New 640 with Barrel stamped .38+P instead of .357 MAGNUM

[413Maxwedge]

I received a quote from S&W on Friday (3/29/24) and paid them today. Now we'll see how long it takes to perform the actual work.

Replacing the barrel was no charge but I requested two additional services:
*PC J Frame Enhancement (trigger job) $88
*XS Front Sight - .150 White Dot. $25
*Labor. $45

 

[CajunBass]

Sorry to hear about the problem. Hope they get it fixed OK.

I once bought a Model 19-8 that was marked as "38 Special Only." I thought it was interesting and bought it because it was so marked. To make a long story short they were made for a police department in South America. The order got canceled and S&W released them onto the open market as "38 Specials." The one I had would chamber 357 rounds, but I never shot anything but 38's in it. Sold to a fellow who didn't seem to mind the markings either. He said he didn't plan to shoot 357's anyway. Never heard from him again, so I guess he was happy.

 

[Eagle1*]

did you ever get your gun back yet/ I anxious to see the new front sight and how they did for you on your gun, meaning if it was taken care of and the trigger is better?

 

[ImDrRich]

On the other hand, didn't you have kind of a rare bird?

 

[jcelect]

Rare bird? ! ?

The gun is a "rare bird" if it has documentation as being shipped as seen today! Otherwise, it would appear as an altered gun(barrel change)!
jcelect

 

[413Maxwedge]

Yes I got it back on 4/15/24. I actually haven't had time to take it to the range yet, but the trigger feels just like my 340 which I did my own trigger job on. Slightly lighter than stock.

The white dot sight is better than the stock blade, but I'll probably swap it for a Tritium sight like my daily carry came with.

I'm at work now but will take a pic of the sight(s) when I get home tonight.

I have a stainless lock-delete for the hillary-hole and a polished trigger to install but so far I've just put a new Nill Griffe grip on it.

 

[413Maxwedge]

New white dot sight, and a tritium/white for comparison.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

Where is S&W even getting these stainless steel .38 Special barrels? Do they still offer a steel J-frame in .38sp? If so - why?

 

[Frailer]

Where is S&W even getting these stainless steel .38 Special barrels? Do they still offer a steel J-frame in .38sp? If so - why?

To be pedantic, there is no such thing as a “.38 Special barrel,” as revolver barrels have no chamber.

 

[413Maxwedge]

Where is S&W even getting these stainless steel .38 Special barrels? Do they still offer a steel J-frame in .38sp? If so - why?

I don't understand the question. Where are they getting them? I assume they are making them, or having them made for them.

Or is it just a knock on .38 caliber in general?