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S&W-Smithing Maintenance, Repair, and Enhancement of Smith & Wesson and Other Firearms.


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Old 01-04-2021, 12:14 AM
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Crack in Airweight 38? Crack in Airweight 38? Crack in Airweight 38? Crack in Airweight 38? Crack in Airweight 38?  
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Default Crack in Airweight 38?

Hi all. I am hoping that someone might be able to take a look at the attached picture of my wife’s airweight 38, and tell me if it is cracked. It has maybe had 20 rounds out through it. I did not see it when it was purchased, but this looks odd to me. It follows part of the casting mark, then goes up into the trigger area. I would contact smith and Wesson, but the contact area on their website does not appear to have an email. If anyone has one they could share, I would appreciate it. Anyway, here is the gun. Thanks for your help!
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Old 01-04-2021, 12:26 PM
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NOT A CRACK. IT'S A SEAM WERE THE SIDE PLATE ATTACHES TO THE FRAME. IT'S ON ALL S&W REVOLVERS.JP

P.S. WELCOME ABOARD
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Old 01-04-2021, 12:40 PM
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My octogenarian friend was cleaning out his father's collection when he came across a 6" Python with a similar "crack". I assured him it was a seam so he could get an appropriate price of which he did. I also explained I did not want it because I preferred S&W's.
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Old 01-04-2021, 12:49 PM
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Welcome to the Forum and congratulations on your new firearm

As has alredy been mentioned, that is one edge of the side plate. If you follow that seam around, you will notice that two of the three screws that hold the side plate in place are visible inside the boundary of that line

The side plate removal allows for access to the innards of the revolver. Pictured here is my Model 66 with a clear polymer side plate installed so that you can see what is "Under the Hood"

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Old 01-04-2021, 12:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by colt_saa View Post
The side plate removal .....
Welcome to the forum. Mistaking the side plate outline for a crack is a common first impression.

Now that you know about the plate, there is mostly no reason to remove it, but if you do, don't pry it. Tap the frame under the grip with a screwdriver handle.
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Old 01-04-2021, 01:11 PM
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Good information above. The usual place for a crack in these aluminum alloy frames is the thin part of the frame under which the barrel threads into it. Good shooting with your .38!
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Old 01-04-2021, 01:15 PM
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Whew. Had me worried when I looked at the thumbnail before enlarging it. I've got the same gun.
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Old 01-04-2021, 01:35 PM
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I have been looking for one of those clear sideplates for a long time, for K,L or N frame. Does anyone know where to find one?
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Old 01-08-2021, 12:43 AM
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Thanks all. What a relief!
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Old 01-08-2021, 05:56 AM
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I have the same gun. If yours is cracked then so is mine cause it looks identical. I think its made that way! Great little revolver
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Old 01-08-2021, 06:58 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by colt_saa View Post
Welcome to the Forum and congratulations on your new firearm

As has alredy been mentioned, that is one edge of the side plate. If you follow that seam around, you will notice that two of the three screws that hold the side plate in place are visible inside the boundary of that line

The side plate removal allows for access to the innards of the revolver. Pictured here is my Model 66 with a clear polymer side plate installed so that you can see what is "Under the Hood"

That’s a cool side! There’s a lot going on in there!
I had never seen this before.
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Old 01-08-2021, 10:04 AM
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That's a " I'm a new owner crack " !
All of them have it and it's OK ... it's just the side plate seam or joint .
Don't worry ... be happy and go shooting .
Gary
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Old 01-08-2021, 10:22 AM
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It might be that the force from firing caused a little oil to seep out the seam and make it more visible.

But yeah, you're good!
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Old 01-09-2021, 10:02 AM
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That "crack" is to be admired for the engineering marvel that it is. And don't try to remove it until you look up the proper method of doing so.
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Old 01-09-2021, 10:45 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by max503 View Post
That "crack" is to be admired for the engineering marvel that it is. And don't try to remove it until you look up the proper method of doing so.
What Max says and be aware you want to use "gunsmithing" type" screwdrivers to remove gun screws ... the slots are special and woodworking screwdrivers will chew up the slots .
And if you take the side plate off .... there is one part that can and will fall out . That part must be replaced correctly or the gun will NOT fire.... I've warned you about that stinking little part , so watch for it if it falls out .
Gary
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Last edited by gwpercle; 01-09-2021 at 06:10 PM.
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