625PC extractor question

[bucifan]

Fairly new revolver shooter. Have a 3 month old 625-pc that has been back to s&w once. They replaced the barrel, locking bolt, bolt, thumbpiece, thumbpiece nut, and cut forcing cone.

Barrel was straight when I sent it new.....new barrel is visually canted. But a more expierienced revolver person pointed out that the locking pin is not engaging in the end of the extractor rod. He said he would not shoot the gun again until it was repaired, as this is a safety issue. My question is it really a safety concern, and how bad a concern? I was going to send it back for the barrel anyway, but if s&w sent me back an unsafe firearm, I will raise "holy hell"!! When we looked into the bore with a bore light, just in front of the forcing cone, the barrel is all chewed up. Also I noticed the hammer is rubbing on the side of the frame.

Should I ask for a replacement or let then repair this again?

I was thinking about a s&w 1911 pro, but they will not get anther penny from me until this is resolved to satisfaction. My $250 22A is of better quality and fit than this Performance Center model. Maybe they shift production to Maine, seems the Maine guns are of better quality.

Thanks for any info I get back!

Rick

 

[TSQUARED]

I don't know the qualifications of your "expert" but I vbery seriously doubt the the factory would return a firearm in unsafe condition. The only real critisim I have heard about S&W service is that they will alwys return the gun to factory specs. That sometimes is an issue with individuals who have highly modified their firearms.

 

[bucifan]

The revolver in question is stock, only 3 months old, and has had less than250 rounds through it. You don't need to be an "expert" to see that the front locking lug is not entering the front of the extractor, you can actually see light through the gap. That is the way s&w returned it to me!! Comparing it to my 617, I can see the locking lug entering and holding the extractor rod in place. When I push the cylinder release, you can see the extractor push the locking lug out. With the 625, pushing the cylinder unlock does nothing, as the lug isn't in the extractor rod.

My original question is does the front locking lug help keep the cylinder aligned with the barrel. If it does, what are the consequences of only having the cylinder locked in the back and not at the front .

Rick

 

[Dale53]

Rick;
Send the piece back. That is NOT the way things should work. Cheez!! What a bummer.

I have two EXCELLENT 625's and am a REAL fan but your situation is just ridiculous! I would forward a copy of your letter with time lines, etc. to the CEO of Smith.

In the meantime I hope you get it back in good order this next time around.

Dale53

 

[bucifan]

The more I looked at this, I see what is happening. The locking bolt is housed in the barrel ***'y. That is what s/w replaced the 1st time back. Work order shows they replaced the barrel,locking bolt,bolt,thumbpiece nut,thumbpiece, and cut forcing cones. Since the locking bolt is installed in the barrel ***'y, not centering the barrel with the frame causes the locking bolt to misalign with the extractor rod. In my case the locking bolt is riding on top of the extractor rod, a little more and it would fall outside the extractor completely. Wouldn't the normal person check your work after replacing said parts?

Talked to s&w, and another shipping tag is being sent out. I think a nice, polite, but firm email will be sent to Kate Fredette, saying all I want is what I paid for......a visually perfect and mech. perfect firearm out of the performance center.

I have read on this forum alone, a number of posters complaing of canted barrels. I would tell them to also look to see if the locking bolt is engaging the extractor correctly. It may not be a "safety issue", but it helps keep the cylinder locked & aligned during firing. If it wasn't needed, I don't think they would waste time & money making & installing extra parts!

Rick