Broken Model 37

[Sgt 127]

Broken may be an understatement. Lady showed up to turn in her gun for destruction. She was at the range shooting it when the frame split. The gun is, for all practical purposes, new. Her husband bought it for her, brand new, years ago.

She called Smith who told her the warranty had expired a few years ago.

I'm not buying it. It is the classic Airweight frame crack on the underside of the barrel. She didn't do anything to that gun to damage it. She really wants a revolver to keep around the house for protection, since her husband passed away. I told her I would see what I could do for her. Told her to hold onto it and I would check.

Whats the concensus? Put a little pressure on Smith to take care of her or, write it off?

Heck, I'll give her an old Model 10 in trade and sell the parts if it comes to it, but, you would think Smith would stand behind that.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Smith & Wesson has - to the best of my knowledge and belief - never failed to stand behind their guns. If you crack one or blow one up you send it to them, they test it, they replace it free if it's a metallurgical problem, and at their cost (any gun, BTW) if it's your fault/your ammo, etc.

In the case of an Airweight I am pretty sure the same deal applies - they won't replace it free because the original warranty has expired but if she calls Customer Service and tells them she wants to send it in (or you can do it for her) and she'll replace it after they examine it I can't imagine they'll deny her unless the policy has significantly changed.

My example, and I have heard many others, was a blown up Model 19 in 1997. I bought the gun new in 1980. 17 years is a long time but S&W examined it, said it was my ammo (I already knew that, anyway) and for 300 bucks, maybe 320, maybe plus shipping, I can't recall (their cost at the time), they sold me a brand new replacement gun. I didn't buy a Model 19 from them; my replacement gun was my CS-45 that I still have.

Not only that, I blew the gun up in 97, sent it to them in 98, they sent it back because I dawdled, then I returned it to them and bought the replacement pistol in 2000.

I really think they will still do that but I'll stay tuned!

***GRJ***

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

I am pretty sure that they will not give you a free Gun but like ISCS Yoda said they will give a discount on a new Airweight Snubby.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I am pretty sure that they will not give you a free Gun but like ISCS Yoda said they will give a discount on a new Airweight Snubby.

Exactamundo! Or a heavier one if she doesn't want an Airweight.

***GRJ***

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Exactamundo! Or a heavier one if she doesn't want an Airweight.

***GRJ***

Good call,For a inexperienced Female shooter I would reccomend an all steel J frame.Especially since it is not a CCW Gun.

 

[Sgt 127]

Talked to a rep at S&W. There is no warranty on a gun that old. They said she could send it in and they would replace it at dealer cost with a comparable model. That would be a Model 36. Cost? About $530.

I understand not offering a forever warranty on a mechanical device, I would not expect Ford to replace a 40 year old pickup with a new one when the engine blew. I think I was more surprised at the dealer cost of a new J frame .38.

I gave her the news...I'll leave it up to her to decide what she wants to do.

Likely her best option is to part it out add a little cash and just buy a Model 10 for home defense. I'm bringing one for her to handle to see if its workable for her.

Dang....$530 for a J frame..... I'm truly trapped in the past....

 

[Doubless]

I guess I am confused... I thought Smith warrantied their handguns for the life of the original purchaser. I haven't bought that many new handguns, but my memory is that the warranty card Smith put in the box was lifetime, again, to the original purchaser.

If her late husband bought the firearm new, are the box and warranty card still around? If so, and if I am correct in my memory, I might be inclined to get a bit forceful with Smith; but again, only if my memory of their warranty statement is correct.

That is a shame. That was a beautiful snubby...

 

[Engineer1911]

"Ownership" of S&W during the past 20 years has changed. A corporation cannot afford to 'warranty' the product of every previous owner.

 

[Seven High]

A couple of years ago I sent in a S&W M37 to the factory as the frame had cracked where the barrel was screwed in. This M37 was purchased from a PD which was changing to semiautos. The factory ended up sending me a new M637 at no charge to replace it. Maybe I was lucky.

 

[mbliss57]

A couple of years ago I sent in a S&W M37 to the factory as the frame had cracked where the barrel was screwed in. This M37 was purchased from a PD which was changing to semiautos. The factory ended up sending me a new M637 at no charge to replace it. Maybe I was lucky.

This is what I would expect S&W to do if the frame cracked. Assuming standard ammo was used. No matter the length of time.. well I guess assuming modern era.. 1960s or later.
If the crack was due to abusive ammo loads then that's on the owner.
But..it sounds like this is original owner..so I would expect them to replace to at their cost.

 

[chief38]

I'd be curious to know what she was shooting in it to cause that.

 

[ralph7]

Cracks are mostly there from an over torque assembly situation.
Don't think ammo comes into play on these types of failures.

Yes, the factory should take care of the purchaser on this one, IMHO.

 

[Sgt 127]

I kinda figured S&W would offer her a J frame .38 for, I don't know, $250 or so. It wasn't very long ago you could find 642's new for right at $300.

