Model 37 Airweight cracked Frame

[sigp220.45]

I don't think the aluminum frames are cracking because you use standard loaded 38s. I think it has something to do with the barrel being over torqued in manufacturing.
SWCA 892

I agree. I bet most cracked frames are still in use, and if anyone notices they are fixed with a Sharpie pen.

I almost bought a cracked frame Model 12 from Sportsman's a while back. It was $249 because it looked terrible. I figured if I could get it for $150 I'd do a little test and shoot it every week to see if anything happened. I showed the guy the crack and he just put it back in the case.

I doubt anything would happen, or at the most the crack would widen enough for the barrel to cant in the frame.

 

[sikacz]

This type crack is it likely only in the aluminum and scandium J-frames?

 

[sigp220.45]

This type crack is it likely only in the aluminum and scandium J-frames?

I don't think the scandium ones have this issue. Seems to be an aluminum phenomenon.

 

[rockquarry]

I wonder if anyone has set up a safe test stand to keep firing a cracked frame to see what happens?


My garage floor is cracked but I keep driving on it!

For me, 25 yard accuracy deteriorated very quickly once the frame on a Model 38 Bodyguard cracked. Barrel was easily unscrewed by hand. With a Colt Agent, the frame cracked enough that the barrel turned about 45 degrees where the front sight wasn't visible when looking down the topstrap groove.

Why would you want to see what happens if you keep firing a gun with a cracked frame? What happens is they don't shoot well. No test stand needed.

 

[Mbrgr1]

Because I am curious about everything...................

 

[Aemsl69]

Well after a about a month, almost to the date exactly S&W Quality Assurance contacted me. They indicated the gun was cracked and inoperable. They told me the gun would be destroyed and offered me a New Model 37 as a replacement.

I asked to upgrade to to the Performance Center Model 60, No bueno.

I accepted their offer, I will be the proud owner of a New Model 37.

 

[majick47]

Happy ending to story with S&W replacing the cracked frame M-37. Never was under the illusion that the alloy J/K frame revolvers were a target gun to pump thousands of rounds thru. Shot sparingly to be familiar and test function with low powered 38s is about as far as I would go. Consider them a backup or if primary a last-ditch weapon.