UPDATED Slight crack under forcing cone scandium frame

[stansdds]

Yes, there are exceptions. How does one keep an accurate record of that 6,000 rounds?

I keep a log book for my firearms. When I purchase a firearm, be it new or used, I start a new section in the binder and record the number of rounds fired every time that firearm gets used. I even record different power levels of the rounds fired, so there is an accurate recording of standard pressure vs. +P or, in the case of magnum handguns, reduced pressure vs. full power rounds fired.

 

[rockquarry]

I would call that the rule, not the exception. For every one Airweight that has developed the crack under 1K rounds, there are 9 more that will not until several thousand rounds later. Even if we set a realistic 10K round service life of an Airweight, you would spend nearly $5000 in ammo at the current prices to break it.... which S&W would probably replace anyways.

I just don't understand the alloy frame hate. According to the interwebz every Airweight shears it's hammer pin and cracks in the yoke channel after a single box of bunny-fart wadcutters.

By "exception", I meant 6,000 rounds without a crack; perhaps my fault for not making clear what I meant. I'm pretty sure few of these guns see such use.

I don't know think anyone knows how long these guns will last. Same for service life (10,000 rounds?), and same for the the percentage of cracked frames. You may have more in the way of facts on all this that I'm unaware of and your experience may be far greater than mine.

You are certainly influenced by getting a remarkable number of rounds from your gun without problem. My remarks are influenced by a cracked Colt Agent frame and a cracked S&W Model 38 frame, but there is no "hate" involved.

In my post, I only asked how you accurately kept up with the number of rounds fired. I wasn't expecting a tirade on alleged "alloy frame hate", if there is such a thing.

 

[HamHands]

After reading about the issue on this Forum, I found my early 642 (non plus P rated) frame cracked under the barrel. I sent it back and received a requested 442 in return. I didn’t have to provide any documentation of purchase or ownership. They provided a free shipping label and no charge for return shipping to my FFL. I just paid the transfer fee. No complaints.

Now THAT is a F'n Crack!

Smith is a pretty classic manufacturer/company... I've had Smith just send me parts on just my word (all true words btw), when parts weren't right or broke and I fixed/installed them... No frames obviously though as I'd certainly send that kind of breakage back... But they are pretty great about that kind of stuff... So is Springfield, Spike's Tactical, and Colt for what it's worth...

 

[556A2]

By "exception", I meant 6,000 rounds without a crack; perhaps my fault for not making clear what I meant. I'm pretty sure few of these guns see such use.

I don't know think anyone knows how long these guns will last. Same for service life (10,000 rounds?), and same for the the percentage of cracked frames. You may have more in the way of facts on all this that I'm unaware of and your experience may be far greater than mine.

You are certainly influenced by getting a remarkable number of rounds from your gun without problem. My remarks are influenced by a cracked Colt Agent frame and a cracked S&W Model 38 frame, but there is no "hate" involved.

In my post, I only asked how you accurately kept up with the number of rounds fired. I wasn't expecting a tirade on alleged "alloy frame hate", if there is such a thing.

First, it's not my 642 in the test. I do keep log counts by tearing off the box labels of ammo I shoot and recording it to an Excel spreadsheet. Most people just use a notebook.

Second, there were several other posts about refusal to own an alloy frame revolver. I was not dogpiling on you. It's just a side discussion that alloy frame revolvers are not as fragile as their reputation on the internet with a solid data point.

 

[dinooch]

I have a 340sc and have read about these guns having frame cracking under the forcing cone. I purchased mine in 2003 and have shot it very sparingly with 357 loads mainly .38's and have carried it a lot. I noticed a small ) shaped mark under the forcing cone which you can feel with a pick it appears that the titanium cylinder gas ring is making contact there from recoil. Have any of you heard of this? I find very limited information and Smith and Wesson is on holiday break till January 3rd I'm obviously concerned about shooting it and having it grenade in my hand

I contacted Smith & Wesson customer service today. They requested my contact info and photo of condition via e-mail. I was advised not to shoot the gun and they are paying shipping both ways. Not even a question immediate positive response. We'll see how it turns out.

 

[colt_saa]

I contacted Smith & Wesson customer service today. They requested my contact info and photo of condition via e-mail. I was advised not to shoot the gun and they are paying shipping both ways. Not even a question immediate positive response. We'll see how it turns out.

Just realize before you ship it off, they will refuse to return the revolver to you if they think it is unsafe or a liability issue

So if you have anything custom on it like grips or sights or whatever, take them off before sending the firearm