340PD cracked frame

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I read your thread and pulled mine out of my pocket to check, saw no cracks. Where will a crack appear if it happens?
Jim
 
Had similar experience times 3

I had a 325 4 inch that was cracked in the same place as the photos. I believe it was cracked when I purchased it bacause the first time I shot it, I had to crank the rear sight way over to sight it in. I was shooting a 625-10 (alloy frame 2 inch Perfrmance Center) when I noticed the front sight leaning to the left. Examination showed the frame was cracked under the barrel. I then checked the 325 and found it to be cracked also. When my youngest son was looking at them, he told me I should call my oldest and tell him to check his 340 PD. It was cracked also. I sent all three back to S&W and they replaced all three frames. They put the original serial numbers on them. I posted this in the S&W forum several years ago. At the time, it was thought that the barrels were over torqued during assembly and the 325 was already cracked when I bought it.
 
S&W sent me a fed ex label- sent it out and heard from them today. The Frame is cracked. Cannot be fixed.

Pick a gun...
 
S&W sent me a fed ex label- sent it out and heard from them today. The Frame is cracked. Cannot be fixed.

Pick a gun...

Wonder why it cannot be fixed? S&W should have frames for it, since they still make that model, with and without the lock......
 
cracked J frames

Just got the wifes 642 Lady Smith (mid 90's vintage) replaced from S&W. They told me they put the old parts on a new frame, so it needed to go FFL. I'm still waiting 30 days for them to send me a chk. for the transfer, as promised from the customer ser. rep. Great customer service up to that point. The Ladysmith was UNFIRED and bought NEW (in the padded box w/ trigger lock.) I'm suprised some law firm hasn't brought a class action suit against them. Think of the consequences of firing a defective gun, in a possible life or death situation ?????.
Long story short I'm not big on S&W quality control or manf. tech. Just doesn't measure up to the older Smith's.
 
This is a well known problem with the Airweight J frames. The latest thinking is, the barrels were over-torqued at the factory.

I haven't heard of any catastophic failures shooting the cracked frame guns. Most people notice it cleaning their gun after a shooting session (shooting the gun with a cracked frame).
 
This is a well known problem with the Airweight J frames. The latest thinking is, the barrels were over-torqued at the factory.

I haven't heard of any catastophic failures shooting the cracked frame guns. Most people notice it cleaning their gun after a shooting session (shooting the gun with a cracked frame).

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. :/
 
Frames always seem to crack under the barrel. I still think it may be something about the crush fit barrel installation stressing the frame on a lot of guns. This didn't happen with the pinned models.
 
Cracked J frames

my 642 was a non lock version. The pin is the way to go, and S&W should go back to this on ALL their guns. The crush method is a complete failure, as is the eyes of their QC inspectors!!!
 
I had the opposite problem with my M&P340. I had to return it to S&W to tighten the barrel to the frame. It was loose and had play in it after but a few rounds of firing through it. Sounds like their technique is one extreme to the other..........
 
I have to choose now a replacement gun. I have a 20year old 442 and it's not cracked or broken. I'm going to stay away from the Titanium. I'm thinking a 640 no lock and have the PC center work it's magic.
 
640 no lock is an excellent choice. I love my 640-1. Good luck! Regards 18DAI.
 
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