Broken S&W 640: Next move?

[Bklyn_Irish]

A few months back I was approached by a retired NYPD friend with a "broken" S&W 640 that was her off-duty/backup gun. I was unable to open the cylinder, and it was full of spent shells. I had to bring it to my local gunsmith, who got an RMA# and sent it back to Smith. Received the gun back a few weeks later and paperwork saying that it was "obsolete" and that they would no longer work on it.

Where do we go from here?

 

[SmithNut]

I thought they had an Unlimited Lifetime warranty Policy...

I'd call and ask them how that works....

Besides, I see M642's on the shelves on just about any/all Gun Store's around here, the innards are the same as the M640, the only difference (from what I know) is the frame is steel on the M640 and the M642 has an alloy frame, pretty sure all the innards are the same otherwise.....

I'd take a look at this Warranty Policy:

https://www.smith-wesson.com/customer-service/warranty

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Maybe get local gun smith to fix or save it for the next "no questions asked" gun trade in.

 

[M29since14]

That's ridiculous. I have no idea what's going on there but it sure looks like someone at S&W needs more "training."

 

[Protocall_Design]

I'm looking for a J frame at a reasonable price to make into a .32 Mag. PM me if you want to sell.

 

[Bklyn_Irish]

I'm looking for a J frame at a reasonable price to make into a .32 Mag. PM me if you want to sell.

There's a certain emotional attachment to the gun. We'd like it fixed.

 

[Bklyn_Irish]

From Smith:

"Thank you for contacting Smith & Wesson. From our notes, no repairs were made to the firearm. You might be able to take it to a local gunsmith and have them work on it. You may also try and find the replacement parts from websites like Numrich, Classic Firearm Parts, or Jack First.


Regards,
Jonathan"

 

[old tanker]

You stated you were unable to open the cylinder and that it was full of spent cases. It looks like you can now open and close the cylinder after they sent it back. What else is wrong with it?

At first blush I thought, perhaps, the extractor rod had come unscrewed and was preventing the cylinder from being released. That is not exactly an uncommon problem.

What am I missing?

 

[ken158]

I would think a retired NYPD officer could send the gun to their armorers and get it repaired.

 

[Bklyn_Irish]

I would think a retired NYPD officer could send the gun to their armorers and get it repaired.

In a perfect world, that would be the case.

 

[Bklyn_Irish]

You stated you were unable to open the cylinder and that it was full of spent cases. It looks like you can now open and close the cylinder after they sent it back. What else is wrong with it?

At first blush I thought, perhaps, the extractor rod had come unscrewed and was preventing the cylinder from being released. That is not exactly an uncommon problem.

What am I missing?

[/quote]

 

[Yaworski]

Like everyone else here, I am baffled. However, I just went to Numrich's web site and for the 640 (no dash) they don't list the pawl (hand) but they do for the 642. Maybe the parts are different.

 

[Bklyn_Irish]

Like everyone else here, I am baffled. However, I just went to Numrich's web site and for the 640 (no dash) they don't list the pawl (hand) but they do for the 642. Maybe the parts are different.

I'm frustrated by their warranty (non)support.

 

[Yaworski]

I'm frustrated by their warranty (non)support.

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, and any M&P15 series rifle, that is found to have a defect in material or workmanship. Eligibility for this Lifetime Service Policy requires returning the Product Registration Card within 30 days of purchase.

It does seem that they should fix it. The 640 was introduced in 1989 so if she's the original owner, it should be covered. Maybe a lawsuit is in order.

 

[Model 15-4ever]

Just when you thought S&W couldn't get any worse

 

[murphydog]

I would first contact factory customer service and escalate to a supervisor. Treating a retired NYPD MOS this way should be shame-inducing.

Next option, you should be able to get a recommendation here for a good revolversmith local to you. From the bare bones description of the problems it may be a fairly easy fix.

Is this one of the NYPD authorized 640-2s? Cool gun.

 

[Yaworski]

Treating a retired NYPD MOS this way should be shame-inducing.

Former profession shouldn't matter.

I'm wondering why a gun dealer was involved. When I had issues with my 642, I called them, and they sent me a pre-paid FedEx label.

 

[1sailor]

Is the parts difficulty because this is on the early 38 special frame? Just wondering.

 

[Bklyn_Irish]

Former profession shouldn't matter.

I'm wondering why a gun dealer was involved. When I had issues with my 642, I called them, and they sent me a pre-paid FedEx label.

Couldn't get the cylinder open, Smith wouldn't take the gun with the spent shells in said cylinder.

 

[Yaworski]

Couldn't get the cylinder open, Smith wouldn't take the gun with the spent shells in said cylinder.

That's why God created angle grinders.