“C” Inspection Stamp

[SSGRock]

What would be your interpretation when a Smith and Wesson revolver receives a "C" inspection stamp from factory on shipping box label?

 

[s&wchad]

A red "C" was stamped on 624/629 box labels if the cylinders passed a magnaflux test.

There was a recall on these models that were produced in early 1985. The steel used to make the cylinders was suspect and S&W didn't want to take any chances. It's my understanding that the vast majority of guns tested passed.

 

[SSGRock]

"C"

Thanks for this information S&WChad.

 

[s&wchad]

This old post has some good info.

624/629 Cylinder Recall

The Skeeter Skelton article in the October 1985 issue of Shooting Times magazine stated: "A steel supplier has just advised Smith & Wesson that they shipped a very small quantity of incorrect stainless steel material (11 bars) to us that was not in accordance with their certifications. The incorrect material was used in the cylinders for some large-frame stainless-steel revolvers, Model Numbers 624 (.44 Special) and 629 (.44 Magnum). The approximately 500 units containing this material were shipped from Smith & Wesson between January 1, 1985 and June 8, 1985. They would be included in the following ranges of serial numbers: ADXXXXX, AEXXXXX, AFXXXXX, AGXXXXX, AHXXXXX, ALVXXXX, N910000 thru N953000."

Skeeter goes on to say that the bad cylinder steel caused the recall of about 21,000 guns to find 500 with improper steel.

Today, Kate Fredette of Smith & Wesson basically confirmed this same info. The serial number range includes:

ADXXXX
AEXXXX
AFXXXX
AGXXXX
AHXXXX
ALVXXX (the "V" is not a typo)
N910000 thru N953000

Recalled guns were shipped between Jan 1, 1985 and June 8, 1985 only. The cylinder has to be checked on these handguns and the only way to know is by checking the full serial number against their records. The problem involves 500 guns shipped during that period.

If a handgun in the recalled range has already been returned to the factory for testing, a red letter "C" that is circled will be stamped on the box label, indicating that the gun passed re-inspection. No marks are made on the cylinder of checked guns, only the red "C" in the circle stamped on the box label.

If your gun is within this range and you do not have a box or know for certain that it has been tested, you should contact Smith & Wesson. S&W's records prior to 1986 are not computerized, so it takes them a little longer to look up the particulars.

You can E-mail your gun's serial number to: [email protected]. S&W will contact you regarding the status of your particular gun. If your gun is included in the recall, you'll be sent a prepaid FedEx label and shipping instructions. While E-mail is best, you may also call S&W Customer Support at 1-800-331-0852.

Recalled cylinders are tested by magnafluxing. If your recalled gun does fail, there are no replacement cylinders. S&W will keep your gun and you will be offered the choice of another handgun of equal value or a refund. However, only one gun has failed the test so far … apparently the one sent in by our own dogdoc from Alabama. He says he was offered a 629 as a replacement.

I hope this clears the recall questions up once and for all.

 

[markeb]

What a coincidence with this thread, and thanks for the info. I was fortunate enough to purchase a 624 3" on Monday, the Solar Eclipse day. No box so don't know if it has been checked for the cylinder recall. Gun is very clean with carbon rings on every other hole on the face of the cylinder. I called S&W and they have no record of it being returned for inspection. While doing some research, I messaged a long time Forum member about the recall which he stated if a 44 magnum doesn't fit flush in the cylinder I should be ok. It does have original RB combats, a Lew Horton maybe?

 

[jcs266]

This is a topic that's been covered before in another thread. Roy Jinx advised that he had been closely involved in this issue with the 1985 624's and the steel was fine, that was not an issue. A small number of guns had .44 Magnum chamberings reamed into them was the problem. They wanted those guns BACK but I suspect they were hesitant to admit this happened, so claimed they wanted to magnaflux the cylinders.

If you send your gun in and it is one of those you will NOT get it back. There are no more cylinders available to replace it, so you'll lose the gun.

I never had the box for my 624, so don't know if it went to S&W or not. Personally I checked mine - it does NOT fully seat a .44 Mag round. I've been shooting mine and have given it no more thought.

I'd suggest you look for that thread and read through it. Roy Jinx was basically assigned that project and KNOWS what it was about. No speculation on his part was involved. What I paraphrased above is essentially what he said.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

My used 624 came in a ragged box.
With that Red C on the label.
Further inspection reveals the actual taped over box was used to ship the 624 back to Springfield.