Some of you may recall my posting about my new (to me) 3" Model 624. (Here) Well, I spoke with Dave in S&W Customer Service late last week when he told me he would have to check the serial number with the Records Department and get back to me. He got right back to me and said it was subject to the cylinder recall and instructed me to call Customer Service back and get a call tag and reference him if they hesitated.

Having read the FAQ and a number of threads on this forum about the 629/624 recall, it was clear to me that one should not send back their revolver until checking with Kate Fredette at S&W. Well, I she gave me the word late on Monday that my 624 (s/n AHT27xx) was shipped on May 3, 1985 and should be returned for inspection. So, I took off the original S&W Combat grips (now apparently worth $250) and put on some less expensive grips just in case it does not pass the inspection and they refuse to return it to me. It's packed up awaiting the call tag (prepaid shipping label) from S&W that should be here today or tomorrow.

Apparently, in the very unlikely event that it does not pass the recall inspection (actually they magneflux the cylinder), I will be offered a handgun from their current product line. This would have been a problem (I hate the locks), but I think I would go for the new Classic Model 40 (no lock ) Of course, I am wishing, hoping and praying that it passes and I get my Lew Horton 624 back, but it would not kill me to get a new Classic Model 40 and have a like new pair of S$W N Frame Combat grips worth a few bucks.

Oh well, at least the 6.5" Model 624 I purchased on Sunday had its original box with the red C in a circle stamped on the label. (Here) Its already passed the recall inspection.

EDIT: See my update posting below.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

Some of you may recall my posting about my new (to me) 3" Model 624. (Here) Well, I spoke with Dave in S&W Customer Service late last week when he told me he would have to check the serial number with the Records Department and get back to me. He got right back to me and said it was subject to the cylinder recall and instructed me to call Customer Service back and get a call tag and reference him if they hesitated.

Having read the FAQ and a number of threads on this forum about the 629/624 recall, it was clear to me that one should not send back their revolver until checking with Kate Fredette at S&W. Well, I she gave me the word late on Monday that my 624 (s/n AHT27xx) was shipped on May 3, 1985 and should be returned for inspection. So, I took off the original S&W Combat grips (now apparently worth $250) and put on some less expensive grips just in case it does not pass the inspection and they refuse to return it to me. It's packed up awaiting the call tag (prepaid shipping label) from S&W that should be here today or tomorrow.

Apparently, in the very unlikely event that it does not pass the recall inspection (actually they magneflux the cylinder), I will be offered a handgun from their current product line. This would have been a problem (I hate the locks), but I think I would go for the new Classic Model 40 (no lock ) Of course, I am wishing, hoping and praying that it passes and I get my Lew Horton 624 back, but it would not kill me to get a new Classic Model 40 and have a like new pair of S$W N Frame Combat grips worth a few bucks.

Oh well, at least the 6.5" Model 624 I purchased on Sunday had its original box with the red C in a circle stamped on the label. (Here) Its already passed the recall inspection.

EDIT: See my update posting below.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

Oh man, I don't know if I'd send my 3" 624 back!! Please let us know what happens.

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ken
SWCA #1959

I would not denegrate myself and take a new Model 40 for a Horton 624.....
remember, these were special run guns that were made BEFORE there was a Perf.Ctr. Ask for a Performance Center gun...since the appreciated value of the Horton guns puts them in the same league....Cannot hurt to ask...or better, yet...INSIST. Fix it or replace with like value. Might as well get something neat (and a bit more valuable) for a defective "special" gun. Just buy the new model 40...just another nice gun.
Terry

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Terry
SWCA, SWHS, IWLA, NRA

Dick,
I posted a reply on your original post regarding having your 624 checked. Oddly enough, my serial number is also in the AHT27XX range and Mark Rossini at S&W checked mine and said it was not in the recall range.

I'm not sure how many of these 624's they make per hour, but we're within 50 guns or so of each other (my actual number is midrange AHT2700's). I also asked if they were making their determination by serial number or the date in the grip panel. He said it was based on the serial number as grips could feasibly be exchanged.

I saved the e-mail response from S&W and placed it in my box as it does not have a red circle "C" on it either.

In any event, I would ask for a high end replacement if they keep the 624. Although it was ONLY a 3 inch 624 when made, it has certainly appreciated greatly. The grips are a good indication. They were probably $35 or so new and now easily bring $250.

I have never understood why S&W did not make another run of cylinders for all of these "defective" 624s. They are willing to replace them with complete guns but unwilling to machine a batch of correct cylinders. I do not understand their fiscal logic on this one!

