Is my 659 dead? :( [HI-RES PICS]

[headless1916]

Took my trusty 659 out to the range this weekend, and while cleaning her after shooting I noticed an alarming thing - a crack in the frame right around the slide release notch. Damn. Upon very close inspection, it looks like the front right 'rail' that the slide engages with is also excessively worn to the point that the slide can move almost 1mm up/down when the slide is closed. I've attached some pictures here; does anyone know if these types of issues can be repaired? This was my first handgun, it'll be sad if she's dead for good.

First, the crack on the frame:

More pics:
http://headless.shackspace.com/659/P1010015.JPG
http://headless.shackspace.com/659/P1010017.JPG
http://headless.shackspace.com/659/P1010014.JPG

Now the slide rail that looks....worn.

Note how the bottom rail in this pic 'thins' at the end to a point of sorts. You can see the profile of the top rail here and see how instead of a nice square block for the rail, it's been 'notched' or worn down.

More pics:
http://headless.shackspace.com/659/P1010006.JPG
http://headless.shackspace.com/659/P1010003.JPG

Any input is appreciated. Dunno what i'll do if she's dead..it looks like all S&W makes nowadays is the M&P plastic pistols + stainless/alloy mix 910/908 I really like all stainless.

 

[handgunner356]

Anything can be repaired, it just comes down to who's writing the check. I would guess S&W would place a 3rd generation frame under it as the least expensive way of fixing it. You need to call customer service and see what they have to say. The rail wear does not seem that unusual but the frame crack sure is. My guess is either a new frame or maybe some sort of credit towards a new gun.

 

[Denver Dick]

I don't believe the 2nd generation pistols like the 659 are covered by a lifetime warranty like the four digit 3rd generation pistols. That said, you should still call S&W customer service and see what they say. Good luck.

 

[WR Moore]

OK, before your panic hits maximum levels, exactly where are you seeing a crack? The area of the slide stop notch isn't a critically stressed area of the frame, a crack in that area would be unlikely. If you go to a shop that sells welding supplies, you can get crack checking materials for less than $20. Follow the directions to verify that you do, in fact, have a cracked frame. If so, S&W has a vault full of frames that can have serial numbers stamped on to match yours. As suggested, it won't be free, will be reasonable. If there is some defect in materials that lead to the problem, you can expect flexibility. I'd suggest contacting S&W customer service, prefferably after determining if you might actually have a problem.

1 mm movement between frame and slide of a service grade pistol generally isn't considered excessive. Nor is there any excessive wear exhibited on the rails as shown in the second picture.

 

[headless1916]

Hello all, and thanks for the responses.

I'm positive that the frame is cracked. If I push on the metal, I can see the 'scissor' effect of the 2 sides of the crack pushing past eachother I'm wondering if maybe my recoil spring became weak enough to allow the slide stop to hammer the frame into damage like it did. I've never replaced the slide stop spring though I've shot this gun quite a lot. Given that the frame IS cracked, do you really think they have 659 frames for this pistol anymore? I think it was discontinued a long time ago (20years+?)

I marked up the picture to point out where I see the problem - note that the rail is 2-3 times as wide at the rear of the picture as at the front...it's like the rail becomes a 'point' at the end.

I'd always used gun oil to lube the pistol, but now I'm thinking using a heavier grease might have saved some of this wear...

 

[handgunner356]

That is a good argument for replacing the recoil spring on a regular basis. The front inner rails aren't that critical, if that is actual wear then there must be major wear to the main rails. I'm still guessing that they would put a third generation frame under it. But untill YOU cal S&W we'll never know.

 

[Cruiser RN]

I think Smith and Wesson would go with a replacement 3rd generation Frame and call it a day.The customer Service is great and being a frame failure they just might do so without charging you.Doesn't hurt to ask....Mike

 

[billpear]

I had a look at my 659 today which also has some miles on it, and I'm not so sure those front rails aren't really that way from the factory, I cant imagine that, that location puts that much wear on them. Sadly I can see from the first photo that your frame is cracked. Definately call Smith, whats the worst that can happen? Let us all know how it turns out, obviously my 659 and I are vested in the outcome!

 

[headless1916]

Handgunner356, Actually, the main rails look great, almost no wear at all.

Interesting, billpear - perhaps someone has a mint 659 that hasn't been shot much that we could compare the front rails on? This pistol has had somewhere over 25,000 rounds through it at this point.

 

[WR Moore]

OK, it's been 11 days, what did S&W customer service say?

 

[billpear]

Handgunner356, Actually, the main rails look great, almost no wear at all.

Interesting, billpear - perhaps someone has a mint 659 that hasn't been shot much that we could compare the front rails on? This pistol has had somewhere over 25,000 rounds through it at this point.

Wish I had read this Friday when I cleaned mine. I'll break it down this week and make some measurements and grab some photos for you. Did you call S&W?

 

[billpear]

I got you some Photos of mine but I can't remember my stupid photobucket login. I send you a PM with my email info and I'll send them direct to you.

 

[headless1916]

I called S&W and was told to send it in to them so that they could look at it. They would not answer any specific questions such as what could be done to fix the problem or what it would cost...

I've read on another forum online of a case where someone sent a pistol in to S&W and was unable to get it back from them even after weeks of requests, so I am a bit apprehensive about sending it off without any kind of information about what it will take to get it back. I dropped you an e-mail billpear, thanks for taking those pics

 

[Eminence]

I recently sent a 6906 back to S&W for a minor repair. I sent it off on a Wednesday, they got it on Friday, repaired it on Monday and I had it back on Wednesday. One week turnaround time. By all means send it back and don't hesitate.

 

[USMC586]

Smith's CS is great. I live in Ma where Smith resides and have had great experiences with them. I dropped off a 586 on a Monday for a performance upgrade and it was ready on that Thursday. I also had asked to buy a new sight for another gun because I was refinishing it and they gave me the sight for free!
Have no fear send it in!

 

[KennyTX]

any update?

 

[headless1916]

Well, it took a while but I went ahead and bought a 5906 this week I'll be sending the 659 from above posts back to S&W this week. Comparing my 5906 to the 659 is pretty funny...the 659 sure is...loose.

 

[billpear]

Just last week while cleaning mine I got to wondering what was going on with yours.

Keep us posted on the outcome.