I purchased a 640-1 357 Magnum from a forum member in late September. In the past I have had mixed results purchasing firearms from photos online. About 8-9 years ago I purchased a 6" 629 that was supposed to be in good condition from a forum member. When it arrived it had a loose yoke and cylinder end shake. I paid what as then top dollar, 500 bucks.
Some bearings and a hammer to the yoke button brought it into reasonable shape. And as the market has went bonkers over no dash 629s, I probably made out okay.
This time I found this revolver was only 150 miles away.We agreed on a ftf.
The gun was just as promised ( I thought ) very tight and apparently not shot a lot. We both left happy.
It took me a few days of fondling my new prize before I noticed a very, very faint line in the frame yoke cutout. I took a small piece of 800 grit sandpaper to this blemish and a full fledged crack appeared.
I was stunned, how could I have missed a crack in the most common place a crack would appear. I kicked myself for two days.
I decided I would call Smith and Wesson, after all what that did I have to lose.
The customer service rep listen to my explanation of what was wrong with the weapon and sent me a return tag . He never asked me if I was the original owner of the revolver . About two weeks later I got an email from Smith & Wesson customer service telling me that I need to give them the contact info of a FFL dealer in my area.
I immediately called Smith & Wesson and talk to the customer service rep who informed me that it was indeed a crack and they were going to replace the frame. Hallelujah.
It took about 6 weeks before I received the weapon back. I was apprehensive because the one I sent in was a no lock version. Lo and behold when I open the box it was just like a new gun, no lock.
I believe they used my original cylinder and grips, but other than that it looks like a brand-new weapon.
I can't say enough about Smith & Wesson warranty and customer service. I wasn't the original owner, so I really wasn't eligible for this warranty service but they replaced the gun anyway .
I have also decided I prefer to believe that the forum member I purchased this gun from was not aware of the frame damage.

Wow. I love to read a happy story. Glad to hear S&W took good care of you!

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-Greg

That's an example of outstanding service. Glad they took care of you.

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Corey
SCPO, USCG Retired

Since it's a Centennial, and a J-magnum, the no-lock frame is still in current production.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

That turned out well -- S&W can't always replace a gun exactly the same way it was, I've read -- but they are clearly disposed to do the right thing by their customers. This is one of the reasons I tend to buy S&W over other makes, and have the following models: 10-10, 65-5, SD9, 3913, 3953, 915, 60, 642, and 442. Only the 65-5 has been back to the factory on Roosevelt Avenue, in that case for "cylinder cramps," at no cost to me. I didn't understand the problem then but could fix it in 5 minutes now.

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S&W Rover

Hey, that is great. Now, where are the pics?

After getting my 640-1 back from the mother ship I did a range trip. Not bad accuracy for a 2" stubby. It shot about 1 1/2" left and about 3/4" low ( or I did ) at 15' off hand
I have been waiting on a Apex J-Frame Duty/Carry spring kit. It arrived today. Before I installed the kit trigger pull was off my gauge in excess of 11 lbs. After a install that included polishing the studs, rebound slide and frame surfaces the trigger measures 9 1/2 lbs and as smooth as soft butter.
I have a feeling the accuracy may be a little better next trip to the range.

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Way cool move by S&W! I have had similar experiences with other gun makers notably Springfield Armory fixed (for free) an XDm .40 I bought at a discounted price because it had issues. They didn't even want to hear that I wasn't the original owner. I figured I would get good service but not that good. In just a short time I had a perfectly functioning pistol for $200 under the going rate. I still carry that pistol in my truck. It's a bit much for CCW but I've been known to do that too.

There are good gun companies out there. There are certainly some bad ones too but a person can stick with the good ones and do well.

Every once in a while it's nice to come out smelling like a rose.

Great story.

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IN GOD WE TRUST     ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

I had to send in an old model 37 that had developed a crack in the frame under the barrel. It was purchased from a police department when they went to semiautos. They replaced it with a 637. That is outstanding service IMO.