What are they doing with all of these 624s they confiscate? I would love to have a few barrels, hammers, triggers, grips, etc. !!!!! It is the cylinders that are bad not the entire gun.

Why not keep the cylinders, return the guns to the owners AND give them a new gun? The owners could sell parts for a small fortune !

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

I suppose bargaining for $$$ from S & W would be out of the question? My 375 H & H Magnum Encore handgun destroyed one of their handgun scopes, which they no longer make, and they cut me a check for $200.00 I believe.

If they're open to it, make sure you ask for CA value.

jed1177 wrote: The determination is made based on when the revolver "shipped out." My search of posts over the past two years made it clear that Kate Fredette is the guru when it comes to final determination if the revolver should be returned. By the way, Jed, what is the date on your original grips and what is the "Spec Ord" four digit number on the label of the box?

GLL wrote: Keep in mind that almost all the 624s that have been returned to them have passed the inspection and are sent back to the owners. They apparently recalled 21,000 revolvers to find approximately 500 that "might" be defective. I believe to date only a handful have failed the inspection. It's not like they're handing out a new firearm every week or two. It's probably been more like one every two or three years.

FWIW, if they call and tell me that the 624 did not pass and cannot be returned to me, I intend to request that they return my "less expensive grips" and all the parts from the 624 in addition to the new firearm. However, I fully expect to be receiving it back in a week or two (it shipped out overnight this afternoon) with paperwork indicating it passed the inspection.

As for what firearm I would ask for, well the only revolver (either Performance Center or not) that I would own is one without a lock. Now, I might ask for a 945 . . . that's some value. But we'll see, I really don't think it's going to fail. I will post the results of this little exercise.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

My spec ord is 5123. I'll have to get the grip date. 624 is in safety deposit box.

Also, I talked directly to Kate and she did my research, Rossini just sent the e-mail.

What's the number for S&W to call and ask.
I have a 624 and would like to find out if mine's on the list.

Jed1177 wrote: Humm . . . The Spec Ord date indicates your 624 has a "born on" date of the 123rd day of 1985. Interestingly, that's May 3, 1985 which was the "shipped out" date on mine. It will be interesting to see the date on your original grips. Mine are dated April 11, 15 or 16 (the ink was heavy and ran a bit), 1985. Maybe yours did not get shipped out until after the recall period. Or, Kate just flips a coin.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

catdad wrote: Best to e-mail Kate at [email protected] with Model number and complete serial number.

Good luck,

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

Best on your 624, and keeping your M624 would be the best thing. Choosing a replacement would be a challenge for me, and might be a fun thing to do in its' own way....

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

Thanks, Denver Dick.

I have read about & pondered about this for a couple of years now, since hearing about it.
I have a 6.5" that Kate says they want to see. I had all the data to return it, but decided not to 2 years ago.

GLL, I don't get it either, it would seem that it would be simple to not bore a .44mag cylinder as deep, correct the length,etc., but I think the extractor star is different now? (so it'd need more fitting & maybe a new hand?)
They could do that though.

I often wonder when this subject pops-up, why someone doesn't just send only the cylinder back? I am sure S&W won't suggest that, but for those of us who have no problem removing one, why not do it that way?

I still don't plan to send any or all of my 624 back.

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John

I think sending only the cylinder is a fine idea.

If the Model 624 cylinder failed the exam I would have a Model 28 cylinder remodeled into a 44 spl and fitted.

Why was it not feasible to make 500 new 624 cylinders from scratch?

They are willing to give away 500 or so new guns @ $300,000 but not willing to make $30,000 worth of new cylinders ! CNC equipment could knock these out very quickly at low cost. If I were a bean counter at S&W I would be asking questions.

I own seven 624s and would hate to give one of them up ! I would consider having a cylinder made or modified by my local Smith smith first even though it would be very expensive.

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

Dick,
I'm pretty confused on this recall thing after finding two guns that are nearly together on the production line.

I'm guess that i'm more amazed that they can actually differentiate bad metal from gun to gun with that degree of accuracy????

jed1177:

Hardness test equipment can pick out minute variations in heat treating with ease.

What is more amazing to me is that S&W or their supplier missed the heat treating flaws before the cylinders made it into the guns.

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

The discussion on this thread has been interesting. I guess, from my perspective, although the 624 is very nice and I want it back, it is only one of 27 lovely handguns I own and shoot. I primarily collect semi-automatic pistols. I'm always on the hunt now for a near new 3rd generation S&W pistol from the early '90s. So, as for sending back only the cylinder and having one custom made later, that's not for me. If the worse happens, I'll just try to maximize my dollar recovery (like holding on to the original grips and requesting the parts back) and move on. There's always another S&W going up on consignment somewhere and another gun show right around the corner.