At $250, they would likely not be making much money, but, pretty good PR.

 

[1977cutcher]

I have a model 37 with a 3 inch barrel. It appears to have been carried allot, but not shot much. After seeing these pictures I am becoming worried. How common is this problem and what do I need to watch out for on the gun itself.

 

[s&wchad]

Smith & Wesson’s Lifetime Service Policy begins after the warranty
period has expired. Smith & Wesson will repair, without
charge, for the lifetime of the original owner, any Smith &
Wesson handgun purchased on or after February 1, 1989.

The Model 37-1 was introduced in 1988 and replaced the Model 37, which is before the Lifetime Service Policy took effect. SOME J frames lacked the revision stamp, so you'd need to check the serial number to see when that gun was manufactured.

I'd phone S&W and talk to another customer service representative.

 

[Jim NNN]

Yes, I'm also kind of surprised they wouldn't do more for her, but I understand the cost issue. It kind of reminds me of my music business way back when - the lifetime warranties on cheaper Chinese and Korean made instruments was actually better than warranties on higher end instruments. Because unit cost was so much less, they'd often just send out a brand new instrument.

Companies like Hi Point, Kel Tec and Taurus have these somewhat negative reputations to live down, so they're relatively accommodating on warranty issues. Lifetime warranties. I don't think you even need to be the original owner with a Taurus. I own guns from those three makers and they work quite well for me.

I sold my model 37 to my brother last year. I didn't realize there was a recurring frame crack issue. Mine always worked great for me, but maybe I better let him know. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Doug M.]

While I find S&W revolver fixed sights to be a little too hard to pick up quickly, if I were going to help her pick a replacement revolver, I'd be looking really hard at a 3" RB K frame. Just enough bigger than a J frame to be easier to shoot and with a much better trigger; the RB grip is far more flexible, and the additional length of the 3" barrel makes aiming a little more precise.

I REALLY wish S&W would make a 12-5 with a RB, the sight system from the Night Guard series, a 3" heavy barrel, and of course no lock. If Crimson Trace made a K frame version of the 405 grip, that would be a real bonus. I'd prefer a bobbed hammer, myself. Loaded with WC or SWC, it would be a very ergonomically friendly home defense weapon for a large percentage of the population, and not a bad carry gun too. Hey, at least I can express some of my fantasy life without a moderator ding.

 

[flagman1776]

Yes, these guns are generally before the Lifetime Warentee and current S&W ownership... YET, S&W current ownership wants to trade on the reputation from years gone by. Yes, it is possible to wear a gun out... IMHO, a frame should never crack. A very small perectage of these guns will ever fail. I think they should be replaced with a current model.
If the lady just wanted a house gun (no CC), a steel or SS K frame would be a better choice.

 

[pigbike]

Call S&W and explain the problem. They will send you a prepaid shipping label. They will take a month or so to decide what they will do for you. You might be surprised as I was. My gun was a 1982 model and they replaced it.

 

[jframejoey]

My favorite cop shop all ways has used j frames for $300...some times more....some times less. Part it out for her in the forum and she can put the cash towards a used gun.

 

[daddy bear]

I have a nickel 37 that is cracked under the barrel. I bought it used, so there is little hope. I think I will look for a deal on a blue 36 and make a toy pinto.

$530 may be dealer now, but that leaves the factory a nice profit!

I also think it is a torque issue. I have an older 42 that has absorbed a goodly number of +P, before I knew better, without issues.

Jack

 

[66snub]

Once in a while, you can find stripped J frames on Armslist or Gunbroker for sale. Maybe one will turn up and you can use the parts from the destroyed M37 to outfit the "new" frame?

 

[Mickey D]

If this is for home defense and not CC, the little lady should get a nice 4" K frame. More fun and better for practice.

 

[keninnavarre]

A quick online search shows a new 637 retailing for 377.00
530.00 would be exorbitant for retail, not dealer. S&W "suggested" prices are ridiculous.

I would definitely send the gun in, I expect they will replace it regardless of the warranty. From what I understand Ruger doesn't even offer a written warranty, supposedly to avoid some of the federal regs on explicit written warranties. But if you send them a broken gun, they will fix it or replace it. I think S&W will do the same.

Edit to add- Please,do send the gun in. I would really like to know the end result of this problem. I'm sure everyone reading would appreciate knowing how S&W handles this. This is an important issue on this forum and the end result could sway someone's decision on future purchases of new Smith & Wessons. Not replacing the gun will cost them more in negative advertising than their small actual cost of replacing the gun.

If they still wont replace the gun, I would have to seriously consider suggesting she buy a new LCR, or SP 101as a replacement. Certainty not a $530.00 S&W.

 

[M29since14]

Calling is always problematic. I would just write a basic letter, send the gun in, and hope for a little pity from S&W. That's really a shame. Pretty little Model 37.