Cracked mod 442 nickel

[haifabuddy]

I have had this snubbie for about 15 years. Bought new and has about 100 rounds through it, all regular pressure factory loads. Not one +P ever shot! I noticed today there is a crack developing under the forcing cone from the outside on the frame. It appears to go all the way through. but cone is intact. Is this something S&W can/will repair/replace?

 

[ladder13]

Is the forcing cone cracked or the frame? Either way, Smith should repair or replace as necessary. Give them a call.

 

[s&wchad]

I'm sorry to hear about your 442.

The lifetime warranty covers guns made after Feb. 1989. Phone customer service tomorrow and they'll send a prepaid shipping label and take care of you.

Does it look like this?

 

[haifabuddy]

Similar, not as bad. If you are an S&W employee, thanks, I am a stockholder.

I suppose they do not have those anymore, will they replace with a no lock 442 or 642? My serial is BRK3209, I think it was at dealers for awhile before I purchased it.

 

[haifabuddy]

Am I right it is an aluminum stress fracture?

 

[ladder13]

Similar, not as bad. If you are an S&W employee, thanks, I am a stockholder.

I suppose they do not have those anymore, will they replace with a no lock 442 or 642? My serial is BRK3209, I think it was at dealers for awhile before I purchased it.

New 442's without the lock are available, but not in nickle. You had a no-lock 442, you should ask for the same as a replacement. Let us know what the factory does.

 

[s&wchad]

If you are an S&W employee, thanks...

I'm not an S&W employee, but I've dealt with their customer service more than a couple times and they're typically excellent.

I think the official party line is that the cracks are due to over-torquing of the barrel at assembly.