Cracked frame Model 12

[smithman 10]

Probably been answered many times but I will ask again just to make sure.

What can be done with a Model 12 when the frame cracks right beneath the barrel? I'm sure I have read that the frame (which is the gun) is junk, that Smith and Wesson cannot repair it and one is basically s..t out of luck.

Thank heaven it's not mine but belongs to a friend who is not knowledgeable at all about Smiths. He thought it could be sold as a parts gun once I told it was unsafe to fire.

If he sends it to Smith what will they do? Or will they even accept it?

Needless to say he acquired the gun from an unscrupulous seller some time back without inspecting the gun. In other words, he didn't check it out at all but got enamored of the shiny nickel finish, which looks very nice.

And no, I have no photos of it. Any comment appreciated.

 

[ACORN]

Call the factory. What can it hurt?

 

[rockquarry]

Years ago S&W replaced an alloy J frame revolver that had cracked for another, but lesser J-frame gun since my broken one was no longer manufactured. When the same happened to a 1950s Colt Agent, I sold the remains, less stocks, as a parts gun at a gun show for $150.00, I think.

There may be someone here who claims to have fired 5,000 rounds through his alloy-framed gun without mishap, but I don't think these guns were ever intended to be fired much, just carried. However, the newer +P rated alloy frame guns seem to be more durable.

 

[SFIDEC]

I recently had a cracked frame M442 produced around mid 90's cracked in the same area as yours. After my initial email that included information (Model, Serial Number, Issue,) about the M442, S&W said I could send it to them for evaluation. After a couple of weeks they gave the the option to replace with similar revolver. I chose the 642-1 and received it a couple weeks later.
I'm not sure how many years they'll go back to allow such replacements but it's worth a try to contact them.
Good Luck!
Ray

 

[Baxter6551]

I am the reverse of SFIDEC above. Fall of 2021 sent my early non plus P rated 642 back to the factory after call to customer service. Crack in frame below barrel. A month later they told me it would be replaced. I chose the 442 because I wanted the black finish.
To the OP I would say have your friend call customer service. I know they don't make model 12s anymore but who knows what option they will offer. Couldn't hurt.