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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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Old 09-17-2017, 09:45 AM
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I recently ordered NEW a S&W 500, I won't name the company I ordered from because they are handling the situation well. Somehow a used one slipped through their cracks and I got what looked like someone's return. I noticed quickly that it had been fired more than simple manufacturer test firing. There was an excess amount of powder, some wear to the finish and what I thought was a scratch. Looking at it closer, I noticed it looked more like a crack. I took it back to the FFL to initiate return and he noticed a second small crack to the frame around the grips. WTH would cause that? I have a Ruger Super Red Hawk I've had for 12 years and fired countless times and it still looks as good as new. Definitely doesn't have any cracks. Did the previous owner use the wrong ammo (not sure what that would be) Or could it have been a bad apple?
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Old 09-17-2017, 09:49 AM
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That looks like the normal side plate seems.

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Old 09-17-2017, 09:53 AM
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Those are the seams where the removable side plate meets the frame. Looks perfectly normal to me.

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Old 09-17-2017, 09:54 AM
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That is the side plate seam although it does look like one of the screws has backed out a bit.
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Old 09-17-2017, 09:55 AM
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The sideplate has to end somewhere and you're looking at it. Just out of curiosity, is this your first S&W revolver? I'm just going by your post, which is your first. If it is your first gun, you made an interesting choice. Good luck.

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Old 09-17-2017, 09:59 AM
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The company would be S&W... no matter what dealer / distributor you got it from. It is under warranty. I would be highly suspect of a FFL dealer that does not recognize a sideplate line from a frame crack...
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Old 09-17-2017, 09:59 AM
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Yes sSirs.. A search with that info and I quickly found that to be true. I should have gotten a picture of the crack near the grips. It was definitely used more than test fire though. I'll get a new one on Wednesday. That put me at ease a little knowing my investment is still probably a good one
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Old 09-17-2017, 10:05 AM
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Put this one under "How to feel dumb in 5 seconds".. In my defense, there are no such seems in my Super Red Hawk or .32 H&R (The only two other revolvers I own) Pretty sure when I tell the FFL guy, he's gonna feel pretty dumb too.. Although there was another crack and the gun was obviously used.
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Old 09-17-2017, 10:14 AM
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Bottom line, you have to be happy with your purchase!..S&W warranty has been good to me...glad all is working out.....nothing about learning is dumb! sometimes hard,though
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Old 09-17-2017, 10:17 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sodacan View Post
The sideplate has to end somewhere and you're looking at it. Just out of curiosity, is this your first S&W revolver? I'm just going by your post, which is your first. If it is your first gun, you made an interesting choice. Good luck.
No Sir, I have a descent collection of hand guns, mostly semi-auto. Rifles and shotguns too. I have everything I need for practical uses. I wanted to get something fun and pretty much impractical... because I can.
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Old 09-17-2017, 10:35 AM
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The company would be S&W... no matter what dealer / distributor you got it from. It is under warranty. I would be highly suspect of a FFL dealer that does not recognize a sideplate line from a frame crack...
True on the warranty.. The company I bought it through also lifetime warranties all purchases, no matter the brand. As far as the FFL dealer not knowing.. I'm not going to blame him. I didn't know either and I could easily be an FFL dealer. I know the guy pretty well and he's been in business a long time.
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Old 09-17-2017, 11:05 AM
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There is a seam in your Super Redhawk where the trigger assembly fits against the bottom of the frame.
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Old 09-17-2017, 11:06 AM
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Ruger revolvers are built very different than S&W revolvers. The frame is a solid piece and in Ruger the mechanism is accessed through the bottom where trigger assembly is. S&W has a side plate to access the internals. That is the basis of the (Ruger's are built like tanks philosphy). Glad for you they are replacing the unit, just be sure when you pick it up. Do not just grab the box and leave, take a minute and go over the new gun with a fine tooth comb with the dealer standing there so you can point out any flaws you may find. Ruger are very tough like a pick up truck but S&W revolvers are more like a sports car with great triggers and smooth operating components. Good luck to you!
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Old 09-17-2017, 11:47 AM
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Originally Posted by daddio202 View Post
Ruger revolvers are built very different than S&W revolvers. The frame is a solid piece and in Ruger the mechanism is accessed through the bottom where trigger assembly is. S&W has a side plate to access the internals. That is the basis of the (Ruger's are built like tanks philosphy). Glad for you they are replacing the unit, just be sure when you pick it up. Do not just grab the box and leave, take a minute and go over the new gun with a fine tooth comb with the dealer standing there so you can point out any flaws you may find. Ruger are very tough like a pick up truck but S&W revolvers are more like a sports car with great triggers and smooth operating components. Good luck to you!
Good stuff to know. I don't have great knowledge of revolvers. In fact, I was preparing to take the NRA pistol instructor's course (the course to be able to teach the class) a couple years back. The guy that teaches the class said I was good to go on the semi-auto's, but needed to get firmly educated on revolvers, including single action.. I have too many irons in the fire. Not enough time in the day to everything I'd like to do. Back then, I was thinking of maybe running a range and doing some CCW classes in my retirement. It's amazing how quick your ideas and plans can change.
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Old 09-17-2017, 12:35 PM
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That put me at ease a little knowing my investment is still probably a good one
If you're new to revolvers and guns, you might want to change the "purchasing for investment" philosophy. The average Joe will not see any appreciable return on their purchases, and breaking even is about all one can hope for. Especially with new production examples. Unless you get extremely lucky with dirt cheap deals on highly sought after guns. There are 500mags everyday listed locally for as low as $800.

Instead, make purchases based on what you love and enjoy.
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Old 09-17-2017, 09:26 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joewy View Post
Put this one under "How to feel dumb in 5 seconds".. In my defense, there are no such seems in my Super Red Hawk or .32 H&R (The only two other revolvers I own) Pretty sure when I tell the FFL guy, he's gonna feel pretty dumb too.. Although there was another crack and the gun was obviously used.
Hey joewy,
I forgot to welcome you to the S&W in my first post, so ........
Welcome to the S&W Forum.
You are far from the first guy to be concerned about a side plate seem being a crack. The guys and gals at the S&W Forum are friendly. Don't be afraid to ask any questions.
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Old 09-18-2017, 07:50 AM
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Quote:
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I took it back to the FFL to initiate return and he noticed a second small crack to the frame around the grips.
I'd find a new FFL . . .
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Old 09-18-2017, 09:56 AM
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I'd find a new FFL . . .
I appreciate your concern, but I'm good. He wouldn't be the first guy that doesn't know everything.
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Old 09-18-2017, 01:20 PM
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Thank you! I wish I owned more Smith & Wesson's and would have got here sooner. I've actually owned only 1 other. I had an old S&W .38 revolver. My first hand gun I bought when I was 18. I sold it soon after I bought it, before I went to boot camp. I've since been partial to Rugers, although I also own a few other brands. My wife let's me get away with 1 good one a year, lol.. We'll see what weighs in next time.
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Old 09-18-2017, 03:56 PM
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I wanted to get something fun and pretty much impractical... because I can.
That is certainly an acceptable reason to purchase, and qualifies you to be on the forum in my book! Welcome!
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Old 09-18-2017, 04:04 PM
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I'd rather make a mistake and let the forum know about it and not shoot it till I'm sure it's safe to shoot than not ask and have it blow up and hurt me or the guy next to me. Good choice to ask here.

I always ask dumb questions and everyone tells me there are no dumb questions.

Be safe, godbless
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Old 09-18-2017, 09:23 PM
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