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09-03-2017, 02:49 PM
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In praise of Smith & Wesson...
Last spring I bought this beautiful (used) S&W Model 29-3 .44 Magnum:
After firing enough rounds to fall totally in love with it, I sent the gun back to S&W for a fresh finish and a trigger job. Well, after five weeks they wrote back and told me that –horror of horrors! – the frame was cracked!! And, bottom line, they couldn’t repair it back to a safe condition.
Damn! I thought I was scrued to the tune of 900 clams... until they told me that since their products come with a lifetime guarantee, they would send me a brand-new revolver absolutely free... not even any shipping charge!
Well, you could’ve knocked me over with a feather... in this day and age, when it sometimes seems as if everything is cheap and designed to fall apart in a year or so, to think that a firearms company would stand out like this... simply incredible. And, true to their word, they delivered me this beauty, a stainless 629 Classic Deluxe:
Sweeeeet!! I haven’t had a chance to shoot it yet because my indoor range has swamp coolers instead of AC and it’s still too bloody hot, but not for much longer... I can’t wait to try it out!
My hat’s off to S&W... they are a flat-out brilliant American company, and I will remain an admiring and loyal customer for however long I last.
~Aiala~
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Last edited by Aiala; 09-03-2017 at 04:36 PM.
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357magster, 629shooter, 6518John, 75Vette, ankona, Ashlander, AzShooter, BigBill, BigDog48, bigwheelzip, Birdgun, buttsm, CentFlMod500, daddio202, deputydon, DonD, Eberhart, Fox4506, GerSan69, Gripgrabber, Harvie, jimbo728, KalamazooKid, kcphelps, ladder13, LedFowl, les.b, lhump1961, Lou_the_welder, lrrifleman, lscocoa, lunger, montezumaz, Mr.Harry, poorbroker, Protocall_Design, quinn, revolver686, rock doc, RoyM52, S&WIowegan, S&WsRsweet, sw282, TX-Dennis, Usmc5811, vytoland, wood714 |
09-03-2017, 04:38 PM
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I also have praise for S&W. My 617 that I shot in Steel Challenge competition for years developed a crack in the frame. I sent in in and had a brand new gun in 15 days.
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09-03-2017, 04:41 PM
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To the OP, Glad they took care of you. Any details on the cracked frame?
I agree, I'm a smith fan, standing behind their products is one of the reasons why.
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09-03-2017, 04:51 PM
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Boy, you can't beat that with a stick! Sad to see a pretty 8 3/8" nickel barrel go but if it's cracked it's cracked. Please tell us you kept those beautiful target grips before you mailed it in.
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09-03-2017, 05:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 75Vette
Boy, you can't beat that with a stick! Sad to see a pretty 8 3/8" nickel barrel go but if it's cracked it's cracked. Please tell us you kept those beautiful target grips before you mailed it in.
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That's exactly what I was thinking as I read the last part of the op's post. I hope that if I ever send a revolver that has expensive grips, that I remember to take em off.
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09-03-2017, 06:53 PM
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What a shame! Such a beautiful piece. Those grips really had some nice color to them. A shame to trade it all in but a very nice return for it!! Very nice 629, frame shouldn't Crack on new one.
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09-03-2017, 07:55 PM
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No, they didn't give me any details on the cracked frame... just that it was, sadly, toast.
I guess I should've taken off the grips, but I didn't... it never occurred to me that there would be any problem with the gun.
The new grips are nice, but I've just ordered some Pachmayr American Legend rosewood grips... I think they're going to look bodacious!
Aiala
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09-03-2017, 07:56 PM
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Uh, is the new gun missing a little bit of barrel.
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09-03-2017, 08:40 PM
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Forgive me but
I'll never own another brand of Revolver. I just can't trust those other brands to function as well or have great company back up like S&W. Anyway, Smith & Wesson is an American institution!
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09-03-2017, 08:42 PM
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I'd want the entire gun back. It's not theirs. There are more than a couple dollars in parts still in good working order despite the cracked frame. Was it offered back to you?
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09-03-2017, 08:55 PM
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Glad to see someone seeing the glass for what it is - half full. Been waiting for the New Bashers to chime in about it being less than fair trade. Won't get into specifics. And I bereave your loss in that nickel beauty, like I bereave the loss of a great dog, but if your heart & your mind are open, joy can sprng fresh and anew. Shoot the snot of that great gun. And fall in love all over again. Differently. The replacement you received is a fantastic configuration. I have same. Enjoy.
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09-03-2017, 09:01 PM
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US Veteran Absent Comrade
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Macinaw
I also have praise for S&W. My 617 that I shot in Steel Challenge competition for years developed a crack in the frame. I sent in in and had a brand new gun in 15 days.
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It puzzles me how you'd crack the frame of a .22?!
I think I may know why the .44 cracked, but probably shouldn't say so without proof. It's just a theory, anyway.
In any event, I'm glad they replaced the guns.