By the way, I doubt that S&W would offer a replacement if the frame (with serial number) were not returned to them.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

DD:

I agree with you about S&W wanting the frame and cylinder but as you indicate I would also want those valuable parts. The barrel alone would be worth over $100 ! I would buy it from you for that!

The hammer, trigger, crane, and etc. parts would bring a few bucks as well.

Good Luck ! The odds are certainly in your favor that all is okay.

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

DD:

I just noticed you are in Ventura. I am in the Los Angeles area

If for some reason your dealings with S&W do not work out to your satisfaction I would be interested in buying your 3" 624 ! The grips on your gun are a very nice set !

GOOD LUCK !

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

I can't even spell 'sclerometer'?

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John

Me neither ! That is why I refer to ours as "the hardness tester"!

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

Dick,
After all this discussion, I e-mailed Kate and described our 624's being very close in serial numbers, mine originally OK by Rossini and your's being requested back.

She is checking with Rossini on why I was told that mine was not in the recall as it certainly is by serial number. My maunfacture date is in May, 1985. She wants me to ship mine back as well.

Kate also advised that only "1" 624 has been replaced since the recall and it was replaced with another type firearm. Doesn't look like they are interested in repairing them at all.

Kate sent me the info on how to ship and they will pick up the freight both ways.

Now, deciding what to do.....???

I have a 3in. 629-4 #BRK8xxx. I bought it used with no box & Hogue rubber grips. Would this gun be subject to this recall or any that i am unawear of ? thanks.

I think you are good on the 629, problem was the 624's, but to be sure, just send an e-mail with your serial number to Kate at [email protected] and she will check for you.

I wonder if any of the recalled M24 & 624 guns will chamber .44 magnums?

Tom

Thank's jed1177.

Fellas, go here for background on the 629 / 624 recall.

FAQ ON THIS FORUM -- Go to the 4th post down.

That BRK serial number appears way to late. Probably late 80s.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

Well I contacted Kate Fredette by E-Mail and she said my 624 serial #ALU60XX was subject to recall and was shipped from the factory June of 1985.
I'm going to have to alot of pondering, before I send it back to be checked.

Jed1177 wrote Catdad wrote: Well, each of us has to make our own decision. But as for me, I want to know if the cylinder on my revolver is defective. If it is, then I don't want it anyway. If not, then I will get my revolver back with peace of mind and some nice S&W paperwork confirming that my cylinder is a winner. In addition, should I ever sell the revolver, I can give the next owner peace of mind and not worry about whether or not I'm selling him a defective firearm.

Remember, with only one (1) 624 failing in all these years, the odds are pretty darn good yours will pass. However, if you do decide to send it back, get some cheap grips and don't let those original (and now rare) S&W Combat grips travel with the revolver . . . just in case.

Good luck with whatever you guys decide, but I know how I am and it would bug the heck out of me to know that my revolver is subject to a recall and has not been inspected.

I love tinkering with, reloading for and shooting my firearms. It is the primary way I relax. My peace of mind while shooting is worth more to me than any one firearm, even a Lew Horton 3" Model 624. But that's just me . . .

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

The odds of having a non-defective cylinder are pretty good. I have three 624s and a 629 with the red C in a circle on the box label. My other 624 didn't come to me with a box, but Kate Fredette said it was okay. For me, that's five for five. I hope others are as fortunate.

I took delivery of my 624 the day my daughter was born. Means alot to me and certainly don't want to loose it.

With that said, I'm also anal about my "heaters" and it's going back. I need to know it's OK.

Incidently, in addition to the grips, I suggest that you return your 624 in something other than the original box. Lately, returned S&W's have been coming back minus the original box and the plastic ones are very unimpressive.

Hey, Jed. Are you going to wait until I hear back on my AHT277X 624? I will post the moment I find out anything from S&W. If my past experiences hold true, it should be about a week or 10 days.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

Dick,

I think that is a good idea. Unless they have some detailed knowledge when the bad batch occurred, it is probably a gun by gun case. I have AHT275X so we are at least under 30 guns apart. I might feel a little more comfortable sending mine in if yours passes the test. Can't help but wonder, what if the bad steel "snuck" in at number 29?

Please post your results when available.

Jed

Bravo! I have 2 624's the S&W wants to see. No thanks, I'll keep them. They just don't have anything that I'd want to replace them with if they wouldn't return them.

