Model 624 Recall Question

I am looking at a Model 624 with a serial # that possibly falls under the recall. There is no box - so no Red "C". If I call S&W will they be able to tell me if this gun is part of the recall? Is there any other way to tell if this gun is "OK"? Thanks for all the Great Information I have gotten on this site.

There are several previous threads about this issue if you use the search button. I have two 624s which I acquired more than 20 years ago. I called S&W and they told me to send them in which I did and they came back a couple weeks later with a "found ok" or some such; maybe the Red C on the box, I don't remember, but no marking on the gun.

There have been various issues discussed/suggested as to faulty metallurgy but the real issue was that apparently some 624 cylinders were bored deep enough that a 44 mag round could be inserted. All S&W will do is check to see that 44 mag rounds won't fit; you can do that yourself. Supposedly S&W will keep your 624 if a 44 mag round can be inserted.

And be aware, also discussed in previous posts, some brands (and hand loads) of 44 Mag may fit in 624 cylinders.

Your 624 should be just fine. If it were mine I'd use it and not worry about the recall.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

The whole story in a nutshell:

Model 624 Recall and "F" stamp



I have a 624 with box, no red "C" on the box. The cylinder has an "F", but I'm told that this has nothing to do with the supposed cylinder issue.


The “alleged” issue:

The Skeeter Skelton article in the October 1985 issue of Shooting Times magazine stated: "A steel supplier has just advised Smith & Wesson that they shipped a very small quantity of incorrect stainless steel material (11 bars) to us that was not in accordance with their certifications. The incorrect material was used in the cylinders for some large-frame stainless-steel revolvers, Model Numbers 624 (.44 Special) and 629 (.44 Magnum). The approximately 500 units containing this material were shipped from Smith & Wesson between January 1, 1985 and June 8, 1985. They would be included in the following ranges of serial numbers: ADXXXXX, AEXXXXX, AFXXXXX, AGXXXXX, AHXXXXX, ALVXXXX, N910000 thru N953000."

Skeeter goes on to say that the bad cylinder steel caused the recall of about 21,000 guns to find 500 with improper steel.


Official S&W release:

Kate Fredette of Smith & Wesson basically confirmed this same info. The serial number range includes:

ADXXXX
AEXXXX
AFXXXX
AGXXXX
AHXXXX
ALVXXX (the “V” is not a typo)
N910000 thru N953000

"Recalled guns were shipped between Jan 1, 1985 and June 8, 1985 only. The cylinder has to be checked on these handguns and the only way to know is by checking the full serial number against their records. The problem involves 500 guns shipped during that period.

“If a handgun in the recalled range has already been returned to the factory for testing, a red letter “C” that is circled will be stamped on the box label, indicating that the gun passed re-inspection. No marks are made on the cylinder of checked guns, only the red “C” in the circle stamped on the box label.

"If your gun is within this range and you do not have a box or know for certain that it has been tested, you should contact Smith & Wesson. S&W’s records prior to 1986 are not computerized, so it takes them a l little longer to look up the particulars.

"You can E-mail your gun’s serial number to:
[email protected]

"S&W will contact you regarding the status of your particular gun. If your gun is included in the recall, you'll be sent a prepaid FedEx label and shipping instructions. While E-mail is best, you may also call S&W Customer Support at 1-800-331-0852.

"Recalled cylinders are tested by magnafluxing*. If your recalled gun does fail, there are no replacement cylinders. S&W will keep your gun and you will be offered the choice of another handgun of equal value or a refund.”

* I suspect magnafluxing was actually to verify if someone had shot 44 Mags in the cylinder and damaged it.


Now the 'real' story from Roy Jinks:

In response to a member’s email, asking Roy Jinks about the steel used in the cylinder in February of 2008, he replied:

"The cylinder problem was the fact that some cylinders had long chambers and you could chamber the .44 Magnum round in the cylinder. So it is an easy check. If the gun will chamber the .44 Magnum round then it has one of the cylinders that was affected. if it does not chamber the round then you are okay. You will still be okay as long as you shoot only .44 Specials in the revolver.

"Believe what you want to, but it was my project and I certainly do not remember a problem with the stainless steel for the cylinders." Roy Jinks


Personal note: Knowing the above I would not send the gun back nor would I worry about it even if 44 Mags chambered; I just would never shoot them.

This GREAT summary should be book marked for future reference! IMO

[emoji106]


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The Model 624 I purchased has an ALV XXXX serial#. I called S&W customer service and they were able to tell me that it had a born date of November 1985. Outside the recall date.