Brand New Model 442-1 Locking Up...

[TTSH]

I assume you were responding to me.

I wasn't suggesting he take off the sideplate, I was saying I want to.

My OCD wants to fix...

I know what you mean. It's probably some simple little thing. But when it doesn't work brand new right out of the box and still doesn't work after lubing and hundreds of dry-fire trigger pulls, I guess it's best to send it back to the mothership... which is what I have done. No word back yet from the mothership other than an e-mail saying that they have received it.

By coincidence, I was in a shop today where an old couple were trying out a 442-1 and a couple other j-frames. I felt like telling my story, but I bit my lip. Just because mine was a disappointment doesn't mean that they are all that way.

 

[TTSH]

Update...

Well, the FedEx guy just dropped off my repaired Model 442-1. It is back from the mothership exactly 20 days after I sent it in... less than 3 weeks turn-around including shipping.

The repair documents indicate that S&W replaced the sear and the sear spring. It also indicates that it was tested for function and apparently passed.

Obviously, the first thing I checked was see if they had fixed the lock-up problem and it appears that they did. I won't be 100% sure until I take it to the range and do a lot more dry firing, but a fair amount of dry firing over the last hour failed to recreate the issue or any hint of it.

Cosmetically, my "brand new factory fresh" gun took a bit of a hit. Disappointing for an anal retentive old fool like me, but not unexpected and not the end of the world. I'll replace the buggered-up screws and live with the rest. It could have been worse.

Overall, S&W CS did their thing and they did it quickly and successfully. The warranty worked... and that's about all one can ask for short of better quality control before the guns leave the factory.

This was my first brand new S&W revolver in 35 years and the only one that ever had to go back for a warranty repair. Lesson learned. I think I'll stick with the old stuff.

Will I keep this gun now? Or trade it for something else? I'll have to let you know somewhere down the road.

 

[Denver Dick]

. . .

Will I keep this gun now? Or trade it for something else? I'll have to let you know somewhere down the road.

At least if you sell or trade it now, you can rest assured that you are selling/trading a functional piece and the cosmetics will speak for themselves. I have a 2016 Model 442-1 and a 2018 Model 642-1. I've shot both a fair amount and they both work as they should. The 442-1 is tight and the 642-1 is very tight. With the Houge grips they shoot pretty darn good, too.

Newer J-frames are lower left and upper right. The Model 60s are . . . well, old school.

Good luck with your decision . . .

 

[F75gunslinger]

Glad that you got your gun back in working order. I was going to say the sear may be a touch too long ( not much you can do there ) or that there may have been a piece of millings floating around in the works. I would have at least popped off the sideplate and blown it out, then oiled and dry fired to see. I have a 629 that I would like to get tightened up, but I am wary of sending the gun in as it has a scope on it which I don't want to take off and the gun is in beautiful shape for being fired. So I just kind of balk on it.

 

[yep380]

Glad you got it back in working order.

My opinion: The 442-1 will never be collectible, it's a carry piece, it can look used as long as it functions. The most valuable gun you have is the one you have on you in a time of need - looks don't matter.

 

[HamHands]

These threads make me crazy; I'd love to open that sucker up and see what's going on in there...

I know it!

 

[HamHands]

Well, the FedEx guy just dropped off my repaired Model 442-1. It is back from the mothership exactly 20 days after I sent it in... less than 3 weeks turn-around including shipping.

The repair documents indicate that S&W replaced the sear and the sear spring. It also indicates that it was tested for function and apparently passed.

Obviously, the first thing I checked was see if they had fixed the lock-up problem and it appears that they did. I won't be 100% sure until I take it to the range and do a lot more dry firing, but a fair amount of dry firing over the last hour failed to recreate the issue or any hint of it.

Cosmetically, my "brand new factory fresh" gun took a bit of a hit. Disappointing for an anal retentive old fool like me, but not unexpected and not the end of the world. I'll replace the buggered-up screws and live with the rest. It could have been worse.

Overall, S&W CS did their thing and they did it quickly and successfully. The warranty worked... and that's about all one can ask for short of better quality control before the guns leave the factory.

This was my first brand new S&W revolver in 35 years and the only one that ever had to go back for a warranty repair. Lesson learned. I think I'll stick with the old stuff.

Will I keep this gun now? Or trade it for something else? I'll have to let you know somewhere down the road.

Good deal OP. Call Smith up tomorrow morning; tell them what happened and nicely request they send you new replacement yoke and sideplate screws (or whichever one(s) they used the wrong driver size for. I'm positive they will put them in the mail for you tomorrow!

 

[R*E]

This problem is why I'm reluctant to buy online. At the local fun shop, I can inspect before buying.

 

[TTSH]

This problem is why I'm reluctant to buy online. At the local fun shop, I can inspect before buying.

There is no question that had I bought locally, this never would have happened. After the first dry fire lock-up, I'd have handed it back to the dealer and said "No thanks."

 

[TTSH]

Good deal OP. Call Smith up tomorrow morning; tell them what happened and nicely request they send you new replacement yoke and sideplate screws (or whichever one(s) they used the wrong driver size for. I'm positive they will put them in the mail for you tomorrow!

Yeah, a couple folks have pointed that out. I'm out-of-pocket with day surgery today, but sometime next week I'll call the mothership and order all new sideplate screws. Pay or freebee... doesn't matter a hoot.

 

[ABPOS]

Just prayed for your surgery to be a success and that your gun 442 shoots straight and is reliable! They really are nice carry guns, IMHO. Obviously they need to work to do that job though. Hopefully yours does now.

Stephen Camp talked about his very first experience with a Model was after a first few shots, he had one lock up on him. And he was a Police Officer. He got it fixed and even though it took a while, he eventually trusted it and learned that was really not a common thing. Sometimes we just get bad luck with guns.