My plan was to buy a new NL 442 or 642 when I come home on leave in a few months, but I keep seeing these posts on quality control problems on new S&W revolvers. Is this as prevalent as it seems or are these just the worst cases?

Basically my question is would I stand a better chance of looking for a good used one or are the majority of new production snubs good to go?

Thanks, still a noob to revolvers...

Just examine the revolver closely, new or used, as you would do with any weapon you might use for serious purpose.

The obvious flaws on the new production guns are well documented here. Read the first few pages of Revolvers: 1980 to Present.

If you buy new revolver look for a canted barrel, cracked frame and check the trigger pull. Make sure its a trigger you can use.

If you buy used, use the "revolver checkout" sticky over on TFL. Also swing out the cylinder and check the frame under the barrel for a crack. Good luck with your search! Regards 18DAI

S&W sells a gazillion units per year. Check my numbers and you'll find them quite accurate. The % of defective units is really small.
This forum is full of the most hard-core fans in the world and they pull no punches when it comes to detecting less than perfect guns. All these complaints added together amount to a percentage of a percentage of a percentage point of overall sales. 18DAI is spot-on. Just take a close look at the gun before you lay your money down. If it is an Internet purchase you have the opportunity to examine the gun at the FFL before you take possession of it.

Old guns are cool and can save you a buck, but there is nothing quite like the feeling of being the first to take one for a spin.

This 642 was NOT a recently manufactured gun, probably late 90's. As you can see even somewhat older guns are suspect as well, the frame cracked on this one. The good news is the gun has been replaced with a new one even though I'm at best the 2nd owner. S&W does not check to see if you were the original owner or not. As stated here, look em' over real good.
Good luck whatever you decide.

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Sure you did

I agree!!
Its pretty hardcore here and the info we don't know is what % of the new pistols, revolvers etc. are sent back on Smith's dime for warranty repair/correction. As noted - really do a thorough inspection BEFORE you sign the paperwork.
Just my $0.02!

Getting a good gun rarely inspires one to post, but everyone likes to bitch about bad experienced. I bought a 442 less than a year ago and it was perfect.

A gunsmith at my lgs polished up some spots in its guts and now its even better.

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Ditto those comments: There are 'good' and 'bad' examples of both new and used guns. Just shop around - your eyes will meet your dream gun....you'll check it out....you'll take her on a date....then before you know it you'll be like an old married couple...picking apart the tiniest flaws.

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But then, what do I know?

My older ones actually have more factory flaws than my new ones. Go figure.

..

Like others have said do a complete check of the revolver either used or new. Most new revolvers that I have handled lately have what I call a "lawyers trigger". Heavy and a rougher action than revolvers made thirty years ago. Unfornately, not many revolvers from S&W or Ruger have as good a trigger out of the box as they did years ago. Its a matter of all gun companies mass production of handguns and not paying attention to overall quality control.
For me I tend to buy revolvers that were made thirty years or older. A person has to do a complete inspection even on older ones but the older ones tend to be better shooting handguns.
Good luck,

Thanks everyone, I will be sure to check out whatever I find and of course come on here and show it off.

I guess my biggest concern is reading this forum for the last few months, looking forward to the hunt then being let down and having to wait 4 more months to start again. Plus, there is a gun show while I will be home so who really knows what I will find there I have found to many models on this forum that I "MUST" have

Thanks again.

We kick our own dog around, but won't let anybody else kick our dog. ALL new S&W revolvers are NOT bad and we all know that.

Having said that, I would steer-clear of a modern alloy gun. The finish is not durable and the bearing surfaces will wear quickly, as in the area of the center-pin contact with the recoil shield. For longevity or heavy and frequent shooting....get an all steel model either blued or stainless. As stated above, you practically have a lifetime warranty whether-or-not you're the original owner. Smith is pretty good about making a really obviously broken gun right.

Good luck and enjoy your hunt for your new toy!

Unfortunately, spot on, particularly "everyone likes to bitch about a bad experience." Don

Purchased a new, no lock 642 last week.
(Local shop has them for $359!)
Barrel, finish, trigger, etc. top notch.
Couldn't be more pleased!

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I have seen many more polishing flaws on older ones, that's for sure.