Cracked Frame

[longrangedog]

I have a M38-2 nickel airweight that I bought new some years back. I've shot less than 100 rounds total- all standard 38 sp. While loading the cylinder yesterday I noticed a crack in the frame under the forcing cone area of the barrel. This is my favorite carry gun. I paid over 375 for the pistol and I'm upset that I now have a revolver that's not safe to shoot. I'm hoping S & W does me right on repairing or replacing it. I can't remember what year I purchased it and I'm hoping someone will do me a favor by dating it with the SN. It's BNB9557. D79 or it might be 079 is stamped on the yoke. Thanks in advance.

 

[scha]

A BNB serial number is likely 1993.

Steve

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

I agree with Steve.
According to the book your gun is a 1993 model and will be covered under the lifetime warranty.

Call S&W at 1-800-331-0852 M-F, 8-8

Tell them what happened. They'll send a call tag for Fed-Ex or UPS. They'll fix it and pay shipping back as well, all for free.

 

[longrangedog]

Whew! Thanks friends.

 

[USBP SW]

Actually, I have seen more than one that had that happen and it wasn't from shooting it. It appeared that the frame cracked when the barrel was installed on at least one that I saw, since the revolver displayed no evidence of having been fired. I believe Smith & Wesson will honor the warranty on that one also. Good luck.

Steve

 

[Fast Copperhead]

I had the same thing happen on my 340PD at 25 rounds fired. Smith replaced the frame. Stated that it was due to robots installing the barrel and over tightening to get front sight in the right position.

 

[dant]

ah yes, the "the infamous crush fit...." yes, they should and have in the past covered this 'anomaly' (sic), give them a call................

 

[bmcgilvray]

Betcha they will honor a warranty on your revolver. They did for a friend of mine who had a blue Model 38 that similarly cracked.