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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 07-15-2017, 02:00 PM
MJFlores MJFlores is offline
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Default Had a thought in regards to buying NEW revolvers

Hi all, I had a thought while driving home last night, after looking at several new S&W revolvers. Lets face it, most of us despise the lock, the frame mounted firing pin, the MIM parts, and the ****** finishes of the newer generation revolvers. I'm the sort to basically drop into gun shops looking to find that lightly used, pristine S&W revolver from 1980 or older, pinned barrel, recessed cylinders, and blueing so deep you can get lost in....or stainless without a single swirl mark. However, the new revolvers are what we have and they're still nice guns. Sure, the blueing pretty much stinks and wipes off with gun cleaner (seriously?!?!), but they still feel nice and have decent triggers. I have one, a 629, which after gong back to S&W twice is now one of my favorite revolver. It's a gun that looks and feels great, and seems to fit me like a glove...and hots everything it's aimed at. So, if the shop..we can sift through canted sights, mis-aligned frame to barrels, and other blemishes however, you never know if it shoots to point of aim until you take the deep plunge and drop lots of money and take it home. This becomes the moment when you're thrilled to death, or get that sick feeling like you've been had. You'll possibly be entering a time period where you'll be sending your new revolver back several times hoping it'll fall into the hands of someone who knows how to screw a barrel onto a frame properly. So, with that said, I've found several nice new revolvers but didn't want to take the plunge because I dont have the time or energy to sink into chasing S&W to make a new revolver shoot to point of aim. What about bringing one of those laser cartridges taht you chamber and it shoots a laser down the barrel, and allows you to check it and compare to where the sights are aiming? I know these are primarily for sighting in but can they be used to verify that the sights are aiming where the barrel is pointing? I bought one yesterday, and tested it in 2 .357s I have that shoot to point of aim, and they did in fact put the laser right where the sights were looking. Is this a viable way of weeding through guns before getting burned? Has anyone used this method for verification?
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Old 07-15-2017, 02:18 PM
MikeLeitner MikeLeitner is offline
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Sounds like a good idea to me.
BUT - I prefer your original plan of buyin' the good ones.
I had one made after the turn of the millennium, but sold it.
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Old 07-15-2017, 02:31 PM
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I'm not looking for an argument but that is a really negative point of view regarding modern S&W revolvers. I believe you had a bad experience but while I have seen an occasional less than perfect gun at some gun shops, all my guns have been fine.
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Old 07-15-2017, 02:44 PM
Kenneth07ex Kenneth07ex is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ridgewalker View Post
I'm not looking for an argument but that is a really negative point of view regarding modern S&W revolvers. I believe you had a bad experience but while I have seen an occasional less than perfect gun at some gun shops, all my guns have been fine.
Sadly, that's not the case for an increasing amount of fellow enthusiasts. And it really isn't fair to them, to say that"all my guns have been fine". We realize that most people have had good results. But if you happen to have that"other" experience... Well you're going to expect some patience, and a helpful, sympathetic ear.

As to the op's suggestion. I think it has merit, but I don't know if it'd actually work. If I were in the market for a new piece, I'd try to find a place that has knowledgeable people. So we can get a couple sets of eyes and hands on the gun. Hopefully it'll be enough, if not, then back to Smith it goes.
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Old 07-15-2017, 03:33 PM
ridgewalker ridgewalker is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenneth07ex View Post
...We realize that most people have had good results. ...
Sadly that wasn't apparent from the Original Poster's post. If I was a newbie and read that, I might think that all S&W revolvers are junk. I just wanted to present my personal experience and assure those who might not have much experience that S&W revolvers are fine weapons. Sure there is an occasional lemon. Those are the ones people write about on the internet to vent. But the vast majority are good to go.