Well DD, I did my pondering and I'm going to roll the dice and send mine back for a check-up, if for nothing else, piece of mind.

OK, I need to know if both of mine fall into the mix. My 3" Ser# is ALU0094, and my 4" is Ser# AKC0159??? The 4" was purchased overseas through the Rod&Gun club system in Germany so it has all the European/Old FRG proofs, making it even more of a rarity in the market.

From an earlier post reference the serial number ranges:

624/629 Cylinder Recall

The Skeeter Skelton article in the October 1985 issue of Shooting Times magazine stated: "A steel supplier has just advised Smith & Wesson that they shipped a very small quantity of incorrect stainless steel material (11 bars) to us that was not in accordance with their certifications. The incorrect material was used in the cylinders for some large-frame stainless-steel revolvers, Model Numbers 624 (.44 Special) and 629 (.44 Magnum). The approximately 500 units containing this material were shipped from Smith & Wesson between January 1, 1985 and June 8, 1985. They would be included in the following ranges of serial numbers: ADXXXXX, AEXXXXX, AFXXXXX, AGXXXXX, AHXXXXX, ALVXXXX, N910000 thru N953000."

Skeeter goes on to say that the bad cylinder steel caused the recall of about 21,000 guns to find 500 with improper steel.

Today, Kate Fredette of Smith & Wesson basically confirmed this same info. The serial number range includes:

ADXXXX
AEXXXX
AFXXXX
AGXXXX
AHXXXX
ALVXXX (the “V” is not a typo)
N910000 thru N953000

Recalled guns were shipped between Jan 1, 1985 and June 8, 1985 only. The cylinder has to be checked on these handguns and the only way to know is by checking the full serial number against their records. The problem involves 500 guns shipped during that period.

If a handgun in the recalled range has already been returned to the factory for testing, a red letter “C” that is circled will be stamped on the box label, indicating that the gun passed re-inspection. No marks are made on the cylinder of checked guns, only the red “C” in the circle stamped on the box label.

If your gun is within this range and you do not have a box or know for certain that it has been tested, you should contact Smith & Wesson. S&W’s records prior to 1986 are not computerized, so it takes them a little longer to look up the particulars.

You can E-mail your gun’s serial number to: [email protected]. S&W will contact you regarding the status of your particular gun. If your gun is included in the recall, you'll be sent a prepaid FedEx label and shipping instructions. While E-mail is best, you may also call S&W Customer Support at 1-800-331-0852.

Recalled cylinders are tested by magnafluxing. If your recalled gun does fail, there are no replacement cylinders. S&W will keep your gun and you will be offered the choice of another handgun of equal value or a refund.

I have a AHFXXXX that is involved in the recall. After reading this post, I contacted Kate and she said I needed to have it tested. I'll do it for my own and others protection. While my 629 is like new, I intend to use it and someday will pass it on. Think there is a small chance of it being one of the bad ones.

Just curious, did you email Kate or call? I have a 629 that falls into the recall & I emailed her & someone else at S&W (can't recall now who it was) a few months ago, but never got a reply from either person. I used Kate's email supplied here, so don't know why she didn't respond. I didn't pursue it, since I'm not sure whether I'll send it in or not.

I emailed Kate last Thursday about my 624 and got an answer 79 minutes later. Pretty good service, I'd say.

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Lorin

Yup, I'd say so. I'll try again if I decide to send it in, but at this point I'm leaning the other way. Thanks Lorin.

Lorin,
Just went back & checked my sent email folder. I sent Kate an email Mar. 30. This is the address I [email protected] On Mar. 19, I sent one to [email protected]. Is that the address you used for Kate?

$2Ray,

I used the same one you did.

[email protected]

Maybe she was out that day, or your email got eaten by cyberspace.

I just noticed that March 30 was a Friday. Most of the emails I send to businesses on Friday seem to "go away" over the weekend if they don't get answered on that same Friday.

Try Kate again - on a "middle of the week" day, say mid-morning.

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Lorin

Yeah, could have been that Fri. thing. Thanks again Lorin.

If this adds anything, my 4", serial number AHC35XX has Spec. Ord. number 6065. And the end of the box has the red "circle c".

SWOK,

Your gun was included in the serial number ranges that were subject to recall.

Your "Spec. Ord." of 6065 means the gun was shipped March 6, 1986.

The red circle "C" indicates your gun was checked and approved by S & W.

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Lorin

Well, my baby is back and all appears okay.

It came with a work order indicating the order #, serial # and noting "BP RECALL". It then says: "REPAIRED: INSPECTED/TESTED & PASSED".

I'm happy and relieved.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70