Hi all. I am hoping that someone might be able to take a look at the attached picture of my wife’s airweight 38, and tell me if it is cracked. It has maybe had 20 rounds out through it. I did not see it when it was purchased, but this looks odd to me. It follows part of the casting mark, then goes up into the trigger area. I would contact smith and Wesson, but the contact area on their website does not appear to have an email. If anyone has one they could share, I would appreciate it. Anyway, here is the gun. Thanks for your help!
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Crack in Airweight 38?
- Thread starter DBG
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NOT A CRACK. IT'S A SEAM WERE THE SIDE PLATE ATTACHES TO THE FRAME. IT'S ON ALL S&W REVOLVERS.JP
P.S. WELCOME ABOARD
P.S. WELCOME ABOARD
pantannojack
US Veteran
My octogenarian friend was cleaning out his father's collection when he came across a 6" Python with a similar "crack". I assured him it was a seam so he could get an appropriate price of which he did. I also explained I did not want it because I preferred S&W's.
Welcome to the Forum and congratulations on your new firearm
As has alredy been mentioned, that is one edge of the side plate. If you follow that seam around, you will notice that two of the three screws that hold the side plate in place are visible inside the boundary of that line
The side plate removal allows for access to the innards of the revolver. Pictured here is my Model 66 with a clear polymer side plate installed so that you can see what is "Under the Hood"
As has alredy been mentioned, that is one edge of the side plate. If you follow that seam around, you will notice that two of the three screws that hold the side plate in place are visible inside the boundary of that line
The side plate removal allows for access to the innards of the revolver. Pictured here is my Model 66 with a clear polymer side plate installed so that you can see what is "Under the Hood"
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
Welcome to the forum. Mistaking the side plate outline for a crack is a common first impression.
Now that you know about the plate, there is mostly no reason to remove it, but if you do, don't pry it. Tap the frame under the grip with a screwdriver handle.
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Good information above. The usual place for a crack in these aluminum alloy frames is the thin part of the frame under which the barrel threads into it. Good shooting with your .38!
max503
Member
Whew. Had me worried when I looked at the thumbnail before enlarging it. I've got the same gun.
Protocall_Design
Vendor
I have been looking for one of those clear sideplates for a long time, for K,L or N frame. Does anyone know where to find one?
washerman
Member
I have the same gun. If yours is cracked then so is mine cause it looks identical. I think its made that way! Great little revolver
40_CALIBER
Member
Welcome to the Forum and congratulations on your new firearm
As has alredy been mentioned, that is one edge of the side plate. If you follow that seam around, you will notice that two of the three screws that hold the side plate in place are visible inside the boundary of that line
The side plate removal allows for access to the innards of the revolver. Pictured here is my Model 66 with a clear polymer side plate installed so that you can see what is "Under the Hood"
That’s a cool side! There’s a lot going on in there!
I had never seen this before.
gwpercle
Member
That's a " I'm a new owner crack " !
All of them have it and it's OK ... it's just the side plate seam or joint .
Don't worry ... be happy and go shooting .
Gary
All of them have it and it's OK ... it's just the side plate seam or joint .
Don't worry ... be happy and go shooting .
Gary
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It might be that the force from firing caused a little oil to seep out the seam and make it more visible.
But yeah, you're good!
But yeah, you're good!
max503
Member
That "crack" is to be admired for the engineering marvel that it is. And don't try to remove it until you look up the proper method of doing so.
gwpercle
Member
What Max says and be aware you want to use "gunsmithing" type" screwdrivers to remove gun screws ... the slots are special and woodworking screwdrivers will chew up the slots .
And if you take the side plate off .... there is one part that can and will fall out . That part must be replaced correctly or the gun will NOT fire.... I've warned you about that stinking little part , so watch for it if it falls out .
Gary
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