Bolt hole on 638
- Thread starter max503
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So they were saying they wouldn't consider looking a your gun's finish issues because the bolt hole was out of specs?
Is the bolt hole problem not a fixable one by them?
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OP
max503
Member
I did a little search and discovered that bolt holes will wallow out like that on these aluminum frame revolvers.
Care and Maintenance of Lightweight Revolvers | Personal Defense Network
I am very disappointed. This gun doesn't have that many rounds through it. And it is only about 5 or 6 years old.
If the gun isn't meant to be shot a lot, why don't they say so? It is my carry gun. It goes to the range. At one time it was getting shot about 20 times/week. Midrange wadcutters. To think that it wore out so quickly sucks.
I would like to know other peoples' experience with the S&W Airweight snubbies. How often they actually shoot them, and how well theirs has held up. I am not a happy camper.
Care and Maintenance of Lightweight Revolvers | Personal Defense Network
I am very disappointed. This gun doesn't have that many rounds through it. And it is only about 5 or 6 years old.
If the gun isn't meant to be shot a lot, why don't they say so? It is my carry gun. It goes to the range. At one time it was getting shot about 20 times/week. Midrange wadcutters. To think that it wore out so quickly sucks.
I would like to know other peoples' experience with the S&W Airweight snubbies. How often they actually shoot them, and how well theirs has held up. I am not a happy camper.
Two sides of the airweight experience
Side 1 story: My personal EDC has been my Model 637-2 since late 2010..up until Covid, approx 50 rds per month mostly 38 Special, Win White Box. Carry rounds have been +P but only 5 rds. per month during practice.
Absolutely NO problems encountered, no abnormal finish wear, and zero mechanical or erosion issues.
Side 2 story: Saw an add a couple years ago for a Model 12-2 at a reasonable price, so went and looked. Horror of all horrors! Extremely heavy wear to almost all surfaces. Have no idea of round count through this gun, but suffice it to say I didn't walk away from this one...I ran!
I don't think yours should have an issue that even S&W won't "service" especially that new (5 or 6 years) and apparently, they are telling you that the gun is what: Unsafe?, Shouldn't be fired?, Use different ammo? or what? The Factory should have been more clear on what you are supposed to do now...moving forward?
Like you...I'm wondering if you should call again for a second opinion from maybe a different tech at the factory and literally ask what can I do now?
Side 1 story: My personal EDC has been my Model 637-2 since late 2010..up until Covid, approx 50 rds per month mostly 38 Special, Win White Box. Carry rounds have been +P but only 5 rds. per month during practice.
Absolutely NO problems encountered, no abnormal finish wear, and zero mechanical or erosion issues.
Side 2 story: Saw an add a couple years ago for a Model 12-2 at a reasonable price, so went and looked. Horror of all horrors! Extremely heavy wear to almost all surfaces. Have no idea of round count through this gun, but suffice it to say I didn't walk away from this one...I ran!
I don't think yours should have an issue that even S&W won't "service" especially that new (5 or 6 years) and apparently, they are telling you that the gun is what: Unsafe?, Shouldn't be fired?, Use different ammo? or what? The Factory should have been more clear on what you are supposed to do now...moving forward?
Like you...I'm wondering if you should call again for a second opinion from maybe a different tech at the factory and literally ask what can I do now?
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Countrycuz
Member
So does S&W have a warranty or not? I would not be happy
OP
max503
Member
My policy has been the squeaky wheel gets the grease. This would not be the first time a gun of mine has made multiple trips back to the maker. I plan to call them shortly....
I'm seeing distortion on one side of the hole; looks like the 0ne o'clock to 7 o'clock position, roughly. Maybe, the centerline of the cylinder doesn't line up with the frame. When a round is fired it could put a radial stress on the hole. Thus, the wallowing.
That's my theory.
I'm seeing distortion on one side of the hole; looks like the 0ne o'clock to 7 o'clock position, roughly. Maybe, the centerline of the cylinder doesn't line up with the frame. When a round is fired it could put a radial stress on the hole. Thus, the wallowing.
That's my theory.
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I'm pretty sure the manufacturer would classify the opening up of the center pin cavity in the breechface of an aluminum frame model 638 as "wear and tear", and not a factory "defect". Not sure though.
Ref. my model 642 purchased in 2015, which developed severe finish issues in less than 6 months, S&W Customer Service notified me that the finish on the guns is under warranty for "one year", and is not included in the lifetime warranty statement.
Ref. my model 642 purchased in 2015, which developed severe finish issues in less than 6 months, S&W Customer Service notified me that the finish on the guns is under warranty for "one year", and is not included in the lifetime warranty statement.
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OP
max503
Member
Just got off the phone. First they said don't shoot it. It's toast. I got them to agree to sending it back for further evaluation.
It hasn't been shot enough for it to wear out like this. It's never had heavy loads. It's never had a +P round fired through it.
It hasn't been shot enough for it to wear out like this. It's never had heavy loads. It's never had a +P round fired through it.
OP
max503
Member
That article I referenced in Post #3 said older guns can wear like this. This is not an old gun.
I have an old gun. It is a Model 34, bought around 1980. It has had a truck-load of ammo run though it. The bolt hole on that gun is nice and tight. You would think something like that would be worn out but it's not.
I have an old gun. It is a Model 34, bought around 1980. It has had a truck-load of ammo run though it. The bolt hole on that gun is nice and tight. You would think something like that would be worn out but it's not.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I guess I have been lucky. I bought a M638 many years ago and carried and shot it for years until my son kept "borrowing it" so much I just gave bit to him and bought a M442. Neither have has finish issues although I hear many do. I'm just lucky I guess.
As for your problem, with so few rounds through the gun is sure sounds like the gun must have been defective from the start. S&W CS isn't what it once was, sadly...
As for your problem, with so few rounds through the gun is sure sounds like the gun must have been defective from the start. S&W CS isn't what it once was, sadly...
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