Cracked the Frame on my 4006TSW CHP (Final Update)
- Thread starter DAOTSWGUY
- Start date
If S&W does have you send it in, I would install everything back to factory if you have it.
Rosewood
donk52
Member
Weld it. Heli-arc by someone who knows what their doing. I actually had a mainspring from a flintlock pistol welded after searching for one, still working. What do you have to lose?
Void the warranty.
Someone please explain to me why you would want to spend the money on a repair before even giving S&W the chance to warranty it? A warranty is free and will continue if you give them a chance. If they refuse, then look into other options.
Rosewood
Rosewood
The potential problem with the warranty is that it extends to the original purchaser. The gun being marked CHP, screams that the current owner is not the original purchaser. That said, from what I’ve read here and my own experience, it depends on who you talk to in C S the phase of the moon, day of the week, etc as to the response you’ll get.
Its not worth your health or well being to repair this and depend on it not to have a catastrophic failure. Unlikely, but there is the chance the frame could crack during firing that the slide could derail and come back at your face. I've had a FN49 detonate out of battery. Long background story on that one, but there's about three seconds of my life I can't account for due to being smacked by the concussion of an 8mm mauser round exploding near my head. Bottom line is that you're doing the right thing replacing it rather than patching it. Part it out but if you leave the damaged pistol in one piece, make sure you tag it that its unsafe to fire for whomever may find it perhaps after you pass on. Right now its like an old sea mine they find time to time bobbing in the ocean, might go off, might not.
Sent in my 1076 a few years back that I believe was a FBI model. They fixed it and didn't ask questions. I have several others that I have sent in and never have they came back and denied the work.
Now, I have 2 at the mothership right now, I may be eating my words soon. Hopefully you guys will be instead of me though....
At least worth a call regardless.
You must also consider that the problem is a serious safety issue and could very well be a factory defect. Some manufactures will fix it even if out of warranty depending on the failure for liability reasons. Mossberg replaced a barrel free of charge on my 935 because the vent rib was not straight on the barrel. Bought it used at a pawn shop and was years past the 2 year warranty. It never hurts to ask. I called Georgia Boot once to buy new inserts to my boots, the ones in them had worn out. They shipped me new inserts for free. I was willing to pay for them. The worst they can tell you is no.
Rosewood
Last edited:
Jeppo
Member
Just tell ‘em your name is Francis Poncherello and there will be no further questions.
I HAVE SEEN THIS CRACK ON S&W 3 GEN BEFORE, 9MM AND 40's( YES AND SIGS, BERETTAS AND GLOCKS) . EACH TIME THE CULPRIT WAS THE RECOIL SPRING NEVER BEING REPLACED. THE RECOIL SPRING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED PERIODICALLY. THE HIGHER PRESSURE THE CARTRIDGE THE MORE FREQUENT THE REPLACEMENT. JP
P.S. I'M NOT SAYING THE NEW OWNER DIDN'T CHANGE THE SPRING IN A TIMELY MANNER. BUT BEING USED THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL HOW IT WAS DONE BEFORE HE BOUGHT IT. THE DAMAGE COULD HAVE BEEN DONE EARLY ON.
P.S. I'M NOT SAYING THE NEW OWNER DIDN'T CHANGE THE SPRING IN A TIMELY MANNER. BUT BEING USED THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL HOW IT WAS DONE BEFORE HE BOUGHT IT. THE DAMAGE COULD HAVE BEEN DONE EARLY ON.
Last edited:
"Captain Dan Matthews" might work better. 
Just tell ‘em your name is Francis Poncherello and there will be no further questions.
LVSteve
Member
I have to agree. This bombshell was ticking the moment it left the factory.
mscampbell2734
Member
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2012
- Messages
- 792
- Reaction score
- 878
You guys have to remember early, and the 4006 counts as early, 40 cals were largely rebarreled 9mms. HPs, 4006, Sig 226 in 40, Beretta 96, all were based on 9mms.
This was a common concern when these guns first came out. Browning redesigned the HP with a third locking lug and recontoured frame, why do you think they switched from forged to cast frames? Beretta had to reinforce the 96 slide to avoid cracks.
The fact this crack is right where the barrel cams down just tells me it's a wear and tear issue from firing a round the frame was not designed to handle.
This was a common concern when these guns first came out. Browning redesigned the HP with a third locking lug and recontoured frame, why do you think they switched from forged to cast frames? Beretta had to reinforce the 96 slide to avoid cracks.
The fact this crack is right where the barrel cams down just tells me it's a wear and tear issue from firing a round the frame was not designed to handle.
OP
DAOTSWGUY
Member
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2018
- Messages
- 122
- Reaction score
- 76
Maybe so I thought it was the ammo I would like to see what they say I will call them later this week and let you all know what they says regardless it’s a shame I loved that gun and it’s a shame it had to give it up.
Another thing is there is no way to estimate how many rounds are through a particular gun unless you know the officer it was issued to. Granted most officers don't shoot that much, but some shoot a lot, and why not shoot your issued gun, if it breaks it will be repaired or replaced FREE.
The gun could have been reissued and recycled through the academy, where it would have been shot a lot we figured 3000-3500 rds in the academy. If remediation or a recruit recycle way more. Person quits or goes to another agency and that gun will be reissued to another recruit.
And the biggest drawback, the real truth, that any armorer or gunsmith for a large agency issuing any 40 cal handguns will tell you, They just don't hold up, more failures/ breakages than all other calibers combined. Any alloy frame 40 , forget it. Qual only and carry . The only things you can do is keep them clean, well lubed and replace the recoils spring often every 2500 rounds maybe more if shooting +p or some high velocity ammo.
Same should be adhered to for all 3rd gen shorter ,45s- 4566/4516/ and alloy frames.
You know some CHP officer may want to buy it only to go in his/her shadow box. Some guys make those guns inoperable anyway. I know if that was my issued gun I would pay a couple hundred for it for that purpose. Instead of ruining my gun or risking it in a shadow box. Just a thought.At 350 or so at least you would recoup some of the original cost. I would be shocked if S/W can or will repair it. Best would be a 40 M/P oh boy...but you never know. Good luck
Good luck ..
The gun could have been reissued and recycled through the academy, where it would have been shot a lot we figured 3000-3500 rds in the academy. If remediation or a recruit recycle way more. Person quits or goes to another agency and that gun will be reissued to another recruit.
And the biggest drawback, the real truth, that any armorer or gunsmith for a large agency issuing any 40 cal handguns will tell you, They just don't hold up, more failures/ breakages than all other calibers combined. Any alloy frame 40 , forget it. Qual only and carry . The only things you can do is keep them clean, well lubed and replace the recoils spring often every 2500 rounds maybe more if shooting +p or some high velocity ammo.
Same should be adhered to for all 3rd gen shorter ,45s- 4566/4516/ and alloy frames.
You know some CHP officer may want to buy it only to go in his/her shadow box. Some guys make those guns inoperable anyway. I know if that was my issued gun I would pay a couple hundred for it for that purpose. Instead of ruining my gun or risking it in a shadow box. Just a thought.At 350 or so at least you would recoup some of the original cost. I would be shocked if S/W can or will repair it. Best would be a 40 M/P oh boy...but you never know. Good luck
Good luck ..
Last edited:
I just checked mine to be sure it wasn’t cracked, I’m good!
