639 frame cracked fixable or parts?

[Bruce51]

Well my well used high mileage dependable 639 has a problem.

Noticed a small crack in the stop window which has migrated to the inside and then up and across the rail.

It took about three range trips and 200 rounds to crack all the way.

I purchased this new in 1986 and have enjoyed shooting it with thousands of 9mm.

I can't find any posts where this has happened with a 639 so here are my questions.

Can this be welded? What type of SS was used in the frame? It is very soft and malleable. Cuts easily with a file and has at one time slightly deformed yet was easily realigned.

This pistol is very dependable and I would really like to add a few more years to the frame before we both end up in the parts bin.

Comments and suggestions welcome. If you have one I suggest watching this area just in case.

Bruce51

 

[chief38]

I believe S&W started their lifetime warranty a few years after your pistol was made (1989 I believe) so I doubt they will do much for you there, but you could call.

Welding could be an option if it were done by someone who works on firearms regularly. I'd not brink it to just any welder.

 

[RodD]

Micro welding. Someone in Ohio or Indiana does this. Has been discussed on forums, just don't remember where.

 

[Bruce51]

Thank you for taking the time to respond Chief38 and RodD.

Trying to find someone to microweld this will be a challenge especially here behind enemy lines.

This is the second time I've had a crack the first being a crack around the circumference of the barrel bushing.

I'm on lookout for a low mileage replacement if one exists.

Bruce 51

 

[MetalMan]

Just curious….

If you've now had 2 examples of Model 639 which have cracked, why would you be looking for a third?

As a revolver guy, is there something unique to the Model 639 which keeps bringing you back? Aren't there other suitable (more suitable?) options out there?

 

[WR Moore]

Search for microprecision welding. You might also check with the factory to see if by some chance there might be a spare frame left over.

 

[Doug M.]

Contact BMCM.

 

[armorer951]

In your photographs, the top of the frame rail appears to show some significant battering from the barrel camming down after opening. (firing)

It's possible that the continued use of a worn, aftermarket, or out of spec. recoil spring has contributed to this evident "peening", and to the damage in the form of the stress crack you have pointed out.

Regular replacement of the recoil spring is crucial to keeping this kind of stress at bay, so that damage doesn't occur.

"Microwelding" may be an option. In the past, I have used Tony South at Micro-Precision Welding. Very knowledgeable, professional, and reasonable turn around times.

TIG Welding, Micro Tig Welding, Mold Welding, Micro Laser Welding | Micro Precision Welding

 

[mscampbell2734]

First, this is very common on 1911s, to the point that several manufactures actually cut that small section of rail away. I'd suggest just that, cutting that section of rail away.

Second since this is your second such gun to fail I'd also suggest you review your care and maintenance. The 9mm is not a hard recoiling round, but the guns do need some maintenance to function over the long run.

 

[Bruce51]

Contact BMCM. Please spell this out as Google does not come up with any welding information based on these initials.

Ok thanks for the input and let me clear a few things up.

There is only one 639 not two. First crack happened last year in the barrel bushing a replaceable part.

This was my first 9mm pistol before a S & W forum and information related to recoil spring change intervals. It was shot a lot with full power ammunition. Excuse my youthful lack of auto pistol knowledge.

Eventually realized it needed a new spring and grease on the rails for lubrication. Oil just would not last through a shooting session.

It has had several recoil springs replaced and has been cleaned and well maintained.

The ejector broke once but it would still drop cases at my feet.

It will still faithfully empty magazines of 9mm without a single hiccup.

As I mentioned in the OP the frame metal seems unusually soft.

The frame battering happened early 1990's but has never gone further than what is in the pictures.

I have other SS framed S & W pistols and the frames show no signs of battering, peening or galling. The frame metal seems to be harder than the frame of the 639.

Question is about how come my pistol frame is soft and is this normal?

Thirty six years is a good run for a $300 pistol that was shot hard and never failed.

Bruce51

 

[ken158]

After reading this thread I am of the though that you have reached a milestone with your 639 and effectively worn it out… They were not designed to last forever and the frame softness you describe will likely prevent any successful micro-welding. We all got to retire at some time!

 

[Sevens]

This pistol is very dependable and I would really like to add a few more years to the frame before we both end up in the parts bin.

I had to chuckle at this line, well played.

Just curious….

If you've now had 2 examples of Model 639 which have cracked, why would you be looking for a third?

As a revolver guy, is there something unique to the Model 639 which keeps bringing you back? Aren't there other suitable (more suitable?) options out there?

Far be it for me to answer for the OP but I can tell you that the 639 is a somewhat unique model in the S&W line up as a full size, single stack and also steel frame 9mm.

The Model 39/39-2 was made in massive volume and they were alloy frame, except for an extremely rare run of under a thousand examples that were steel frame. And the 3rd Gen 3906 was a full size single stack steel frame, but those are scarce also, made for only a couple of years and are not easy to find.

That makes the 639 not a rare pistol (they made MANY!) however, it is a rare combination of these three characteristics.

Beyond that, anyone that has owned/loved a gun for 3-4 decades is certainly going to look for options to keep an old girl viable rather than running away for a "better option."

We are, after all, enthusiasts here.

 

[Doug M.]

BMCM is a member's screen ID.

 

[Sevens]

^^Yes, I had meant to post on that also.

OP, check this thread and/or ANY post by member BMCM:
10mm Conversion Lab - C'mon in Y'all

This gentleman is a top tier craftsman and he's also good enough to share pictures and explanation of the things that he does.

He is the guy that is being recommended if you would like an opinion or some quality work on your 639.

 

[Racer X]

Yes, another of the S&W oddities. 439 has an alloy frame, 639 is all stainless. (love my 439. Just snagged a 639 part kit from eBay, all but a frame. Going to make a "proper" 639!

5906 is full sized all stainless, but the 6906 has an alloy frame. Should be a 6903.

639s and 3906s are uncommon, to say the least.

 

[1chessiefan]

Bruce51,
I second the suggestion that you see if Tony South at Micro Precision Welding can hook you up. He laser welded a front sight for me. You will need to have a gunsmith fit and finish it after the welding. His business is located in Mattawan, Michigan.

1chessiefan

 

[Bruce51]

Thank you all for the good information.

Especially from Sevens who I knew would understand why the 639 is my favorite 9mm from his many past posts.

I realize I'm a dog chasing his tail at this point. The cost of shipping and repairs will exceed the real value of this pistol in its current condition.

Trying to find an all steel single stack replacement will be my next quest.

As for now I'm debating whether to just shoot, retire or just part it out using the funds toward something new.

I'm retired and in no hurry and have other 2nd generation Smiths to enjoy.

Bruce 51

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I know BMCM has someone that handles his micro-welding jobs . Another member sent his 10mm to him for some of Bill's fix me up . It involved some micro-welding , so I know he has someone , and if he uses him , he has to be one of the best , if not the best .

 

[Racer X]

Thank you all for the good information.

Especially from Sevens who I knew would understand why the 639 is my favorite 9mm from his many past posts.

I realize I'm a dog chasing his tail at this point. The cost of shipping and repairs will exceed the real value of this pistol in its current condition.

Trying to find an all steel single stack replacement will be my next quest.

As for now I'm debating whether to just shoot, retire or just part it out using the funds toward something new.

I'm retired and in no hurry and have other 2nd generation Smiths to enjoy.

Bruce 51

Just contact BMCM and get a ballpark quote and go from there.

 

[maxfam]

If you search on "Cracked 659 Frame", this is who micro welded mine.