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05-27-2009, 07:29 AM
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Location: Winston-Salem, NC
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One of my distributors forwarded this to me today and I thought I'd pass it along as an FYI...
5/26/2009
Dear Smith & Wesson Customer,
Smith & Wesson prides itself on not only making the best firearms in the world, but also on being the most responsive to its customers.
Several years ago, we began making our K-frame Model 67s and Model 64s (.38 S&W +P) with a two-piece barrel system. The two-piece barrel system consists of an outer shroud locked in place by an inner barrel sleeve that contains the rifling.
After learning that our customers prefer the more traditional, one-piece barrel design, Smith & Wesson has decided to revert back to the one-piece barrel system for these models.
Therefore, starting at the end of May 2009, product codes 162802 (Model 67) and 162506 (Model 64) may have either one or two-piece barrels as we transition over to the one-piece barrel design. By the end of July 2009, all of the firearms manufactured in these two models will be shipped with the one-piece barrel. The price will not change for either revolver.
If you have any questions, please contact our customer service department at 1-800-331-0852.
Regards,
Smith & Wesson
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05-27-2009, 08:23 AM
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Absent Comrade
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Hi Catman253 !
So, since S&W is so "responsive to its customers", I guess the lock free revolvers will be announced shortly .
Thanks for passing along the good news! Best regards, 18DAI.
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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change
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05-27-2009, 08:27 AM
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Any way someone could mention to S&W that maybe the 619 & 620 should be added to this? Haha
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Spectat Umbrae
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05-27-2009, 08:28 AM
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Didn't the two piece design allow them to fit the BC gap tighter more consistently? What was the disadvantage?
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05-27-2009, 08:33 AM
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The biggest disadvantage was that sometimes the shooter ended up with three pieces or four pieces seperately instead of two pieces assembled. Do a Forum search for 620 for details(I can't remember where it is). It wasn't pretty!
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05-27-2009, 01:04 PM
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Quote:
What was the disadvantage?
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I looked through 9 pages of searches on 620's looking for blown up barrels. I found none. What I did find was a couple of other posts giving 2nd -3rd hand accounts of damaged 2 piece barrels.
I have, and shoot a bunch, a 460 XVR. Although the X-Frame has had some some trouble
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05-27-2009, 01:06 PM
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Quote:
Although the X-Frame has had some some trouble
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****! I wasn't finished.
The X-Frame has had some trouble, but the barrel assy. has been just fine.
To be fair and ballenced, there have been 1st hand accounts of barrel shrouds loosening on Night Gaurd guns on the first range trip. Now, that would suck.
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05-27-2009, 03:36 PM
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Sorry you couldn't locate the pictures but they sure weren't 2nd or 3rd hand. The scandium alloy guns seem to have their own unique characteristics including blast shields which need to be frequently replaced. I personally know and have seen four of the 45ACP's come out of the box with loose shrouds. Generally the more complicated the machine the more chance there is for it to have problems. Like the lock: Never had any trouble with it and don't personally know anyone who has but........it's just one more thing Murphy can wreak havoc with at a time when you need everything to work. Simplicity: one piece barrels, no locks, and steel.
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06-03-2009, 06:33 PM
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Actually I was the victim in this saga,
http://smith-wessonforum.com/e...581095623#6581095623
S/W did a good customer service fix.
I received a 686-6 7 shot (slight upgrade) that does not have the 2 piece barrel but does have the IL.
Received complete refund and a free shipping label (about $100) for the next custom job.
Kind of ashame though. I rather liked the feel and shootability of the 620 but it does have 2 dislikes. 2 piece barrel and IL.
Other issue is this should have never happened in the first place. Luckily I noticed that in the last round fired something didnt feel quite right, unloaded, the pistol, and noticed a complete circular crack around that "washer/soup can lid" then it literally came apart in my hands. We debated the metallurgy and forging defects to death except for the fact that If it was a defect in metal or temps...how many others model 619/620 in the same batch, could do the same as mine.
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06-04-2009, 03:04 AM
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Thanks for jumping in bucky. I'd own a 620 in a heartbeat if the two piece barrel went away. The lock I can "deal with" but just can't get past the possibility of ending with more pieces than I started!
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