You will get a new gun for liability reasons as well as negative internet bashing if they don't. The cost of a replacement is nothing to them.
Took my M-38 out frame cracked under barrel
- Thread starter jeeps
- Start date
You will get a new gun for liability reasons as well as negative internet bashing if they don't. The cost of a replacement is nothing to them.
These do crack but they are rare occurrences, it's not a normal thing. Recognize we only hear about those that do crack on the forums, not about the 100,000 that didn't crack.
Keep your grips when you send it in, Smith won't care and they'll just be thrown in a junk barrel at the factory. It wouldn't matter to Smith and you might as well have them as spares or to resell (for your trouble).
Take your pick and of what they offer as a replacement. If you don't like it, sell it and get top dollar as a new gun in the box, even if you test fire it. Then go shopping for another Mod 38. There's a zillion out there w/o cracked frames. And you'll know just what to look for when inspecting potential replacement!
Keep your grips when you send it in, Smith won't care and they'll just be thrown in a junk barrel at the factory. It wouldn't matter to Smith and you might as well have them as spares or to resell (for your trouble).
Take your pick and of what they offer as a replacement. If you don't like it, sell it and get top dollar as a new gun in the box, even if you test fire it. Then go shopping for another Mod 38. There's a zillion out there w/o cracked frames. And you'll know just what to look for when inspecting potential replacement!
sw44spl
Member
My 1971 model 38 has held up good so far. sorry yours cracked I hope they help you out.
RMFnLA
Member
Are you suggesting he knowingly sell an unsafe gun..?
27 Man
Member
Exact same thing happened to my model 38. Same crack in the same place. The frame is very thin at that point. I contacted S&W and they sent me a label with instructions on how to send it to them. Later, I got an email telling me that it was not repairable and would be replaced with a 638. Good advice on keeping the grips. I did and it was not a concern. My only cost through the whole procedure was the transfer fee ($10) that my FFL charged. Hang on to your factory box too if you have it.
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Usually that crack is from over torquing and you can see if they will replace it with the new Model 638, or if you don't want the lock, a 642. Over torquing is not your fault, and if you ask nicely, perhaps they will replace it, which will give you a newer, better gun.
I have a very nice pre model 38 that I have never fired. Most of my guns get shot, but it is the one I worry about turning form nice to trash with from shooting.
When they replaced a gun for me a couple of years ago (a 432, which they also don't make any more) they also reimbursed my transfer fee.
Whatever happened with this? Inquiring minds and all that, ya' know . . .
Not quite 6 weeks from start to finish as you mentioned......though it would be interesting to know if he sent it back and when, so we could start the clock ticking. Alas, like so many of these posts we seldom hear the end......I will be back in a few weeks just to check.
StrawHat
Member
Good to hear it is working out.
Kevin
Kevin
Thanks for the update. Enjoy your new pistol . . .
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
It is good to hear they did the right thing for you. 
I hadn't lost confidence in S&W, and this sure bolsters the company in my mind's eye.
Good for them, and good for you.
Good for them, and good for you.
I've seen cracked m38s. I always thought it was firing a lot of hot ammo.
I've since read about ones that crack came from over torque of barrel. If
one cracks under normal use it still could be from torque. It may not be
cracked from factory but if stress is there, shooting may crack it. I just
wonder how many are cracked and owners don't know it.
I've since read about ones that crack came from over torque of barrel. If
one cracks under normal use it still could be from torque. It may not be
cracked from factory but if stress is there, shooting may crack it. I just
wonder how many are cracked and owners don't know it.
It sure is. Mine brought me safely through nighttime casino parking lots many times before I discovered the M&P 340 (and the wisdom of using valet parking!). The 638 is a gun I would not sell.
FWIW: On one 638 in my pal's LGS, I felt a burr somewhere inside the action when trying to cock it SA that prevented the hammer from fully retracting and locking back. Yeah, I know, 638s are not meant to be fired SA
, but it's something to BOLO for. Congrats and good shooting.Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
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