Edited to add pics of my 627 Pro which I bought new several years ago and I believe is as good as anything S&W has ever produced. Sure I wish there was no lock but the lawyers will never let that happen. The lock is only a problem if you make it a problem.
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  #6  
Old 07-15-2017, 04:07 PM
MJFlores MJFlores is offline
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I think more than "just a few" are lemons. S&W has a whole system for issuing return labels, and a team to work on them when they get back. Just a few are worthy of the price tag, the rest are junk with alignment and finish problems. I'm sick of sifting through junk.
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Old 07-15-2017, 04:25 PM
sdb321 sdb321 is offline
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Default NEW REVOLVERS

I bought two "new" ones earlier this year and couldn't be happier. No canted barrels and fit and finish is super. The 640 PRO had a long ratchet but my gunsmith took care of that free of charge. Smith and Wesson may not be as good as they use to be, but they are still top shelf in my opinion.
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Old 07-15-2017, 04:44 PM
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Default "USE A LASER TO"...

In a word, NO! You will still need to verify that the laser is correct with actual firing anyway. If it's a gun with adjustable sights, maybe a discrepancy could be corrected??? A lgs allowing you to put ANYTHING in the cylinder/chamber could be another issue. The sights are ONLY 1 thing to consider when buying new or used & either could be a **** shoot. Knowing what to look for and look out for, as well as an understanding of that particular model would be a better help IMO

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  #9  
Old 07-15-2017, 05:01 PM
BigBill BigBill is offline
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My brand new n frames are awesome leave the loc, mim revolvers for me I will buy them all up on sale for $699, heck I did. Besides the older ones too I can't lose either way. You didn't mention the nickel finishes which I prefer first. Stainless just doesn't tickle my fancy in s&w guns like the nickel and even the blued ones do. I like my RedHawks in stainless flavor.
I never reject a great buy or pass up a good price when it comes to s&w n frames.
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Old 07-15-2017, 05:05 PM
BigBill BigBill is offline
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The cons,,,,
If you hate or dislike the new s&w revolvers with the loc, poor finishes, mom parts why such negativity in your post why bother? Just buy a Taurus revolver, a charter arms, ect, and be happy with a lesser gun?
  #11  
Old 07-15-2017, 05:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigBill View Post
The cons,,,,
If you hate or dislike the new s&w revolvers with the loc, poor finishes, mom parts why such negativity in your post why bother? Just buy a Taurus revolver, a charter arms, ect, and be happy with a lesser gun?
Because he has seen the examples from the days of old when our S&W's were made with skill and pride. He wants that to be true of the new ones as well but it is not.
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Old 07-15-2017, 05:57 PM
Lee's Landing Billy Lee's Landing Billy is offline
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BigBill, I own those less expensive models too. They are pretty good tools on occasion.
I particularly like and own Pre82 S&Ws and Colts. Thankfully, I am past my years old dislike for the newer guns. While I do not and will not buy the newer guns, I can't get all worked up about folks who choose to spend their hard earned money any way they choose.
Taurus and Charter Arms have been on the cutting edge of development this past decade. I just wish they would charge just a little more and "finish" their development.
Charter Arms with the Boomer.
Taurus with the smallest 9mm and 38 special revolvers ever. 11 ounces loaded!
Lotsa good stuff on many levels. Thankfully, so far I have had NO problem finding and buying Pre 82 S&Ws.Spend your money and take your chances.
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Old 07-15-2017, 06:06 PM
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snubbyfan, more popcorn, please.
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Old 07-15-2017, 06:17 PM
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Default The MIM parts should make no difference.....

Like it or not the MIM parts should not make today's guns any worse coming off the shelf than a vintage gun in like new shape.

But yes, I have a problems with sloppy fitting parts that need repair or readjusting at the factory. If you get a good new gun off the shelf, chances are that it will stay good for a long time.

Even the IL shouldn't affect the performance and quality of a gun.

But too many have issues that only the factory can easily and reliably solve at no cost to you.

That canted barrel thing is the worst to me. A tiny indexing mark on the barrel and frame would make sense. Instead, a guy 'eyeballs' the thing with a wrench. It would be simpler for the user and the factory to have index marks but somehow that 'drives the cost up'.
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Old 07-15-2017, 06:59 PM
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snubbyfan, more popcorn, please.
I would like butter on mine...I'll buy!
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Old 07-15-2017, 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by MJFlores View Post
Lets face it, most of us despise the lock, the frame mounted firing pin, the MIM parts, and the ****** finishes of the newer generation revolvers.
Wow! That's a lot to "despise." I prefer frame mounted firing pins. And MIM parts have not been a problem for me -- I certainly don't despise them or the lock for that matter. And there are new features that I prefer over the old. Examples: The new detent lock-up on the 2.75" 66-8 (so we don't have to worry about the ejector rod backing out when the SHTF); the new two-piece barrels; the machining inside the guns (I have some guns from the seventies in which the insides look like they were milled out with a dull rock). Oh, and I prefer stainless to blued.

