Crack in 357 Magnum

thatroolz · Feb 17, 2014

I took Grandpa out to shoot his gun he had never shot before. I am not sure how long he has had it but it cracked using 38 Special rounds. What is the appropriate action to take from this point? I am assuming the gun is unsafe to shoot. We didn't notice it until after getting back from the range and shooting it. he is certain he never saw it before, because all he has done with it is clean it meticulously.

Zipdog · Feb 17, 2014

That's no crack. That's the sideplate mating to the frame. All is good.

thatroolz · Feb 17, 2014

Seriously???? I have no experience with these revolvers at all. So I assumed it was a crack as well. I guess maybe he didn't look at it all that closely before. Thanks for the quick response.

Culina · Feb 17, 2014

that's how nice and tight S&W fits the sideplate, you are not the first one to think its a crack.

jimmyj · Feb 17, 2014

Hi:
I worked part time at a large gun shop, and several customers a year would bring a new S&W Revolver back thinking it was "Cracked" like your Grandfather's. It is normal for a person that is not familiar with S&W Revolvers to assume this.

M3Stuart · Feb 18, 2014

He overcleaned it. JUST KIDDING.

+1 on 'that's the sideplate'.

Don't worry, be happy!

thatroolz · Feb 18, 2014

Thank you all for the great news. I will let him know.

Boogsawaste · Feb 18, 2014

Nope it's cracked. I can take I off your hands and keep it as a display in my collection....

Harry_Callahan · Feb 18, 2014

Many people think that is a crack

BigBill · Feb 18, 2014

Send it to me I'll give you something for it. No the guys above are correct.
Better to ask here and be sure.

gwpercle · Feb 18, 2014

The appropriate action is to take Grandpa back to the range with more ammo....I can assure you he enjoyed himself and would like to do it again.

That's real nice of you to spend time with him, I wish I had been able to spend some time with mine but they both passed while I was still a small child.

Gary

parsonbw · Feb 18, 2014

thatroolz said:
Seriously???? I have no experience with these revolvers at all. So I assumed it was a crack as well. I guess maybe he didn't look at it all that closely before. Thanks for the quick response.

It is possible that the sideplate screws were loose a mite, and after shooting vibrated just a smidgen in order that he could see the hairline between the frame and the sideplate?
Just saying it's maybe possible. Not probable, but nothing is impossible. I think.

ryxlyx · Feb 18, 2014

So funny-- my Dad thought the same about his Smith .44 he bought back in the '80s. Nice tolerances!

Geronimo Jim · Feb 18, 2014

Soooooooooooo funny! Never heard that before.

thatroolz · Feb 18, 2014

gwpercle said:
The appropriate action is to take Grandpa back to the range with more ammo....I can assure you he enjoyed himself and would like to do it again.

That's real nice of you to spend time with him, I wish I had been able to spend some time with mine but they both passed while I was still a small child.

Gary

Yes, you are right! I will take him this weekend after we go to the Gun Show in Rome, GA. I will see if he would like try my M&P 10 out!

thatroolz · Feb 18, 2014

parsonbw said:
It is possible that the sideplate screws were loose a mite, and after shooting vibrated just a smidgen in order that he could see the hairline between the frame and the sideplate?
Just saying it's maybe possible. Not probable, but nothing is impossible. I think.

Are there torque settings for these screws? I can always torque them down just to be sure...

Florida J Frame · Feb 18, 2014

thatroolz said:
Are there torque settings for these screws? I can always torque them down just to be sure...

Before you try to tighten those screws please make sure you have a properly sized gunsmith quality screwdriver. If you aren't sure let a gunsmith do it for you. They are really easy to bugger.

gwpercle · Feb 20, 2014

thatroolz said:
Yes, you are right! I will take him this weekend after we go to the Gun Show in Rome, GA. I will see if he would like try my M&P 10 out!

You are a Most Excellent Grandson....a gun show and the shooting range....Be careful at the gun show , those S&W's will speak to you , then you just have to bring them home...Welcome to the addiction !

BCDWYO · Feb 20, 2014

Florida J Frame said:
Before you try to tighten those screws please make sure you have a properly sized gunsmith quality screwdriver. If you aren't sure let a gunsmith do it for you. They are really easy to bugger.

Plus one on this. Don't try tightening them unless you have the proper screwdrivers!

thatroolz · Feb 21, 2014

Florida J Frame said:
Before you try to tighten those screws please make sure you have a properly sized gunsmith quality screwdriver. If you aren't sure let a gunsmith do it for you. They are really easy to bugger.

Yeah, good idea. I got a muzzle break for my M&P 10 and that factory flash hider doesn't want to give. I don't really have a vice. So I guess I will head to Adventure Outdoors this weekend too.

Crack in 357 Magnum

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