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09-03-2017, 09:06 PM
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Congratulation,glad S&W step up for you. Both revolvers are beauties!
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09-03-2017, 09:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SLT223
I'd want the entire gun back. It's not theirs. There are more than a couple dollars in parts still in good working order despite the cracked frame. Was it offered back to you?
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Does it work that way when an insurance company totals your car? Just tell us all how you return items and get compensation. 3 or more examples please.
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09-03-2017, 09:31 PM
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Other forum member said that it was probably over torquing of the barrel upon installation of the barrel.????
Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas Star
It puzzles me how you'd crack the frame of a .22?!
I think I may know why the .44 cracked, but probably shouldn't say so without proof. It's just a theory, anyway.
In any event, I'm glad they replaced the guns.
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09-03-2017, 10:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Harry
Glad to see someone seeing the glass for what it is - half full. Been waiting for the New Bashers to chime in about it being less than fair trade. Won't get into specifics. And I bereave your loss in that nickel beauty, like I bereave the loss of a great dog, but if your heart & your mind are open, joy can sprng fresh and anew. Shoot the snot of that great gun. And fall in love all over again. Differently. The replacement you received is a fantastic configuration. I have same. Enjoy.
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Nothing Smith does satisfies the bellyaching bashers.
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09-03-2017, 10:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zipdog
Does it work that way when an insurance company totals your car? Just tell us all how you return items and get compensation. 3 or more examples please.
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What are you talking about? Does Smith sell or reuse the parts (I don't think they can or could), or do they discard them? What's the purpose of Smith not returning the parts?
Edit:
I just remembered Hartford Insurance did give my mother the option of getting her totaled Trailblazer back plus the coverage check, or just the check. The difference was $500 less if the totaled vehicle was retained. Not that this matters because the S&W warranty is not an auto insurance policy.
Last edited by SLT223; 09-03-2017 at 11:04 PM.
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09-03-2017, 11:18 PM
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While the new one isn't a nickel 8 3/8" barrel. It's still better then having it blow up on you or having a wall ornament. And my hat is off to S&W for making this right for you. Congrats
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09-04-2017, 12:16 AM
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Very nice to hear.
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09-04-2017, 08:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SLT223
I'd want the entire gun back. It's not theirs. There are more than a couple dollars in parts still in good working order despite the cracked frame. Was it offered back to you?
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There's no way that S&W can let that gun out of the factory. It's a liability issue. That gun is now on record, as having a cracked frame. If anyone were to fire it, and there were a catastrophic failure. They'd be open to liability, by having put it back out on the street.
I suspect that it's parts probably get re-used or sold to an aftermarket retailer.
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09-04-2017, 08:32 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SLT223
I'd want the entire gun back. It's not theirs. There are more than a couple dollars in parts still in good working order despite the cracked frame. Was it offered back to you?
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You expect a new gun and be allowed to keep the one with a cracked frame? Please tell me you are kidding.
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09-04-2017, 08:50 AM
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Well, to partially defend SLT223, I'd have at least demanded
that Smith return to me the trigger return spring.
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09-04-2017, 08:51 AM
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Few years back a friend's @ the local gun club fell ill with "FrameCrack'' too.
Sadley, All the Kings' Horses, All the Kings' Men couldn't put Him together Again:-(
But ''Good King Smith'' taking pity sent Humpty a NEW ONE for a BEN or FEW..
Along with a word saying, "Don't do That Again'' ;-)
Last edited by sw282; 09-04-2017 at 09:01 AM.
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09-04-2017, 10:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gnystrom
You expect a new gun and be allowed to keep the one with a cracked frame? Please tell me you are kidding.
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Not in the least bit joking. What is Smith and Wesson doing with the old gun? Why do they keep it?
This is an honest question and a little concerning to me given the number of old Smith I have. Ill give them a call tomorrow or Wednesday and report back.
Last edited by SLT223; 09-04-2017 at 10:07 AM.
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09-04-2017, 10:11 AM
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I believe a firearm that has been declared unsafe must be destroyed by the company. But, I'd be asking if they could send me back the non-damaged parts, especially the hammer & trigger.
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SWCA1967 SWHF244
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09-04-2017, 12:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SLT223
I'd want the entire gun back. It's not theirs. There are more than a couple dollars in parts still in good working order despite the cracked frame. Was it offered back to you?
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I say it became theirs when they replaced it with a brand new one.
Talk about wanting your cake and to eat it too!
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09-04-2017, 12:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Macinaw
Other forum member said that it was probably over torquing of the barrel upon installation of the barrel.????
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Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Or, while removing the barrel.
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09-04-2017, 12:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by UncleEd
Well, to partially defend SLT223, I'd have at least demanded
that Smith return to me the trigger return spring.
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If I were S&W I would politely respond with "how do you know we didn't use the trigger return spring from the gun that was sent to us in the assembly of your new gun?"
Last edited by gnystrom; 09-04-2017 at 12:54 PM.
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09-04-2017, 02:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gnystrom
If I were S&W I would politely respond with "how do you know we didn't use the trigger return spring from the gun that was sent to us in the assembly of your new gun?"
