I just got back from the range with my J-frame 642 and I think it's cracked. I don't remember seeing this before.

I've only ever shot it a few times. I decided I should start carrying it so I put 65 rounds through it for practice. 50 rounds of 130gr .38 spl Aquila 12 rounds of 125gr +p winchester, and 3 rounds of Federal 125gr reduced recoil .38 spl.

Unfortunately, it absolutely is.

Thanks for confirming. I just googled it and it's not rare. This will be the second handgun they have at the same time.

Yes.
Sometimes they tighten It too much at the factory. Just enough not to split, until you shoot rounds through it.
Should be covered under warranty.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Cracked. Factory error. Have your dealer ship it to S&W, or call S&W. They will replace it.

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Formerly Model520Fan

I just sent an email. I'm asking if they can give me a credit to upgrade to a steel frame like a pro series 640 or if they replace the frame. I'll report back what I find out.

Yup. That's a crack.

That's what I was going to say . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Just a little itty bitty one....

It happened to me some years back. They replaced the gun with a new one even though I was at least the second owner, at zero cost to me.
They had to send the new one via an FFL since it required a new serial number, but they also paid my transfer fee.
Be nice to them and they’ll usually reciprocate in kind. Good luck.

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Pardon my ignornace, but I'm not familiar with a 642. Is this a steel-framed gun or a lightweight alloy model?

I've cracked two frames over the years, the first a like new, perhaps unfired Model 38 Bodyguard. Probably fired no more than 100-200 rounds of standard pressure handloads before the crack appeared. That was ten or so years ago and S&W replace it with a 638.

About five years ago, the same thing happened to a '60s model Colt Agent alloy-framed gun. I didn't know the history of this revolver. It had a lot of finish wear but I have no idea how much it had been fired or with what ammo. Regardless, it appeared to be in excellent mechanical shape and locked up tight like a Colt should. I had easily put a few hundred rounds through the gun before the frame cracked.

I have fired my 638 replacement gun considerably, even with some factory +P ammo, I think, but mostly with standard pressure handloads. The revolver is holding up fine so far. However, I doubt these guns were intended for a great amount of shooting and most people who have them probably don't shoot them a lot.

If you examine the thickness of the metal in the critical threaded area where the crack occurs, it's incredibly thin. I like to shoot the J-frames .38s as well as the small Colts, but I doubt I would buy another alloy-framed revolver. My steel-framed guns seem to hold up a lot better.

642-2 is the alloy "air weight" with enclosed hammer. It's supposed to be rated for "continuous +p", which obviously it's not.

Is this an issue that the two piece barrels help alleviate or no difference?

two piece barrel made setting cylinder gap and clocking (at least supposed to) easier..

The barrel still threads into the frame and torques the same. With the exception of the shrouds interaction with the frame, help.. maybe.

Try JB weld -

put some gum in it......

Sorry to see this happen. I have an airweight too. I'm always wanting a steel framed J though.....

Man, seems like we are seeing more issue's with the 442/642 airweights? hammer studs/frames cracking/locking up I think S&W needs to put a little effort into QC, I have a few and like carrying them but also like to shoot them some.

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Chewy

The one piece barrel has to reach a minimum torque and then be turned further to get the front sight to the 12 o'clock position. On a steel frame, the threads on both the frame and barrel deform somewhat when being turned to their final position. The aluminum frame will always lose the fight against the steel barrel and that thin part of the frame is overstressed.

642 is one of S&W's best sellers. I have heard they sell boat loads of
them. There is a bad apple in every barrel. Unfortunately you just
happened to get a bad apple. Pretty sure they will take care of it for
you. I have shot maybe thousands of rounds through my 642-1 with
no problems....yet.

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In Omnia Paratus