Well I just got home with a brand new 642. Got it on sale at Academy for 399.99 plus 10% off for their military discount.

Upon closer inspection (How did I not notice this at the store is beyond me) I noticed that the rear sight channel is pretty far off center.

I'm kicking myself for not looking more closely. I feel dumb for not noticing this.

Is this normal? I can't believe it is. Maybe I'll try shooting it first but I'm betting it'll shoot to the left.

Since its actually the milling of the frame what could Smith & Wesson do to fix it? I'd assume it would need a brand new frame.

First post by the way. I've shot revolvers in the past but this is my first revolver I've ever purchased. I've always favored autos.

Thank you for any advice you guys might have.


Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

To me, from the top down photo, it looks like the barrel is the issue. It looks to me like it’s not fully screwed in

So compared to the rest of the frame, the barrel is as close to 12 o clock as my eyes can tell.

The rear sight channel is milled over to the left of center.

The flats on top show how the right side is wider than the left. Also when aiming down the sights I can tell that the rear notch is left of center in relation to the outside edges of the frame.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

This doesn't look to be the oft encountered "over-clocked/canted barrel." I agree that the sight channel seems misaligned to the left given the apparent difference in the flats on top of the frame. Can you measure the distance? This one may have to go back.

__________________
Some collect art; I shoot it!

I might be able to measure tomorrow. Then again, it is a snubnose after all. It's primary purpose is for self defense at close range. The sights are bad enough that I imagine it's more of a point and shoot instead of careful aiming for a self defense encounter.

Am I correct as far the philosophy of the snubnose revolver? I'm used to deliberately aiming all of my other handguns...then again I've only shot paper at the range. If I try to carefully aim this little guy, I find it very hard to pick up the sights. It sure isn't a quick sight picture that's for sure.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

Return the gun!! You need the sights on a snub nose. My 642 will hold around 3" at 25 yards if I do my part, slightly staging the trigger. So...you want the sights centered!!!!!

Yep I wouldn’t accept that, especially with a brand new purchase. You should return it.

Well I can't return it to the store. All sales final.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

I think you're right that for close quarters it really doesn't make any difference. But that's just such a glaring flaw that it ought to go back.

__________________
Just Say No - To Social Media

Leavinc;
Call Smith, explain the problem (mention that you have pictures) and they’ll almost certainly send you a “return ticket” so you can send the revolver back at their expense.

FWIW,
Dale53

So I just got off the phone with Smith a little bit ago. Everyone I talked to was really friendly and seemed to really care.

They sent me a FedEx shipping label that I can mail to them at no cost to me. In talking with them, they said since the rear sight groove is machined into the frame that if it's really bad, they'll have to replace the whole frame.

Ugh. That means 4 to 5 weeks and I'll have to have it shipped to a FFL.

I'm really bummed out. Im kicking myself for not checking more closely at the store.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

Yep.. that's junk right there...

I'd bet it's not the only one out there like that... Guess the CNC machine was set up wrong..

Just wondering, did you try shooting it yet? Before you send it back why not try it out. Maybe you can shoot a bullseye every time with that little guy.

__________________
Accuracy supercedes Speed

That might be true but it would be impossible to sell it for a fair price to an observant buyer if the need ever arises.

__________________
Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

We are all in awe about this lemon S&W sent out. Please know that the vast majority of Smiths are good guns. Sorry for the headache you have on your forst one. Please dont let it sour your impressions too much.
You will be more than happy with the replacement.
I sent back a Springfield once, they replaced the frame and shipped it right back to me back in 2011. Not sure of your state’s laws however.

The frame has the SN# so it has to go through a FFL. Be Safe,

__________________
I BACK OUR BLUE

Thanks for the help guys. I'm going to just ship it out tomorrow

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

Ask S&W to reimburse you for FFL fees if they send you a new gun. They should readily agree to do that. It is not your fault that the gun had to be replaced.

At this point I'm worried they may not even replace the gun. I don't mind paying $20 At my local dealer to just get this headache over with.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

I'm sure the gun will be replaced. Kinda what the lifetime warranty is all about. The sight is milled into the frame. Since the frame is what has the serial number on it, it would have a different number on it, so even if they replaced just the frame it would be considered a different gun and have to be transferred. Thing is, a new gun to S&W would cost them less than repairing yours.

Could that barrel positioning be the way that they zero the gun? Seems I've heard somewhere of turning the barrel as a way of tweaking the aim/impact. I checked my 638 and the barrel is not exactly lined up with the centerline of the frame, but if I do my part - from a rest, with wadcutters - it will put every bullet into the black of one of these targets on our 50 foot range.

Attached Images

nra_b_5.jpg (19.0 KB, 18 views)

It doesn't matter. The store cannot fix it anyway, and the next one may be the same.

Send it back to S&W. They will fix you right up. Likely a replacement direct to you. Have that one lettered!

Update:

Since I hate waiting, I just sold it to my local pawn shop and got a 442 he had in stock instead.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

I've been carrying it too. In a Soft Armor pocket holster.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

Did you tell him why you sold it..?

Yea, he looked it over and didn't mind. Maybe it's acceptable in the grand scheme of things but it bothered me and I'm kind of OCD.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk