Took my M-38 out frame cracked under barrel

[jeeps]

This Bodyguard has been shot 15 times a year with standard factory 158 loads. She is 98% condition. But upon cleaning I seen a crack under the barrel in the frame!! Ugh was a let down!!. I will call Smith Wesson tomorrow. And send it back. Hope they honor there product!!!! I am sure they will not fix it.They do not make them anymore. Pissed off for sure. My favorite house gun.

 

[murphydog]

Total bummer .

They may offer nothing (unfortunately, especially if it is pre-lifetime warranty), a discount on a similar model (currently the 638-3), or least likely a free replacement. It seems to be dependent on your customer service representative. Please let us know what happens.

 

[jeeps]

About late 1970's.

 

[sodacan]

My guess is you get no satisfaction.

 

[jeeps]

Is it safe to shoot?

 

[raygixxer89]

Is it safe to shoot?

I would think not if there is a crack in the frame. I would think even a hair-line crack would give me pause about shooting it.

 

[dr. mordo]

Remember that if you get an answer you don't like, tell them you want to look into private repair and call back later. Different customer service reps may be more generous.

 

[jeeps]

Thanks,I would take a new 638,better than nothing!

 

[M29since14]

Good luck. I think they'll take care of you, but I doubt you get a new gun for free. Maybe I'll be wrong. Hope so.

 

[DWalt]

Having seen at least four (possibly more) similarly cracked S&W alloy frames, I long ago lost interest in ever owning one. They cannot be repaired. Whether they are safe to continue shooting with the crack I have no idea, but I do know that I would not try it.

 

[Mrnurse]

Take it to the Local Gun show FS. S&W would be nuts to do anything on a 48 yo pistol....but...ive read where they did offer a new pistol in trade.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Smith will offer you a list of current replacement firearms. It is unfortunate that you led off with thinking Smith & Wesson wouldn't make it right. They will. Please update the thread whern this occurs . . .

 

[jeeps]

Will call them and update. Thanks

 

[Muss Muggins]

Will call them and update. Thanks

The process will be that you send it back on their dime, they send it to metallurgy to make sure it's a defect, and then you get a new gun. Takes about six weeks to get to "you get a new gun," so be patient . . .

 

[Lonestar57]

The process will be that you send it back on their dime, they send it to metallurgy to make sure it's a defect, and then you get a new gun. Takes about six weeks to get to "you get a new gun," so be patient . . .

And I don't know if it has any sentimental value to you but if it's cracked and you don't like the offer they make they will not return the gun to you.

 

[jeeps]

It's a nice pistol but useless cracked. I like the classic look of old S-WM M-38. Wish they made the new one blue.

 

[rockquarry]

They replaced my like new cracked-frame nickel M38 more than ten years ago with a 638.

Whether or not there is anything to the alleged over-torquing of the barrel in the frame as the cause of the cracking, I don't know. Most don't crack and I would assume some people even fire +P ammo in these guns. I wouldn't buy another older Airweight. I doubt these revolvers were ever intended to be fired much and most probably aren't.

 

[JayFramer]

Sadly, and for reasons unknown, Smith refuses to offer the 638 in a non-locked variant.

 

[S&WsRsweet]

I have a 638 it was a year old and has the lock. I honestly haven't fired any +P thru it but so far so good I am probably going to do away with the lock but haven't as of yet. I would recommend taking one especialy if they offer it to you cheap or free .They aren't bad revolvers and even with MIM parts and lock I haven't had anything break fall off or lock up on its own yet .Worse case you can always trade a new one on something else or sell it outright..Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[jeeps]

S.W. sent label and also says do not shoot it because it's not safe!! Barrel and fragments can fly everywhere!!