I suppose my point is "despise" is an awfully emotionally loaded word to apply to manufactured goods that by in large function as advertised (and when they don't they are covered by warranty).
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Old 07-15-2017, 07:54 PM
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Wow, a thread with both the IL and MIM parts?
This is gonna be fun!

I hope I brought enough to share.
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Old 07-15-2017, 08:19 PM
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New S&W revolvers are fine. I have plenty that perform very well. One I had to send back, but it was not a big deal. In fact, the problem withe the one I sent back - a loose crane - I also found in a 1978 production j-frame.

The Internet is great for a lot of things...but....if you believed everything you read on the Internet, you would think S&W revolvers are being assembled by opioid-addicted street urchins snatched from third-world countries.

And that ain't the case, my friends.

Learn how to check out a gun, buy it, and shoot the hell out of it. And don't fret if it has a nick on the back side of the MIM trigger that you can only see under a 30x microscope.
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Old 07-15-2017, 08:37 PM
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To answer the bore-sighter question again- No.
Denis
  #20  
Old 07-15-2017, 08:38 PM
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I bet 30 years from now people will be talking about how great the S&W revolvers made today were.
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Old 07-15-2017, 08:42 PM
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I have a 57-6, classic, I have had about 5 months. In my area, large frame Smith's are a challenge to find, and when you do, the price is ridiculous. I wanted a 41 Magnus, shooter, that is what I got, and I think well enough of it, that I put a pair of Culina grips on it, and did a wilson spring kit. It will out shoot me, any day. And as soon as I can get it put on my permit, a new 27 classic will be mine. If it shoots as good as my 57, it will hopefully get the same treatment with some culinas.
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Old 07-15-2017, 08:55 PM
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[QUOTE=snubbyfan;139668866]Wow, a thread with both the IL and MIM parts?
This is gonna be fun!


and, now, frame-mounted firing pins
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Old 07-15-2017, 09:01 PM
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I believe the mim parts allows us to wear them in. Using moly as a lube I probably get a better tighter fit in the end. My security six had the ruger rough trigger. To day it feels like a gun smith worked on it. I lubed it with moly.
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Old 07-15-2017, 09:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hammer 1 View Post
I have a 57-6, classic, I have had about 5 months. In my area, large frame Smith's are a challenge to find, and when you do, the price is ridiculous. I wanted a 41 Magnus, shooter, that is what I got, and I think well enough of it, that I put a pair of Culina grips on it, and did a wilson spring kit. It will out shoot me, any day. And as soon as I can get it put on my permit, a new 27 classic will be mine. If it shoots as good as my 57, it will hopefully get the same treatment with some culinas.

Food for thought,
I purchased a new m57 & m58 a week apart. Both had different feeling triggers. One was smooth while one was a tad rougher. I put some moly inside both of them, ran the actions and now they feel the same. I like my different revolvers to have close to the same trigger feel. This allows my had much easier time to adapting to each gun accuracy wise. The sear let off is very close.
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Old 07-15-2017, 09:10 PM
BigBill BigBill is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 357-RevolverGuy View Post
I bet 30 years from now people will be talking about how great the S&W revolvers made today were.
I'll tell you right now my new ones are good too. They just need to be used to wear in. If anyone is in a hurry to smooth them out try a lapping compound like the finer simi chrome polish. Then lube it with moly.
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Old 07-15-2017, 09:16 PM
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Being a industrial mechanic I look at my guns as tools, and treat them appropriately, keep them mostly clean and use them as much as I can. I don't expect them to last forever, they are mechanical and will break or wear out with use. I am a late in getting into the shooting thing at 59 yrs, so I have no experience with the older guns, mine are all less than 2 years old If I have one wear out then I will just have to go get another one. I don't use the IL and quite frankly they don't use me, I do keep a couple of the keys in the gun cases and range bag just in case, that's the journeyman in me.

