New 442-1 observations

[jimdvan]

I bought a new 442 today and like all my guns, new or used, I took it apart for cleaning and to check things out. Following are my observations:
-There were large burrs on the interior and exterior of the forcing cone that needed to be removed,
-the ejector rod was screwed on but not even finger tight,
-there was a lot of crud inside the ejector/extractor rod assembly that hindered smooth operation,
-the crown was not even close to being even. It took several turns of my Brownells muzzle cutting tool to even the crown. I couldn't believe how soft the metal was, it was like cutting soft aluminum. Now I know why the forcing cone burrs were easily removed with a sharpened brass rod,
-based on the seam on the front of the ejector rod latch surface on the front of the barrel it appears the barrel is cast.

Makes me wonder if I really want to trust my life to this thing.

 

[haywood]

That is a shame. I have been reading about some unhappy people and their new S&W guns. Mine are older and I'm not buying any new ones. If Smith keeps this up it could only help Charter Arms and other underdogs.

 

[jimdvan]

I, too, had sworn off new S&W revolvers but wanted a 442. Older 442's or 642's with forged parts are few and far between.

The shop where I bought it had 2 and this was the good one. The first one I tried, the trigger wouldn't return to engage the hammer and I had to push it forward each time to make it work.

I haven't measured it yet but the forcing cone looks about 3 times longer than it should.

 

[Valmet]

I've used my 442 as a summertime carry for the past three years. 2014 mfg and have only had a few hundred rounds thru it but mine has been fine. To the OPs point I haven't disassembled it. Perhaps caution should be exercised from here on out when purchasing new Smiths.