Aluminum J Frame Cracks...

[Tracer_Bullet]

640Pro:

 

[deyomatic]

What about older models? To be honest, my current front runner is the 442 moon clip model. I don't know if I can justify $600+ for the amount I would actually use it. The longer I wait, theoretically, the larger my budget.

 

[MG-70]

Ruger SP101! I've never heard of a frame cracking on one of those (have seen online pics of it happening on a Redhawk, so maybe it occurs on other frames), but the extra weight and excellent grip tenon design really soak up recoil. I used to have one in .38 and it was softer shooting than my 640-2 (?) .38.

 

[ContinentalOp]

As much as I like S&W DA revolvers, if I were going to get a compact snub with the intention of firing .357 Magnum rounds regularly, I'd probably get a Ruger SP101 rather than a J-frame. I prefer J-frames in .38 Special. I think the .357 J-frames are fine guns, just not for me. Just a little quirk of mine, I guess.

 

[ladder13]

Thanks for all the replies...based on all the reviews, I would most likely shoot 38 LSWCHPs (if I can find them) BUT I can really appreciate the option of .357.
SO, if I was looking for a steel 357 J frame snubby hammerless or shrouded hammer, and NO LOCK, what are my options?

I have tried the 649-3, and a few others on GB, but there are just so many J frames...

Thanks.

640-1 would meet your criteria

 

[ginzo]

I have a 649-3. Carry it often. Love it to death, but not at the range............


My other is a 638-3. Best of both worlds. I don't care about IL's or MIM parts, they are both great guns!
I'm a humpback lover.

Thanks for all the replies...based on all the reviews, I would most likely shoot 38 LSWCHPs (if I can find them) BUT I can really appreciate the option of .357.
SO, if I was looking for a steel 357 J frame snubby hammerless or shrouded hammer, and NO LOCK, what are my options?

I have tried the 649-3, and a few others on GB, but there are just so many J frames...

Thanks.

 

[Terry]

I have had my eye out for a J frame in either 357 or 38 special plus P. The most cost effective options are the new ones are the 442s, 438, etc. I am just concerned about the issues with the frames that have cracked. Is this something that SW has addressed or fixed?
Is there a manufacturing date after which you know you'd have gotten a good one?
Any other advice or options of other models in the neighborhood of $400 +/-?

Thanks so much. I want to shoot 38 special+P

I had a 340PD bought in the mid 2000's and it had a cracked frame just under the barrel. It was a hair line crack that you almost could not see unless looking with a magnifying glass but you could feel it with your finger nail.

I was the 2nd owner and I called S & W about the problem. They had me ship it back and I received it back in about 10 days with a new frame. I have run quite a few 38+p loads and a few .357 rounds without a problem. I do inspect it though after a shooting session. So far great and I do love the gun.

 

[Rick_A]

The cracks are quite rare and usually show up in low round counts. With this in mind I put a few hundred rounds through mine right off when purchased. They've been tested and documented over thousands of rounds of +P with no ill affects.

That said, the advice given above I don't entirely agree with. The steel J's are like carrying a brick around. They're great for waistband carry, but cumbersome for ankle or pocket.

20150319_093037 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
20150312_104857 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

The 649 is my main waistband carry, especially in the summer time, though other guns come along occasionally. The 442 is always with me, regardless. As I believe in shooting what you carry, they are both used with full power defense ammo at the range most often. The 442 is just peppy enough to be fun. The 649 commands a bit more respect, but is quite tolerable. It's definitely exciting at both ends. Wouldn't be without 'em.

That little 442 is probably my favorite gun these days. It's a pure joy to carry and shoot and about as flawless as a gun can be. It's nothing special, and among the cheapest guns I own, but it works quite well.

 

[waffles]

Ask me about losing this beauty

 

[ginzo]

OK, I'm in, what happened, I know a crack, but the circumstance? And what was the end result? Replacement etc?

Ask me about losing this beauty

 

[eveled]

The 442 is a great choice, but the 340pd really is a nicer gun. A little lighter, option of .357 if you want, shrouded ejector, and the big benefit....a changeable front sight. But it is way out of your budget.

I had the 442 and was perfectly happy with it, I decided to buy a second one, got to the gun shop and found the 340 used for just a little more than the new 442. I couldn't refuse.

If money were no object, I'd own two 340's, but I'd rather have two 442's than one 340. The m&p340 is a nice gun too, it is the only j frame with a big dot sight, and the channel rear sight to match.

 

[eveled]

For those who have had cracks, did you notice a change in it's shooting? Or notice the crack while cleaning? In other words would it have been life threatening if it happened during defensive use?

 

[waffles]

For those who have had cracks, did you notice a change in it's shooting? Or notice the crack while cleaning? In other words would it have been life threatening if it happened during defensive use?

Noticed while cleaning. It sucks and definitely ruins the gun, but I doubt that it would be a show stopper in any SD situation.

 

[foytfoyt]

I think the issue was with guns with the 2 piece barrel and S&W had a problem in the initial production runs with barrels being overtightened, which caused a stress crack to appear in the yoke cutout area of the frame.

A few years ago, there were ample posts about it, but S&W must have finally gotten it right as there seems to be quite the decline of such posts with the later year guns.

But interestingly enough... when S&W backed off on the barrel tightening, the posts about cant'ed/clocked barrels with the front sight blade not being exactly at 12 0'clock, have increased and even become "routine".

I think you nailed it. I am convinced the root cause is/was over-tightening, due to poor control, or trying to align the barrel. This is consistent with the early failures, as opposed to the stress of firing.

 

[ladder13]

I'm in the lighter is better camp for CC. A M38-0 humpback is my current CCW with a 642 waiting in the wings. If both of them crack I'll buy another.
No steel frame J's for me, though I own a few, they're just added weight. Large frames guns I never carry anymore, I'm not a disciple of the "dress around the gun" crowd.
If that thinking works for you, go for it, it's America.