 01:09 PM
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As an update, they just emailed me a Fed-Ex prepaid label. This is the first step in feeling better so far. I hope it keeps going. Should I mail it with the stock on it or take them off? I had put it all back to stock configuration with the Uncle Mikes on it. I have to admit that if they fix me up on this I may just have to go buy a new 442 as my way of saying thank you to them.
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Old 06-07-2011, 01:16 PM
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I'll wager you don't strip the Clear Cote off the next one
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Old 06-07-2011, 02:01 PM
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Quote:
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Interesting info regarding the barrel replacements. Last I heard, S&W was not very receptive to the idea of changing barrels on the Airweights. When were these barrel changes done?
My 442 was rebarreled late last year.
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Old 06-07-2011, 07:00 PM
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I'll wager you don't strip the Clear Cote off the next one
Are you trying to say that ignorance is the bliss that holds together Airweights???
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Old 06-07-2011, 07:34 PM
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I looked at all mine REAL close. I did not see any cracks and and I sure as he!! am not touching the clear-coat.
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Old 06-10-2011, 11:50 AM
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Well, she is finally away. Now the hardest part: The Wait...
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Old 06-22-2011, 05:39 PM
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Have you received any word from Smith & Wesson? I'm very interested in the outcome. Thank you sir.

Kenny
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  #43  
Old 06-22-2011, 05:44 PM
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Maximumbob54 Maximumbob54 is offline
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Airweight frame CRACK??? Airweight frame CRACK??? Airweight frame CRACK??? Airweight frame CRACK??? Airweight frame CRACK???  
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Just a form letter post marked 16th of June stating they have received it and it usually takes two to three weeks for most turn around times.
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  #44  
Old 06-22-2011, 06:48 PM
FTG-05 FTG-05 is offline
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Originally Posted by Maximumbob54 View Post
Since I'm on pins and needles over this... What was the response time from initial contact? I sent the email last Friday night. I know it's unrealistic to think I would have a reply this morning but should I wait what? A week? Two? When should i follow up with a phone call? Or should I? I'm a wreck over this. It would be different if I was monkeying around with red hot reloads or something stupid that was my fault. And it bugs me that I couldn't see this since the coating hid it. Not cool.
Found a crack on my 329PD on Sat. June 10, e-mailed them, got the shipping label e-mail the following Tuesday, shipped it Wed. arrived Friday, June 17. Today, Wed. June 22, it's on it's way back.

- 2nd Owner - I was upfront and told them

- IL out and a little bag with IL parts went with the gun - I don't care if they put them back in or not.

They told me that new frame = new S/N = goes back via FFL. I didn't argue; I could care less if it's the law or not, my FFL does the transfers for free.

My bet: you're gonna get a new frame. Don't send anything back with it that you don't want to lose; i.e. grips, special box, etc.

Good luck.
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  #45  
Old 06-22-2011, 08:48 PM
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Quote:
They told me that new frame = new S/N = goes back via FFL.
Interesting.
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  #46  
Old 06-22-2011, 10:54 PM
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Interesting.
Indeed. Certainly not the law as both Sig and Colt have sent replacement guns with new serial numbers directly to my house.
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Old 06-25-2011, 12:25 PM
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My 642 cracked in the same place as yours. They took came of me by replacing the revolver. Hope it works out for you too.
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  #48  
Old 06-25-2011, 03:14 PM
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I own a couple of J airweights curious as to what is occurring with this weapon.
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  #49  
Old 06-25-2011, 05:17 PM
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I own a couple of J airweights curious as to what is occurring with this weapon.
Conventional wisdom says the factory overtorqued the barrels when they installed them. The "line" could be so fine it was difficult to notice at first. After a few boxes of ammo the cracks became more pronounced. Or, when the owner cleaned the gun he became more visually aware.
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Old 06-26-2011, 07:11 AM
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Originally Posted by FTG-05 View Post
Found a crack on my 329PD on Sat. June 10, e-mailed them, got the shipping label e-mail the following Tuesday, shipped it Wed. arrived Friday, June 17. Today, Wed. June 22, it's on it's way back.

- 2nd Owner - I was upfront and told them

- IL out and a little bag with IL parts went with the gun - I don't care if they put them back in or not.

They told me that new frame = new S/N = goes back via FFL. I didn't argue; I could care less if it's the law or not, my FFL does the transfers for free.

My bet: you're gonna get a new frame. Don't send anything back with it that you don't want to lose; i.e. grips, special box, etc.

Good luck.
All of this is slowly coming true. Late in the afternoon/early evening on Friday the 24th I got my phone call for the return information. It did get a new frame and new S/N. I assume it's a Florida law issue that new S/N means new gun, so off to find an FFL that doesn't try to rip me off in Xfer fee's. I'm curious to see if they salvage parts or if it is just a new gun. I have to say that I'm a bit shocked they are doing this for a second owner. It goes to show what a good company they can be. So while I wish I didn't have to pay some red tape fee's, overall I'm pretty happy with the whole ordeal. And of course pics the day I pick her up...
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