Cracked frame on model 38

[27 Man]

I just discovered that the frame is cracked on my airweight bodyguard. The crack is directly below the barrel where the barrel screws into the frame. I have no idea when this occurred but needless to say I have retired it. Is this type of thing repairable or do I have a really nice pristine wall hanger now? I bought this gun new back in the early 80s. I would post a picture but haven't figured that out yet.

 

[Protocall_Design]

I would call S&W and see what they have to say about it. You are correct to retire it, as more shooting could cause the barrel and frame to part company.

 

[stansdds]

Toolguy has given you excellent advice, I highly recommend following that advice.

 

[WR Moore]

That's not repairable, take Toolguy's advice. There simply isn't much metal in the threaded boss in a J frame and cracks in the yoke cut aren't as scarce as hen's teeth. Particularly with the alloy frames.

 

[gmborkovic]

Yea, paperweight. Sorry glue or Duct Tape dont work.

 

[Babysitr]

Factory has been good to me. bet they will take care of it...be armed with good pictures to send them..call and discuss it first. let us know

 

[27 Man]

I'll call S&W on Monday. Anyone in particular you recommend I talk with?Thanks for info but I think I know what I am going to hear.

 

[chiefbob81]

Are these cracks caused by metal imperfections, overpowered cartridges, over torquing barrel, or magic?

 

[Loyaljeeper]

Are these cracks caused by metal imperfections, overpowered cartridges, over torquing barrel, or magic?

Overtorqued barrels and shooting, and not always high pressured ammo.

 

[murphydog]

If it is a model 38, it may have been made before the "Lifetime Warranty" era. If so, depending on with whom you speak at the factory, they may tell you there is no recourse or offer you a very good (discounted) deal on a new equivalent model. You can understand with a 30 year old gun with no history why they may be reluctant to replace it for free. Please let us know what happens?

 

[colt_saa]

Yea, paperweight. Sorry glue or Duct Tape dont work.

You are forgetting about Flex Glue

It will fix anything

 

[colt_saa]

Are these cracks caused by metal imperfections, overpowered cartridges, over torquing barrel, or magic?

This has been occuring since Smith and Wesson began making allow framed revolvers more than half a century ago

This is not limited to J-frames. It happens to the K and N frames as well. They all crack in the same spot

The rifling in Smith and Wesson barrels is such that every time a round is fired in the the revolver, the torque that occurs as the projectile engages the rifling tightens the barrel

That hammering sometimes causes the alloy frames to crack, even the Scandium framed guns are susceptible to this

 

[rockquarry]

They replaced a cracked-frame Model 38 for me about ten or so years ago with a lesser gun, but least they replaced it. I don't know whether they still do this, but it's certainly worth a call.

 

[chief38]

See if it falls under the Lifetime Warranty! If it does - you will get a new gun. If not, you have a new piece of wall art or parts donor.

 

[Rock185]

27 man, Not safe to shoot, not repairable, and a wall hanger as is. If S&W warranties it, I suspect they would just replace the gun. I've seen photos of the cracked alloy frames, and tend to examine my 642 more often than in past. That area beneath the barrel is super thin. I'm surprised it holds up as well as it does. My perspective on alloy frames in general, is that I accept the fact that they may not be as durable as steel, in exchange for their lighter weight. My 642 has not cracked.........yet. But my Alloy framed Colt Commander cracked after only moderate use with standard pressure ammo........ymmv

FWIW, I have occasionally dealt with S&W, for both warranty and paid work, over a lot of years. I don't know what their current attitude might be, but they have routinely gone above and beyond for me.

 

[SDH]

27 man; Please let us know what you hear from S&W!!
Thanks!

 

[NovaJoe]

I had a similar situation last year. Crack under barrel on airweight frame. I bought it used, originally made 1982.

Called S&W, sent them pictures. At their request, I shipped it to them. They called stating that they could not return it, but they could give me my choice of a new 637, 638, or 642, shipped to my FFL. So I took the 642.

 

[sigp220.45]

If you really think its a paperweight and want to sell it for paperweight price, PM me.

I have long suspected these guns were cracked from the factory and will provide years of service in their cracked condition. I'd love to prove it by shooting one until (presumably) nothing happens.

 

[27 Man]

Thanks for the offer sig220.45 but I would hate to see someone injured.

 

[sigp220.45]

Thanks for the offer sig220.45 but I would hate to see someone injured.

Ok, but what do you think would happen?