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Because in my case on the original gun I'd have already
clipped half the coils from it to get a super light trigger.
And I would have already ground down the strain screw.
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09-04-2017, 02:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeLeitner
I say it became theirs when they replaced it with a brand new one.
Talk about wanting your cake and to eat it too!
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Why is it their's? For what purpose do they need or want it? My guess is the old valuable small parts go into the gunsmiths' pockets. Like I said, Ill call them and find out how this works and why. This not trivial for me as I own several collectible Smiths.
By the way, the whole point of wanting cake is to eat it
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09-05-2017, 07:09 PM
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I called Smith today. If the gun is beyond repair, made after 1989(?.....I didn't ask) and you are the original owner (didn't seem to apply for OP...lucky him), they will offer to return your gun to you, or destroy it and replace it with something new. They seemed very well aware that BATFE regs require only the frame / receiver need be destroyed, but they don't have time to strip the parts, and thus the whole gun is tossed in the shredder.
H Richard gets a cigar
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09-05-2017, 07:18 PM
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OP, Smith will reimburse you for any FFL fee's on your end, but you will have to ask.
Get a receipt from your FFL for any fee and send it in to Smith.
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09-05-2017, 08:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ImDrRichard
I'll never own another brand of Revolver. I just can't trust those other brands to function as well or have great company back up like S&W. Anyway, Smith & Wesson is an American institution!
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I believe that cracks shouldn't happen with any gun. For a crack like in the picture something is flexing. Being a retired lead engineering tech in a r & d lab and doing investigations on why things broke I want to know why it broke.?
I have shot full house magnum loads out of my RedHawks, SBH, Python, security six all my life never a problem. This kind of tells me a cheaper grade steel is used for all these problems with cracks and crowns showing wear.
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09-05-2017, 09:37 PM
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Smith & Wesson.....ya gotta luv a class act.....
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09-06-2017, 08:26 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ladder13
OP, Smith will reimburse you for any FFL fee's on your end, but you will have to ask.
Get a receipt from your FFL for any fee and send it in to Smith.
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Yes, S&W kindly offered... but my FFL (great guy!) graciously gave me a discount on his fee, so I didn't take them up on it. No matter... I am 100% satisfied, and enormously grateful.
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09-06-2017, 09:28 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by UncleEd
Because in my case on the original gun I'd have already
clipped half the coils from it to get a super light trigger.
And I would have already ground down the strain screw.
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And S&W would have the right to say you altered the gun and voided any warranty.
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09-06-2017, 09:30 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aiala
Yes, S&W kindly offered... but my FFL (great guy!) graciously gave me a discount on his fee, so I didn't take them up on it. No matter... I am 100% satisfied, and enormously grateful.
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Nice to hear.
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09-06-2017, 05:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aiala
Yes, S&W kindly offered... but my FFL (great guy!) graciously gave me a discount on his fee, so I didn't take them up on it. No matter... I am 100% satisfied, and enormously grateful.
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If you're happy that's all that matters. Congrats on the new gun.
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09-06-2017, 08:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SLT223
I'd want the entire gun back. It's not theirs. There are more than a couple dollars in parts still in good working order despite the cracked frame. Was it offered back to you?
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In addition to the aspect of great customer service, I think S&W would keep the gun for liability reasons. Think of a scumbag ambulance chaser telling the jury that his poor client was injured by the negligence of S&W returning a dangerous gun to an unsuspecting owner. Lawyer type words, not mine. Don
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09-06-2017, 09:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DonD
In addition to the aspect of great customer service, I think S&W would keep the gun for liability reasons. Think of a scumbag ambulance chaser telling the jury that his poor client was injured by the negligence of S&W returning a dangerous gun to an unsuspecting owner. Lawyer type words, not mine. Don
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Don, read post 32 in this thread or call them yourself. They are more than happy to send it back to you if you choose.
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09-23-2017, 07:34 PM
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Well, I finally got to test-drive the replacement 629 S&W sent me, and...
Zowie!!
Even just getting warmed up, I did reasonably well (for me, anyway!)
44 mag 240-grain RNFP at 20 feet... boy, what a sweet gun! And those Pachmayr American Heritage grips are the cat's meow. Let me tell you, I was one happy ol' gal... you betcha! Can't wait to go again.
~Aiala~
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09-23-2017, 09:52 PM
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Nasty ain’t it? Good for you.
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09-23-2017, 10:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigBill
I believe that cracks shouldn't happen with any gun. For a crack like in the picture something is flexing. Being a retired lead engineering tech in a r & d lab and doing investigations on why things broke I want to know why it broke.?
I have shot full house magnum loads out of my RedHawks, SBH, Python, security six all my life never a problem. This kind of tells me a cheaper grade steel is used for all these problems with cracks and crowns showing wear.
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I know, right? Since no Redhawk, SBH, Python or security six has ever had a defect I have no idea what Smith is up to!
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