A couple weeks ago I changed out the sight on my 460V and since I already had the compensater out of the revolver for cleaning and the bore sight out for checking the wife's laser sight on her SR22 I decided to check the 460V. I used the red dot to dial in the sight and darned if the thing didn't shoot where I wanted it to a couple days later at the range except for the 460's, I still have a tendency to close my eyes for them.
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Old 07-15-2017, 09:34 PM
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Quote:
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Food for thought,
I purchased a new m57 & m58 a week apart. Both had different feeling triggers. One was smooth while one was a tad rougher. I put some moly inside both of them, ran the actions and now they feel the same. I like my different revolvers to have close to the same trigger feel. This allows my had much easier time to adapting to each gun accuracy wise. The sear let off is very close.
I have the same opinion, I would like them to feel as close as possible, my 57 is close to my old 19-4 inthe feel of the trigger. I need to try the moly though, every little bit helps
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Old 07-15-2017, 10:14 PM
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Default I agree that MOST...

I agree the most issues should be detected in the store. And look at the actual gun they bring out of the back in the box. I operate the trigger enough w/o dry snapping the gun (which we know with S&W is no problem, but store owners might not feel that way. I've thought of taking snap caps with me.) If I buy a new gun online, any probs are taken care of at the factory. I hope they at least continue to have good repair and turn around in 30 years.
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Old 07-15-2017, 10:15 PM
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I'll tell you right now my new ones are good too. They just need to be used to wear in.
Agreed. My 686+ wasn't even an option offered 30 years ago. It's one of favorite revolvers. Mine was manufactured 2009 and the trigger has smoothed out nicely over time. The first year I had it the trigger had a heavy pull but I think they're all that way when new.

Also picked up another 7 shot revolver this year, the 351c, which again wasn't an option back then either. Newer Smith's are just as desirable as the old ones to me.
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Old 07-15-2017, 10:36 PM
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Originally Posted by MJFlores View Post
I think more than "just a few" are lemons. S&W has a whole system for issuing return labels, and a team to work on them when they get back. Just a few are worthy of the price tag, the rest are junk with alignment and finish problems. I'm sick of sifting through junk.
My recent (last ten years or so) experience has been different, although I prefer a plug to the lock, but I can sympathize with your attitude. Back in the early seventies, I had to search through a lot of gun stores to find a decent Model 63. I did eventually find one, but I sold it in the mid eighties for no good reason. I have since replaced it with 34s and a 43.

Actually, I think your idea is a good one, although I have to admit that when the 642 first came out, back when Centennials hadn't been made for a few years, I bought one with a known timing problem and had the dealer send it straight back to S&W. It came back OK, and I still have it, barring any tragic boating accidents.
  #31  
Old 07-15-2017, 11:55 PM
MJFlores MJFlores is offline
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The point to this post is, I like the new Smiths but truthfully not as much as the pre 1980 models. I can sort through the stores and pick one that looks the nicest. You have to admit, the stainless finish is terrible on ALL new Smiths, even the PC ones. Compare a new Ruger right next to a stainless Smith...there's just no comparison. Compare that smae new Smith and Ruger to an older Smith, 1990 and older and there's no comparison still...the better goes to the older Smith. What you cant tell at the store is, how misaligned is the barrel. I was just wondering if a laser down the pipe would confirm POI with the sights...it seems to on two of my known good shooters. This post wasn't meant to be anti new Smiths, but geeze if you've been around the block and have a few older revolvers if you dont see what I'm talking about then you're blind. Smith's recent change to a sleeved barrel is bitter sweet. It'll be easier for them to end up with an aligned barrel but they're openly admitting that they've lost the skilled labor to time and screw a barrel on properly. Is it too much to ask to buy a brand new revolver and be able to take it home and shoot it without needing to send it back? Sending it back for repair when it's a day old should be a very VERY rare situation. Unfortunately it's common place.
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Old 07-15-2017, 11:59 PM
Capttjk1 Capttjk1 is offline
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I have purchased 20+ NIB S&W revolvers over the past 2 years. All except one which I refused to transfer due to a minor mechanical problem I discovered while inspecting it and sent back to Bud's for a replacement have been great. All of my revolvers have excellent finishes, no canted barrels, or any other problems to speak of. They are all extremely accurate and are very impressive firearms. I have no problem buying new S&W revolvers!!

