Light Weight "J" Frames Revolvers

[imnotaper]

Hi:
Am I reading wrong or are the majority of mechanical problems are with the "J" frames light weight (Air Weight) Revolvers.
Thanks,
Jimmy

My experience has been quite different from most of the positive responses on this forum. Based on Smith and Wesson's reputation and rave reviews about its customer service, I bought a Smith & Wesson 637 on March 9, 2009. I was able to fire about 70 rounds a week later. Every 5th or 6th round went click instead of bang. This happened with both S & B and Magtech ammo. As best I could tell, the firing pin was hitting too lightly. In addition, a pin in front of the extractor rod was so loose that it had almost vibrated out. I could move it with my finger.

I called Customer Service on March 17 and was instructed to send the revolver back. The customer service representative did not ask me for an email address, so it took six days for the shipping labels to arrive by mail. Then two more days for it to be shipped to S&W. They have now had my gun for over two weeks. Most of the Customer Service Representatives have been unable or unwilling to tell me what is being done, how long it will take, etc. However, the person I spoke to yesterday did take some time to find out that it would be another week or week and a half before my gun would be returned. Yesterday, my gun dealer said this is unusual for S&W and he would call them. No word back from him. An email I sent to S&W yesterday expressing my frustration has not been answered.

Apparently, my problems are not unique. The problem of the pin being loose is discussed here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/e...00143/m/76910315/p/1 Some are advocating crimping or bending the pin to keep it in place. A local gun dealer told me that they have had other Smith and Wesson J frames that have misfired recently, perhaps due to defective firing pins.

Now for some speculation: One Customer Service representative did tell me that the S&W Warranty Center has been unusually busy with the recent interest in handguns. This implies that more guns are being sold, which in turn implies that more guns are being produced. If enough guns are being produced that it is putting a strain on the Warranty Center, is Quality Control also being stretched too thin?

Steve

 

[allglock]

My heart bleeds for them

If they cant handle the influx of extra guns being made and warrantee repairs, HIRE MORE PEOPLE! Pretty simple solution to me.
I have been waiting on a model 37 hammer for almost 3 months! They told me it was in stock when I ordered it.

P.S. It is pretty sad that I have had to replace all of my firing pins with Apex pins, because you cant trust S&Ws new pins.

You can always FAX a letter to the President if you want some action. It was the only thing that worked for me.

 

[photoman]

I've fired thousands of rounds through Airweight J frames, the oldest being made in 1996 and the newest being made in 2008. Not a single problem with firing pins.

 

[Spotteddog]

I can't speak for others, or their personal experiences? We own 2 342PD's. My Wife's has had only about 500 out of it since 01'. Mine has had 10 times that many, better than half of which were +P. No materials or workmanship issues on either. In fact the only trouble is that mine looks like Hell from almost daily carry. Mine is more accurate the my Wife's, hers has a better trigger.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

My 340PD has some gas cutting from just 10 rds of 110 gr magnums, just like S&W says. But I've fired several hundred of the Speer 135 +P with no problems. Did you perhaps fire some 110's too?

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
Sounds like the selling end is going so well that customer service is lacking.
Being serious, We all might want to steer away from the "NEW" and consider "Pre-Owned" or other "Manufacters" )Ruger, Taurus, Colt).
Jimmy

 

[Broadside]

Originally posted by Bacon:
Tom Turner - That has got to be the finest looking J-frame I've seen in a long time. Since you carry it, how do you keep the blue finish so pristine?

I was thinking the same thing. Please, Tom. Please, let us know your secret. Thank you.

 

[Chris O]

I have a model 37 dating back to the late 1980's and it has seen many rounds through it over the years with absoluetely no problems.

 

[nitesite]

Great looking revolver there, Tom!

Makes my 442 no-dash with rubber grips look like crap.

 

[imnotaper]

In follow-up of my 637 problem, S&W has agreed to refund my money.