325 TR sent back!

[dvincentp2]

Well, I just paid over $1000 for my new 325 TR last week. Yesterday, I took it out for the first time to the NRA range. Put 6 rounds of Blazer factory 45ACP's into the supplied moon clip. They all shot, but could not discard the empty cases! Had to have a range person come over and force/pry the moon clip out! Thought it could be the Blazer ammo, so I switched to Winchester 45ACP. Same thing happened! When I loaded the moon clips, the rounds fell in smooth. Just could not get them out again! It went back to S&W with the empty cases still in the cylinder today!!!

 

[dvincentp2]

Well, I just paid over $1000 for my new 325 TR last week. Yesterday, I took it out for the first time to the NRA range. Put 6 rounds of Blazer factory 45ACP's into the supplied moon clip. They all shot, but could not discard the empty cases! Had to have a range person come over and force/pry the moon clip out! Thought it could be the Blazer ammo, so I switched to Winchester 45ACP. Same thing happened! When I loaded the moon clips, the rounds fell in smooth. Just could not get them out again! It went back to S&W with the empty cases still in the cylinder today!!!

 

[ATCDoctor]

Please let us know how this turns out.

I know Smith & wessson will take care of you but we would really like to know what caused the failure.

Thanks

Dr.

 

[dvincentp2]

I will let you know as soon as I do.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by dvincentp2:
Well, I just paid over $1000 for my new 325 TR last week. Yesterday, I took it out for the first time to the NRA range. Put 6 rounds of Blazer factory 45ACP's into the supplied moon clip. They all shot, but could not discard the empty cases! Had to have a range person come over and force/pry the moon clip out! Thought it could be the Blazer ammo, so I switched to Winchester 45ACP. Same thing happened! When I loaded the moon clips, the rounds fell in smooth. Just could not get them out again! It went back to S&W with the empty cases still in the cylinder today!!!

This kind of thing is unbelievably frustrating. It is one of those things that it is hard to imagine how the revolver made it out the door. I mean it seems like this is something that should have been caught during test firing. They still do that, don't they? I know that for the longest time, they were test firing only every other chamber. Does anyone know for sure? I suppose they still test fire, but you have to wonder how this one got out the door. Very frustrating for a $1,000.00 plus wonder like this TR Special.

 

[scott625b]

Does this gun have a Ti cylinder? My 646 has a tough time with anything other than nickel plated Remington Brass.

 

[tjpopkin]

It should not happen, BUT, if there was oil in the cylinder (not cleaned before firing), and I have done this, the chamber is tight and the oil makes a perfect seal with the brass....like the model 53 problem!....
This actually happened with MY 325TR and I had to push the ejector rod on the benchtop to get the cases out. The cylinder is very tight and must be DRY. Before I go to the range(before shooting), I spray in a bit of lighter fluid or degreaser.....no problem
Terry

 

[Wayne M]

A friend of mine in the gun business has personal knowledge of six of these guns. Every one of them has had to be returned for assorted problems of which yours is one(loose barrel shrouds, crooked sights, impossible extraction ect). Don't feel lonesome....and next time buy steel and a one piece barrel. This exotic material and assembly stuff can and will be worked out but from what I've seen it's not there yet.

 

[CW3PA]

I read in the Mar/Apr "Handgunner" that the cylinders are supposed to be stainless steel. Of course this doesn't mean that expended brass will eject as advertised. Sounds like tight chambers, etc. We'd certainly like to know what S&W does to remedy this problem.

 

[dvincentp2]

Thanks for all the responses. I did put a dry patch through all of the cylinders before firing, like the instructions said too. I tend to do everything the instructions suggest, before something goes wrong, so they can't blame me for not following the suggestions.

 

[dvincentp2]

Oh, I forgot to tell you that only one fired case came sealed in the envelope with the revolver! I do not know which cylinder it was fired from, but I can not understand how they extracted it!! All of the casings were stuck like cement inside each cylinder!!!

 

[Gunned-up]

I would really like to know whats up when you find out. I have a 329PD (.44 mag with Ti cylinder Sc frame). When I use standard mag loads it's fine. If I use basicly a hunting load (not that I enjoy that heavy a load in that gun) the cases are jammed in the cylinder. There almost impossible to extract.

 

[dvincentp2]

The first six rounds were Blazer 45 Auto 230 Gr. FMJ. After they got stuck, I changed to the second six rounds of Winchester 45 Auto 230 Gr. Bonded JHP. All ammo is Factory ammo. Any suggestions as to different ammo?

 

[Dale53]

dvincentp2:
There is nothing wrong with your choice of factory ammo. You've got a defective gun and S&W will make it right. Sounds dern discouraging to me

. This should NEVER happen. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for this sloppy Quality Control ( or rather, lack of QC).

Dale53

 

[DocAlamo]

I had a somewhat similar situation with my 625JM. It was not as extreme as yours, but it was very difficult to get the spent rounds out. It was easy to load, but when fired, and the brass expanded, it was very difficult. It seems that, especially with the .45acp's, there is a tendency for the cylinders to be a little undersized. Smith fixed mine after I sent it back, but it sure sucked to have to send in a new gun to be fixed. At least their customer service, for me at least, was wonderful.

Dr. Bill

 

[ENH]

My 325 TRD went back after the first shot when the flame shield fell out, then when the barrel came loose after the first repair and of course the FTF had to be corrected with a new firing pin. All said S&W corrected all speedily except the FTF which I did myself. It is one great gun now and after a thousand rounds or so I fully trust it. Quality control bad, I don't know or just what happens with this modern design and materials who knows. I do know that I love these light weight revolvers and will fix as necessary until they are perfect for me. I wish I didn't have to, but then ....

 

[Pepper]

I still would like one, but has anyone purchased a 325TR that didn't have a problem right out of the box?

 

[likestoshoot2]

Wow I missed this when it was 1st posted.
I have a 327-TRR8 and with over 400 rounds thru it, and no problems-yet. I guess I got a good one.
I also have the 329PD and have not had a problem with that yet either. I shoot mostly factory loads and some reloads and all have come out of the cylinder with out any hassel.
So, I guess there are some good ones out here.

 

[twigs]

My 325TR had light strikes. I sent it back and it worked for one session after it came back, then the light strikes started again. I tightened the mainspring strain screw, which reduced the failure rate. I then put in a Cylinder and Slide extended firing pin and the problem disappeared.

 

[Cartouche]

I know using moon clips and standard .45acp is cheaper, but did you try any .45acp rim? You did not mention, so I will guess not. I wonder if that might work, or get stuck also. I don't know what the cost of rim 45's are compared to regular .45acp.
FWIW I want a Night Guard, but I will wait to see how your situation plays out. I am sure S&W will make it right. Good luck.