I have several "older" S&W revolvers as well. They are comparable in quality to the new ones IMO.
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Old 07-16-2017, 01:11 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigBill View Post
The cons,,,,
If you hate or dislike the new s&w revolvers with the loc, poor finishes, mom parts why such negativity in your post why bother? Just buy a Taurus revolver, a charter arms, ect, and be happy with a lesser gun?
I don't have any experience with any Taurus, but I wouldn't be so quick to think Charter Arms manufactures a "lesser gun". I recently shot the Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Special. It's at about the outer limit, size wise, of what I'd consider a concealed carry revolver. Shooting it, I was very impressed. It felt solid in my hand, and even though I absolutely abhor any type of rubber grip, I can't fault Charter's for feel. Looks are another story. If I bought one, I'd order the factory wood grips for it, and I sure wouldn't feel that I'd spent my money on a lesser gun.
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Old 07-16-2017, 01:56 AM
GunnerMichael GunnerMichael is offline
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I would like butter on mine...I'll buy!
Don't forget the soda-pop.
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  #35  
Old 07-16-2017, 02:04 AM
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I am 36 years old and have only owned guns for 10 years now. Personally I dont understand the whole lock thing. Just dont use it if you dont like it. I dont use mine on my governor. Just like I dont use the safety on some of my pistols, but i still like that its there in case I do decide to put it on a shelf when i sleep on the couch.

Anyway, as long as new revolvers keep performing with the awesome reliability that they mostly have been, I still love S&W and I think they are still going strong over Ruger, Taurus (duh), and Colt.

I havent run into the finish thing, but personally if I find a little ding on my governor in the future its because its being used.
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Old 07-16-2017, 02:55 AM
silversnake silversnake is offline
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I'm not going to bash the current production revolvers but I do wish S&W would offer Performance Center guns with forged steel and no lock. I think it should be up to the consumer to decide whether or not they want these modern "features", just like how you can buy an M&P pistol with or without a safety.

S&W has more competition than ever with lots of great revolvers from Ruger, a new line of K6Ss and the return of Colt. Maybe this will be enough for S&W to rethink their strategy of the last 15-20 years.
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Old 07-16-2017, 04:18 AM
cadmike cadmike is online now
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Well mim parts stink I know it's true because I read it on the internet.
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Old 07-16-2017, 04:59 AM
629shooter 629shooter is offline
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It depends on the Model and my intended purpose. For example, there are no pre-lock Night Guards. So, I have to live with the new features. Same goes for the X-frames. Moreover, if wanted to shoot thousands of rounds in competition with a 629, I'd use a -6.

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  #39  
Old 07-16-2017, 12:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cadmike View Post
Well mim parts stink I know it's true because I read it on the internet.


MIM parts are actually much more consistent in dimensions.

In the mass-production world, lots of hand-fitting means poor manufacturing tolerances, or prices you wouldn't pay.

That's no excuse for canted barrels, but more than a few stinkers left the factory pre-MIM & pre-1980.

Does it seem odd to anyone else that the quality problems began right when the internet became available to the masses?

As Billy Joel said "the good ol days weren't always great".
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  #40  
Old 07-16-2017, 12:23 PM
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I bought 2 new Smith's last year. A 640 PRO and a 686 + with 3 inch barrel. Neither gun had any issues. No canted barrels and each shot perfectly. The 640 did have a heavier than I wanted trigger pull but I remedied that with an Apex trigger kit install and polishing of a few parts. The 686+ will be getting a trigger job as soon as I get around to it and I just ordered a plug for the Hillaryhole from JD. What can i say I just hate that stupid lock. And yes I do love the older pre-lock pre- MIM revos but why can't I like both?
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  #41  
Old 07-16-2017, 03:32 PM
HOUSTON RICK HOUSTON RICK is offline
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Am I "lucky" in that all my over a dozen new S&W guns over the last two decades have been fine? The new features have never "bothered" me either. I leave the "lock" alone and it leaves me alone. I have several scandium guns and they seem to be fine after a few years of moderate use. I have all that I "need", but am sure I will buy a few more S&W's. I have not had a bad experience, is that what it will take to appreciate these new gun sliding quality posts? Is really that much of a problem?
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  #42  
Old 07-16-2017, 04:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nachogrande View Post
In a word, NO!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dpris View Post
To answer the bore-sighter question again- No.
Denis
OK, I know one or maybe even both of you guys are just waiting with baited breath for someone to ask the obvious question of WHY?

