I've heard alternate stories on this from individuals.. I'd like to know before I jump through some hoops shipping a gun to S&W. Calling them, they apparently don't have records on recalls.

Is there some mark made on the frame of a 624 to indicate that it was inspected for the cylinder recall? THis is the recall that if you fail the test on they DESTROY the gun, and send you some 629 new model gun. I have a very nice example of the 624, and am hesitant to send it to them, as I don't want a 629.

Besides, I'd like to think it already passed the test - it has some letter from S&W indicating they repaired a trigger and did some form of inspection work. The letter was post recall.

I had the same question once, when I first got on this most helpful forum.

At that time, a member here posted the following. I emailed per his instructions, and Ms. Fredette got back to me within 24 hours to tell me that my 624 Lew Horton was NOT on the recall list -- whew!

MANY thanks to the member who posted this all those years ago:

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.

Well, I do already know that the gun I have is in the middle of the recall numbers. And I know about the stamp on the box.. but the box to this gun is long gone. If life were only so easy...

And I did call S&W, but they couldn't find any records.

The service and "inspection" that was done on the gun was done right in the middle of the recall. The letter from S&W that says it was inspected and passed. But it doesn't say for what.

I have no desire to send them the gun, if it does need testing, as I do not want a 629. I don't want to gamble with this, as I don't think a 629 is equal value.

It sucks that they didn't do the right thing, and make more cylinders to take care of the recall. I can't imagine I am the only one who wouldn't trade a .44 special for a heavier .44 magnum.

Mine was smack in the middle of the recall #'s and I bought it W/O the box, so an email to Kate and she was able to tell me that it shipped AFTER they caught the issue and mine was inspected/repaired before shipment.

Give her a call or an email.

As I said I did call them. They found no records.

They asked for a name and address to send a shipping label to, in order to return the gun to them for either affirmation it is okay, or destruction and offering of some new model 629.

I declined.

Mike,

I sent in a 3" 624 a while ago to be checked for the same problem. It was returned with a letter that said that it was inspected and passed. It also doesn't say what it was inspected for.

Did you notice if there is an F stamped on the rear of your cylinder? There is on mine.. and I saw this thread at the Firing Line Forums.

I've also seen it referenced in auctions from guns that have the C on the box.

I also found this thread on this forum, in which the F stamped on the cylinder face was debunked. However, my work order has two different line items.

First one is

REPAIRED: INSPECTED/TESTED & PASSED

The second line was about the cylinder hand., which was replaced.

It's hard to believe they didn't do it. Their record keeping just sucks!

Over the years I've contacted S&W for 3 624's and was given an OK, additionally I've got another 624 w/box, "red circle c" is so faded I can question if it's really there (it is) or just my imagination and wishful thinking.
Anyway, since I've belonged to the Forum I see this issue discussed from time to time yet don't ever recall anyone having a gun fail the test. Does anyone know for certain of a gun failing the TEST?
Almost like we're dealing w/an urban myth here except S&W does validate it.
Tks, Kevin

It's pretty disappointing, any way you slice it. I wish I could just send them the cylinder.

Who makes replacement cylinders? I know somebody out there makes 5 shot cylinders for Ruger, surely they can make a S&W 44 special cylinder. Unfluted, so future generations would know it has no relationship to the recall.

I wouldn't send in your 624. If the cylinder is defective you likely will never see your gun again. Contact Kate Fredette at the factory. If it were my gun, I'd find a 629 cylinder, trim the rear of the bbl. and end up with a mountain gun. I can't see why this would be a problem.

I understand your concern. I have a 624, don't know it's history, and it is in the recall range. I also do not want to risk losing one of my favorite revolvers so I just shoot reasonable loads and trust to luck. From what I can gather very few have failed the test and I haven't heard of any failing while in use.

Woooooooooot!

This is a great day.. FINALLY.

I called, and this time got Joe, who explained to me they can't guarantee anything about the guns passing/failing, or about what would be offered if it fails. He then requested the serial number... and I didn't give the work order this time.

He came back after awhile and said, is this Ken _____? I lied. Sorry to say I did lie, and said, "Yes." I was desperate. He then told me, "Your gun was already inspected, and it passed, you have nothing to worry about. You don't need to send it in again, unless you are having some other problem."

YES!

I am very happy as this is a holy-grail gun, it is so perfectly balanced, such an easy pointer, love the target hammer and trigger, even the stock target grips feel great, and the light weight.. it's just so good.

I think if I were in this situation, I'd check with folks like Bowen for ideas about some sort of replacement cylinder.

__________________
NHI, 10-8.

keep the letter with the gun, it is obvious what they meant and intended, but the next guy may go through the same fret and worry, sadly so few folks keep and save the boxes the gun came in, so they can keep any and all the "info/data, etc in the box , with the gun, for future generations........too many wives tales and horror stories follow any and all the recalls for ANY given gun maker, look at Ruger,folks are afraid to send their "old models" in, cause folks say the factory will keep and NOT return the old lock work,,,geesh,,,,,,,,,,,,,have NOT seen this YET!!!

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dan
NRA Benefactor,PMA

Glad you got it worked out. I shot my 4" 624 last weekend for the first time and was amazed at the accuracy with my reloads. I wasn't and don't think I have shot my 6" 27-2 as well.

I'd be interested to know what loads you were using. I am going to dial down my 44 mag dies for 44 special tonight.. I plan on shooting this beauty tomorrow.

I am so glad I don't need to risk this gun being destroyed by S&W, or blowing to pieces in my hands.

Excellent news -- congrats and enjoy that fine revolver.

I also made an inquiry of kate fredette, and she told me by email today that off all the 624s sent in for inspection, all passed but one, which was replaced. Purty good odds, I'd say.

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Keith

Smith and Wesson didn't mark the guns; they marked the box. The marking is a red "C" and it was made with ink that faded pretty easily. This is what it looks like:



That's the box from my 4" 624. I was very happy to see that marking as the 4" balances beautifully.

I am looking at one right now that I might make an offer on. The SN is: AHB02XX. Now, I see that AHXXXX is on the list, but not AHBXXXX. Does that mean this gun is OK?

Letter prefixes from this era are three letters long. So the gun you are looking at does fall into the AHXXXXX range that is subject to recall.

There is a missing X on most of the serial ranges in the above quoted email, but not in the quoted article.

I would think that they could replace a cylinder and barrel with a new caliber, like .45 Colt, on N frame if they had to replace the cylinder. I don't know what I would have asked if mine had not passed inspection.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Thanks for the research. I'll pass on the deal.