637 offset milled frame?

[Stinkyrat]

Hi guys,

Not quite sure how to describe this, but does the 637 come with the top of the frame offset from the sights? It appears to be milled off-center, tried to get the best picture I could:





Hopefully the picture speaks for itself! Normal or no?

Stinkyrat

 

[Alk8944]

Does look a bit unusual. The big question is does it shoot center? If it does then it is only a cosmetic issue. The top view doesn't look nearly as bad as the first one does.

If it doesn't shoot center, or quite close, contact S&W about it. 800-331-0852. Call, don't e-mail.

 

[girvin02]

To answer your question, no - the sight tunnel should be centered in the frame. That gun doesn't look right at all. I'd personally send it back, regardless of how it shoots.

 

[kaaskop49]

attn Stinkyrat

Kettle of fish here. There are members who swear that this does not happen. Ever.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I would email S&W that pic and request a mailing label.

 

[slabside2]

Said it before and I'll say it again S+W should pack a return lable in the box with the gun. Dam shame it's like they go right from the last CNC michinie right into the box..... Come to think of it maybe they do.

 

[Boogsawaste]

Wow that's pretty wild looking! In a bad way...

 

[snubbyfan]

The sad thing is that not only did it get past quality control but it made it all the way through manufacturing, assembly, testing, quality control and packaging.
Not one person noticed? Or just didn't care?

 

[Stinkyrat]

Thanks for the replies!

I emailed S&W with the pictures and included a couple more:





This one has only had two boxes through it, hopefully I hear back in the next week.... if not I'll give them a call. Think the barrel is canted a little as well, definitely doesn't help the situation

Stinkyrat

 

[TucsonMTB]

How does it shoot?

If the accuracy is good while shooting from a bench rest, could you save yourself some angst by ignoring it?

 

[Boogsawaste]

If it were me I wouldn't ignore it. Just or the sake that he paid the same price you or me would have for one that had the barrel normal. It's also hard for me to imagine that the charge holes are lined up correctly with the forcing cone.

I'd guess that when you get your shipping label sent to you (I'm sure they will send one for this), and they check out your gun it'll be replaced. Just my $.02.

 

[S&W2244]

What was the manufacturing or ship date of your 637? It should be on your box label.

 

[Retired W4]

At first, when I looked at your pictures, I thought it was the usual (not normal) canted barrel. Now I'm thinking there is something really wrong about that gun. No premium for poorly made guns.

I looked at your first picture again, and the good news is that it is one of those experimental guns made for the government to SHOOT AROUND CORNERS.

 

[flagman1776]

The barrel is clocked wrong. Probably a small fraction but any number of posts on this topic lately.

 

[2K7]

Ok…Since nobody else will ask….

did you even look at this thing before you purchased it?

I started scrutinizing every firearm I ever purchased long ago with about 4 or 5 inspection steps prior to any purchase.

As time passes, I have to admit, I've had to add about 4 or 5 more steps to my inspection process due to the "improvements" and advanced quality control of the manufacturers these days.

Clearly, quantity…not quality, is the name of the game.

I find my life a lot easier to catch these issues before I lay down my cash.

 

[Stinkyrat]

2244, the pack date was 3-26-2013 according to the label on the box. I purchased it on 3-28-2013 according to my receipt.

2K7, you know I honestly should have done more research into this model and the issues to look for before I put down my cash. At the point I had purchased it, finding ANY S&W pistols was like finding a needle in a haystack, especially the J-frames in my area. So I was just glad to find a new one at the store. And as being my first J-frame with the in frame rear sight, had no idea (till now...) that there might be an issue. I work for a fairly large aerospace manufacturer... should have known machining issues do arise from time to time!

As for letting it slide, I think the best thing to do is send back a pistol anytime there is a manufacturing issue. If S&W finds a great way to build pistols at the SAME quality level, then by all means because that is a very good lean manufacturing model. But when it puts out subpar goods, they will definitely feel it in the pocketbook when profits go to paying for repairs instead.

I'll update this as I find out what all they are wanting to do with this one. Thanks guys!

 

[buck460XVR]

I think you are looking at an overclocked barrel as stated by flagman1776. Mostly cosmetic. Send it to S&W....THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF IT. I've bought two J-Frames in the last three years. Both are near as perfect as a $360 gun with a lifetime warranty can be. In the quest of those two I saw one or two with the dreaded "canted Barrel" and walked away. Not because I didn't think S&W would fix 'em on their dime, but there were others available. At the same time I saw just as many Ruger revolvers and various auto-loaders with cosmetic flaws just as apparent. Frustrating? Yup, but no different than not buying a used car at night.

 

[2K7]

Stinkyrat

I wish you the best of luck with this issue and agree that it needs to be returned.

Back in the pinned barrel days, this seemed to not be an issue, or at least, a very rare instance when something like this occurred.

With the technology present today, I would surmise that this should almost be a thing of the past.

I own a 442 from this era and find it to be magnificently manufactured (even after my 10 point inspection).

S&W will make it right and you will be glad you sent it back.