So I'll bite...

What is wrong with the idea of using a cartridge-style bore-sighter to verify that POA & POI coincide?

Since you are both so emphatically opposed to the idea, how about enlightening the rest of us?

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  #43  
Old 07-16-2017, 05:19 PM
MJFlores MJFlores is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BC38 View Post
OK, I know one or maybe even both of you guys are just waiting with baited breath for someone to ask the obvious question of WHY?

So I'll bite...

What is wrong with the idea of using a cartridge-style bore-sighter to verify that POA & POI coincide?

Since you are both so emphatically opposed to the idea, how about enlightening the rest of us?
Thank you! This post was not about if the lock bugs you, or can you over look the horrible stainless finish with all the swirl marks when it was never so, or if you like the dull blueing that wipes off with Hoppes bore cleaner (it seriously does and warns about it in the manual), or do you like MIM parts, or the frame mounted firing pin. I made it clear how I feel about those things, and what anyone else feels is perfectly fine too. My only question is, has anyone used a cartridge style bore sighter to confirm the chamber and bore points where the sights are pointing. A quick test on two 357's I own and which I know shoot exactly to point of aim confirms that the laser points where my sights do. There's no accebtable reason for this post to turn into an argument...so no popcorn should be required. We're all shooters here, and revolver guys so we should be able to disagree on small things we may or may not like...right? So, anyone try using a laser? There are brand new S&W guns which, despite the features I just dont care for, I'd still own as long as it shot to point of aim. Ive been burned, and it took an enormous effort to correct, I dont wish to go through those several months again if I can help it. I'm fortunate to have older Smiths, that are beautiful forged pieces of art...which soot to point of aim, and are beautiful to hold, admire, listen to the clicks when pulling back the hammer,...the perfect uniform stainless after many years of use, and the deep blueing that's tougher than nails and deep as an ocean. Sorry, I don't accept anything but perfection, if someone does then that's fine but for me, I have high standards because I lived in the day when that was what was expected, and delivered on a consistent basis. So how about those laser bore sighters?
  #44  
Old 07-16-2017, 06:14 PM
Dennismn Dennismn is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MJFlores View Post
Hi all, I had a thought while driving home last night, after looking at several new S&W revolvers. Lets face it, most of us despise the lock, the frame mounted firing pin, the MIM parts, and the ****** finishes of the newer generation revolvers. I'm the sort to basically drop into gun shops looking to find that lightly used, pristine S&W revolver from 1980 or older, pinned barrel, recessed cylinders, and blueing so deep you can get lost in....or stainless without a single swirl mark. However, the new revolvers are what we have and they're still nice guns. Sure, the blueing pretty much stinks and wipes off with gun cleaner (seriously?!?!), but they still feel nice and have decent triggers. I have one, a 629, which after gong back to S&W twice is now one of my favorite revolver. It's a gun that looks and feels great, and seems to fit me like a glove...and hots everything it's aimed at. So, if the shop..we can sift through canted sights, mis-aligned frame to barrels, and other blemishes however, you never know if it shoots to point of aim until you take the deep plunge and drop lots of money and take it home. This becomes the moment when you're thrilled to death, or get that sick feeling like you've been had. You'll possibly be entering a time period where you'll be sending your new revolver back several times hoping it'll fall into the hands of someone who knows how to screw a barrel onto a frame properly. So, with that said, I've found several nice new revolvers but didn't want to take the plunge because I dont have the time or energy to sink into chasing S&W to make a new revolver shoot to point of aim. What about bringing one of those laser cartridges taht you chamber and it shoots a laser down the barrel, and allows you to check it and compare to where the sights are aiming? I know these are primarily for sighting in but can they be used to verify that the sights are aiming where the barrel is pointing? I bought one yesterday, and tested it in 2 .357s I have that shoot to point of aim, and they did in fact put the laser right where the sights were looking. Is this a viable way of weeding through guns before getting burned? Has anyone used this method for verification?
There isn't much out there that hasn't seen reductions in quality from a top of the line Porsche to S&W's revolvers. One of the primary reasons for this is the high cost of labor - takes a lot of man hours to get thousands of barrels perfectly aligned to the thousandths of an inch, or bluing so deep you can walk into it.

