notch by forcing cone

[jtmo3]

OK, this one is hard. I have a new 640 pro. I've put about 400+ rounds through it. I noticed while cleaning it today a notch on the right side of the frame. If you are looking at it, it look symmetrical but like it shouldn't be there. I took a picture but without a good camera, it's a hard spot to get a good picture of. Does anyone have a notch on the right side of their revolver? Not sure if this is normal or unsafe. I have several other revolvers and none has this notch.

[Alk8944]

Normal, no. Unsafe, no! It wasn't caused by firing the revolver. If you bought it new (or used) it was there when you bought it.

Since you said it was new I would contact S&W and see if they will replace the frame, or the gun, just on principal!

[armorer951]

I don't see a "notch" or anything out of the ordinary in the photo.....other than the nasty scratch on the cylinder. Try another photograph and add some light with a flashlight or other source. A better description of exactly where the mark is would also help.

[jtmo3]

Like I said, it's hard for me to get a picture with a phone camera. Here is one with a little better light. It's that little black spot about a third of the way down. It's a notch like it got hit accidentally with a file or something from the factory.

It probably was there when I got it, just didn't notice it. And yes, that is a nasty scratch looking on the picture. Not really noticeable under normal conditions though. My concern is, is this notch normal and/or safe. It's a carry gun so it will get dinged a bit. I probably will call smith to see what they say. Thanks for the help guys.

[jimmyj]

Possible the final quality checker was in a rush to clock out ?

[BLUEDOT37]

You mean here (red arrow)? Looks like a manufacturing blem. Doubt it's a safety issue. The other side is normal?

.

[jtmo3]

Yes, that's it. It is a notch in the frame. It's like someone slipped with a file or clamped to hard in a vice. What you see is the outside of the frame. There is as much on the inside of the cylinder area.

And yes, the other side of the frame is normal.

[iPac]

I don't think it would present any safety concerns.

That still doesn't mean it should be like that. I would be upset if buying a new gun and getting that.

However, if it was me, I would have thoroughly looked the gun over and found any defect before purchasing.

I think your gun should be safe though, just use this as a reminder to look your guns over better before buying.

[jtmo3]

Thanks for that. I brought it up to a local gunsmith who said he's never seen that before. He didn't think it was a safety issue either but said to definitely call smith and they should replace the frame or gun.

Ya, I thought I looked it over pretty good. Guess not though. Live and learn.

[jtmo3]

Here are some better pictures of what I'm talking about

[Arm]

Looks like a glob of lead to me.

[jtmo3]

Definitely not lead. It's a notch in the frame that you can feel and the edges are sharp.

[jtmo3]

I know the difference between lead and a cut notch. I also said I took it to a gunsmith who should also be able to tell the difference. It's not lead. Lead doesn't indent in the frame.

[sodacan]

It's from global warming.

[zonker5]

A while back there was a thread about a similar mark that shows up on some revolvers. It is made by something in the factory that clamps the frame.

Do some searching and see if this is the same mark.

[mnrivrat]

Most certainly a flaw - and an ugly one at that. An improperly installed factory jig likely use during barrel installation sounds very plausable.

This one needs to go back to the factory - its value is significantly compromised even though the safety and function is unlikely to cause a problem.

[jtmo3]

Thanks for the response. I called S&W Monday and they sent me a call tag and it's at their shop sometime today. Hopefully, they make it right. The only way I see to fix it is replace the frame or gun.