637 Forcing Cone Issue

Jimmyjones

Jimmyjones

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I picked up a 637 a few weeks ago and finally got to take it to the range. I really like this little guy, currently my favorite J-Frame. It shot real well at defensive distances and the trigger is great.

I ran a box of 158gr rnd nose through it and some +P. when i was cleaning it I noticed a lot of lead in the bore, looking at the forcing cone I saw this.

The cone looks more like a rough countersink then a cone. I looked at my other revolvers, some older then me, and have a fair idea what it should look like.

I'd prefer to find a local GS and have the cone re-cut, but I'm not sure it would be in spec. I'd rather not send it back if I can get it fixed locally.

It shots well, and I got it primarily for carry but I enjoy shooting it and planned on running it pretty regularly. I can live with the leading issue, I think. I can feel the step with a toothpick, and it grabs fibers off a q-tip.

Kinda at a loss, as to where to go next. Should I just live with it, or contact S&W CS and see what they say, find a local gunsmith and have it evaluated.

Thoughts ?

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I agree it does not look right

However . . .
There is an old saying, if it is not broke do not fix it.

You say it is shooting good and you do not object to cleaning it . . . then leave it alone.

If you are going to fix it, send it to the factory. I can't imagine why you would not want them to handle it.
 
Inconsistent workmanship

Welcome, unfortunately, to the world of inconsistent S&W workmanship. I've seen this too on my guns with varying degrees of it in both the forcing cone & throats. A similar topic was brought up a little while ago. http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...c-internal-thread-cylinder.html#post137408915

Like Colt_SAA said, if it shoots good, & I honestly can't say it's affected mine either, probably best to leave it alone, unless you have to send it in for something else. It's just shameful to have to look at though. :o
 
I own plenty of J frames, but no 637's to look at here. I would give the Factory a call and see what they have to say. You might want to email the pic's to them before sending in the gun so they know exactly what you are talking about.

What kind of ammo were you shooting? Some soft lead bullets will lead up almost any gun. Lewis Lead Remover is your friend - Brownell's.
 
That's not right at all. It's leading so bad because those steps are shearing the bullets all to hell. Imagine shooting wadcutters through that and what a mess it would be. I'd send it back for sure.
 
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They don't seem to swap barrels on the aluminum frames and will probably swap the rest of your parts into a new barrel and frame.
 
I've never had any warranty work done by S&W. Mainly because all of my guns are old shooters that I work on myself, as the need arises. Would S&W really repair/replace that gun if the OP is not the original owner? I've heard lots of comments about "Lifetime warranty" issues, but I can't imagine any company nursing a product along regardless of how many times it has changed owners. I can understand the factory providing quality service at a fair price, but this lifetime warranty thing that gets bandied about seems supremely unrealistic, in my opinion. Frankly, I don't see an economical repair for that gun, short of a new barrel.
 
Maximumbob54 said:
They don't seem to swap barrels on the aluminum frames and will probably swap the rest of your parts into a new barrel and frame.
Click to expand...

That's been my understanding also from the other repair threads I've read, and a point of concern.
Replacing the frame requires it comes back through an FFL, with the additional cost of another background check (thanks CO Legislature).

I emailed CS and included the pictures, got the automated response that I'm in the queue.

Time to wait and see.
 
The new barrel, not as smooth as I'd like but much better than the prior. It shot great before, hopefully I'll get it out to the range this week and confirm it still shoots great.

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