Synthgunner
Member
Just brought home an old 659 and upon inspection a crack in the frame was discovered.
How serious is it?
Can it be repaired?
How serious is it?
Can it be repaired?
Cracked 659 Frame
- Thread starter Synthgunner
- Start date
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Welcome to S&W forum the more experienced members will need pictures .
Definitely need pictures to see where it is and if it can be repaired.
OP
Synthgunner
Member
Single crack in between slide release and upper left corner of grip.
Will add photos later when I get home tonight.
Thanks
Will add photos later when I get home tonight.
Thanks
YEP, I'VE SEEN A FEW CRACKED HERE. SOME PEOPLE NEVER CHANGE THEIR RECOIL SPRING. JP
OP
Synthgunner
Member
That's a darned shame! I'm sure a skilled welder can fix that right up, but not without expense to you. Sorry to hear about that, but given the shape of that corner and the thin cross-section of the frame there, it is not surprising.
I wonder what would happen if you just used it as-is for a while? For a range gun, it doesn't seem like a big danger to anyone. (Not what you want in a defense gun though.
)
I've seen/heard of guys using 1911 frames that cracked in that area, and never heard of anything catastrophic. No one will advise it. It's something you'd have to be willing to try on your own.
I wonder what would happen if you just used it as-is for a while? For a range gun, it doesn't seem like a big danger to anyone. (Not what you want in a defense gun though.
)I've seen/heard of guys using 1911 frames that cracked in that area, and never heard of anything catastrophic. No one will advise it. It's something you'd have to be willing to try on your own.
OP
Synthgunner
Member
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I've never done any business with them, but have heard they do this kind of work.
https://pullmanarms.com/
https://pullmanarms.com/
Green Frog
Member
I would say the term "lived a checkered past" applies here. That is a battle worn veteran if ever there was one, and you'll need to decide whether to give it a quiet retirement or invest the necessary funds to have a proper repair done by the likes of Pullman. If you keep it those are your best, if not only, options. All the other parts show up regularly on auctions and at gun shows, but just like the BATF says, the receiver is the gun.
Froggie
Froggie
OP
Synthgunner
Member
I appreciate the responses guys. Also noticing the third GEN versus second GEN configuration. Could it be that some of the third generation design made its way into the late second generation? I know there was some overlap in some cases. I am puzzled and fascinated by the variability in this line of pistols. I'm going to post a video on my YouTube channel about this crack and these variants. Would appreciate if anybody would watch and let me know their thoughts. There needs to be like a book about these pissed off because they're amazing and there's so much history.
If you just brought it home, I presume you bought it at a gun shop? If so, bring it back
OP
Synthgunner
Member
If you bought this off of GB, I believe you have avenues of recourse, but I am not the best advisor on GB. There are others that can better help with that. I would immediately advise the seller that you found a crack ( sooner is better, like right now ). Do not fire it.
OP
Synthgunner
Member
Good advice.
OP
Synthgunner
Member
I'm trying to learn more about this pistol
Smith & Wesson History Mystery - YouTube
Smith & Wesson History Mystery - YouTube
Also interesting is that the same pistol was discussed concerning sights in another thread prior to your auction win - post 21 - How many nickel models of 1st-3rd gen S&W semi-autos?
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Not uncommon to see 2nd gen guns with 3rd gen parts. A simple image search will yield scores of M659s that lack the frame lug and have a 10768 sideplate assembly installed. In fact I've had a couple come across my bench. I'd want the see the frame stripped down a bit to see the origin of that crack and whether or not that particular gun ever had a frame lug installed or not. And to judge whether or not it's a viable candidate for repair. Fortunately it's steel (410 stainless) and not aluminum so not difficult material to weld.
Field strip then with the grips off if you gently tap the small pin which is held between those legs/prongs of the sideplate assembly.
A gentle bump with a soft hammer does it...
You don't want to remove the small pin (sear pin) merely bump it loose from the sideplate so you can swivel the sideplate up out of the way and expose the entire crack to full view.
If I were to guess, this gun was towards the end of gen 2 production and incorporated some new production parts rather than a kitchen table mod. A close examination of the frame will tell the tale.
Very likely the crack is something that Tony at Microprecsicionwelding can fix. I've taken advantage of his services several time with stuff that's beyond by welding skill or equipment.
Cheers
Bill
Field strip then with the grips off if you gently tap the small pin which is held between those legs/prongs of the sideplate assembly.
A gentle bump with a soft hammer does it...
You don't want to remove the small pin (sear pin) merely bump it loose from the sideplate so you can swivel the sideplate up out of the way and expose the entire crack to full view.
If I were to guess, this gun was towards the end of gen 2 production and incorporated some new production parts rather than a kitchen table mod. A close examination of the frame will tell the tale.
Very likely the crack is something that Tony at Microprecsicionwelding can fix. I've taken advantage of his services several time with stuff that's beyond by welding skill or equipment.
Cheers
Bill