There is a price point where consumers will stop purchasing guns in the numbers the manufacturer needs to stay in business - that is what S&W struggles with. By and far, they are doing a pretty good job.
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  #45  
Old 07-16-2017, 07:10 PM
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Do I like the lock... hell no! I let it stop me from buying quite a few new Smiths. I spent months looking for minty vintage Smith's and (1) Colt... and I paid a premium for them. I like them so much that I would do it again. I spent a year looking for a Model 25 in .45acp. No 25's to be found in my area that wasn't grossly overpriced so I took a chance on a 625-8. I have to say it's been nice. No, it isn't as quite as nice as my 70's Smiths but it's a decent bit better than I was told it was going to be. So I'm replacing the lock and plugging the frame and enjoying shooting .45acp and Super's from a revolver. YMMV.
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  #46  
Old 07-16-2017, 10:19 PM
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I have no problem with new Smith and Wesson revolvers.

My 638-3


my Model 60-15 Pro


and my Model 317 Kit


are great.

I just prefer the older revolvers.
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  #47  
Old 07-16-2017, 11:03 PM
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lhump1961 lhump1961 is offline
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I didn't read every post in this thread so forgive me if I repeat.

There was no internet forum before the 90's so everyone could post their bad experiences for all to see so we don't know what the return rate was then...we just don't. But rest assured there were revolvers that had issues and had to go back! Guess what...those "perfect" old P&R guns that had issues were all fixed up many years ago without any of us knowing which ones unless we bought them new back then. So any bad one's are now fixed and mixed in with the rest, being passed around for us to marvel at how great the good old guns are.

S&W sold what, 2 million guns last year? At a failure rate of 1% that's 20,000 guns going back...so you bet they have a system to deal with that! If you want a new gun then buy one. Sorry if you are one of the unlucky few...they'll fix it. If you want to experiment with bore sights to check stuff at the LGS then go for it. Sorry about the drift.

American guns made in U.S.A. by Americans. Sure beats the alternative in my book.

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  #48  
Old 07-16-2017, 11:09 PM
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Can anyone recommend a good bear load for a Model 28?
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  #49  
Old 07-16-2017, 11:33 PM
apollo99 apollo99 is offline
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Why the laser won't give true accuracy results. The laser down the barrel will give you point of aim in relationship to the barrel / sights. The actual bore size and quality of rifling will determine accuracy as well the quality of the crown. You can have a revolver that passes the laser test, that will fail miserably in the accuracy dept. The laser is an OK start, but not the true determination of accuracy. The laser would would show ok on a worn out smooth barrel with a chip taken out of the crown.
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Old 07-17-2017, 12:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by apollo99 View Post
Why the laser won't give true accuracy results. The laser down the barrel will give you point of aim in relationship to the barrel / sights. The actual bore size and quality of rifling will determine accuracy as well the quality of the crown. You can have a revolver that passes the laser test, that will fail miserably in the accuracy dept. The laser is an OK start, but not the true determination of accuracy. The laser would would show ok on a worn out smooth barrel with a chip taken out of the crown.
All true enough, but obviously you can't determine actual accuracy without shooting the gun, and with a new one you obviously can't shoot it before you buy it.

I think the point was more to check to see if the gun is put together well and check to see that everything is in alignment on a NEW gun. Maybe not a definitive test, but probably about the most you can do pre-purchase.

Seems like it would sure be better than nothing to me....
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