Let me start by saying, I love this little gun.
It handles the .357 very well, and even though I have only put about fifty hot ones through it I am very competent.
I understood from the start that it would not be a gun I could put tens of thousands of .357 through and expect it to last, but with less then 100 .357's through the gun I took it out today after opening a box of Armscor .357 125 gr for Christmas.
After the first cylinder I noticed a pronounced chip in the right side of the frame right under the barrel.
I stopped shooting and here I am.
Hopefully this won't make my holidays more of a headache but I wanted to see any recommendations you guys could make before getting a hold of customer service.
I'm thinking it might be a little more then a cosmetic issue.

Attached Images

	frame.jpg (81.5 KB, 244 views)
	frame 2.jpg (47.2 KB, 239 views)

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27-2, 66-1, 640 Pro, 10-5

I should also add that there is no damage to the barrel or noticeable cracks, it is simply like something took a bite out of the frame.
No brass was deformed either.

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27-2, 66-1, 640 Pro, 10-5

I'm not trying to be a wise ***** or anything, but was it like that when you got it? If not, I would contact S&W about returning it to be looked at. The timing may be off causing some fragmentation of the bullet before it goes through the forcing cone and through barrel. If that's the case it may happen again making it even worse.

I'm not a gunsmith or revolver expert by any means, but it doesn't take a expert to realize that something is wrong here. I'm sure someone better qualified than me can give you a better option or even have a remedy that will help you with this.

Good luck and keep us posted on the outcome. I'm interested in how this ends for you.

No offense taken, had it been this way when I got it I wouldn't have shot the gun. It has been shot before this outing, with a couple hundred 38's and no problem.
It was on layaway beforehand so I had a good amount of time to drool over it.
I have seen enough exploded from reloads that even with factory ammunition I am overly cautious and check my guns constantly for topstrap and frame damage.
One of my other's is a 66 so I am used to checking for damage from magnum usage.
I emailed S&W with the same pictures.
I am not the original owner, does anyone know if there will be a fee or how much it would cost if so?
Apparently they are shutdown til Jan 1st so I will have to wait to hear back.

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27-2, 66-1, 640 Pro, 10-5

Smith needs to see that! I also own a 640 Pro and shoot the occasional 357 rated round. But I shoot Buffalo Bore 38+P 158grains with a LSWCHPGC for defensive purposes and load a LSWC in a Magnum case to duplicate the BB load and so far no problems. Excuse me I need to make a trip to the gun safe!

I am going to send pics to them when they open up shop again on the first.

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27-2, 66-1, 640 Pro, 10-5

Well it got sent off yesterday, S&W provided a paid 2-day air shipping label.
Hopefully the turn around time will be quick.
I'll provide more info when I get it.

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27-2, 66-1, 640 Pro, 10-5

We'll all be waiting to hear your results....keep us posted.

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet

Thanks, I'll be sure to let you know.

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27-2, 66-1, 640 Pro, 10-5