New Model 69 back to S&W*update 3/29/17*
- Thread starter 7tenz
- Start date
This is a crack in the frame, a 642
You won't get the original serial number if S&W replaces the gun, they issue a new serial number.
I had that done with the 642. S&W will not ship the gun directly to you, it must go to an FFL, their policy. The good thing is they pay for any FFL fee's, if you ask.
I had a Colt SAA replaced, they sent it directly to me with a new serial number. Go figure.
This is a crack in the frame, a 642
You won't get the original serial number if S&W replaces the gun, they issue a new serial number.
I had that done with the 642. S&W will not ship the gun directly to you, it must go to an FFL, their policy. The good thing is they pay for any FFL fee's, if you ask.
I had a Colt SAA replaced, they sent it directly to me with a new serial number. Go figure.
Mine isn't cracked. Unless S&W cracked it during the factory test fire, if they still do that. My gun is new and unfired by me.
Correct, I was illustrating what a real cracked frame looks like.
twodog max
Member
The frame does not look cracked to me either.
On my 69 the detent ball is not fully seated in the notch. However mine is the best shooting 44 I own or have ever owned. And that includes several Model 29's and 629's. So as far as I am concerned it is no big deal. To me performance is what matters. Unless there was a major structural defect that made the revolver unsafe I would shoot it first before sending it back. With the current warranty shooting it will have no outcome on the warranty.
On my 69 the detent ball is not fully seated in the notch. However mine is the best shooting 44 I own or have ever owned. And that includes several Model 29's and 629's. So as far as I am concerned it is no big deal. To me performance is what matters. Unless there was a major structural defect that made the revolver unsafe I would shoot it first before sending it back. With the current warranty shooting it will have no outcome on the warranty.
The ball detent is something they added for whatever reason. The thing is I never had a revolver fly open or come apart that didn't have it. I say shoot the heck out of it. What's the worse that can happen? I doubt you'll want to be shooting full power 44mag loads all the time anyway. I also have heard many others say how accurate they are.
The ball is not supposed to go to the center of the notch and wasn't designed too. By only contacting the one side it is pressing the yoke towards the closed position. Your cylinder would not fly open if the ball was missing, just like one that has the lug on the barrel would not fall open if the plunger wwas missing. BUT, as a S$W rotates the cylinder towards the yoke it would allow the force of rotating cylinder to open the yoke slightly on cycling causing the chamber throat and barrel to become very slightly out of alignment causing spitting and poor accuracy. That is why from lock needs to be on a S&W and why the triple locks were so great. Third lock right at yoke. A colt needs no from lock up as its cylinder rotates the other way moving the yoke closed as it cycles.
The model 69 of ops in question looks like the yoke is not fully closing and the ball is not working correctly. The top of the yoke should meet the frame tighter. This is what often occurs when some cowboy slams the cylinder open and closed and slightly bends the yoke and or frame.
The model 69 of ops in question looks like the yoke is not fully closing and the ball is not working correctly. The top of the yoke should meet the frame tighter. This is what often occurs when some cowboy slams the cylinder open and closed and slightly bends the yoke and or frame.
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Sorry, did mean that is what happened to this one. The photo shows a gap at top of yoke frame juncture. Just pointing out that is what a revolver with a tweaked yoke can look like. Juncture should be tight and uniform top to bottom
Mountain Man
Member
Shot my buddies Model 66, and it did seem to do its job. Seemed locked up plenty tight.
Mountain Man
Member
If anybody near CT has a Model 69, please post up or PM me. Haven't been able to put hands on one, and looking for a 44 Magnum real soon.
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Nemo288
Member
When I purchased my 4" 629 Mountain Revolver (BDY serial) there was enough wrong with it I sent it back to be fixed.
It was long enough ago I don't remember the details.
They replaced the whole frame! It is now very well built.
They overstamped the serial # with my old one.
You can barely see the model designation as they sanded the area before deeply restamping the serial.
I have never wanted to have the BATF look at this one even though a factory check would verify it as legitimate.
Guess it simplified the paperwork.
S&W also had different owners back then.
Sorry you are having issues with yours. I bought a model 69 when they first came out and am thoroughly delighted with mine. The cylinder locks up tight, and it handles full house magnums just fine. This us my fall/winter ridge walking gun and my hunting sidearm. I am interested in adding the 2-1/2" barrel model 69 to the stable...just because...
Nemo288
Member
Yep.
I suspect they replaced the ball detent assembly so it actually sticks out far enough to engage the frame.
Please give us a picture when you get the gun back so we can see "before" and "after"!
I had ball detent "locks" added to my 629-2 MR as part of an action package that included porting (MagNaPort gunsmithing).
This is by far the hardest recoiling firearm I own and shoot.
Not sure how much these particular detents actually accomplish or if they are just bling.
They do make opening and closing the cylinder somewhat more difficult.
The "433" refers to the throat diameter.
I mark these so I know which bullets to shoot in a given revolver.
I suspect they replaced the ball detent assembly so it actually sticks out far enough to engage the frame.
Please give us a picture when you get the gun back so we can see "before" and "after"!
I had ball detent "locks" added to my 629-2 MR as part of an action package that included porting (MagNaPort gunsmithing).
This is by far the hardest recoiling firearm I own and shoot.
Not sure how much these particular detents actually accomplish or if they are just bling.
They do make opening and closing the cylinder somewhat more difficult.
The "433" refers to the throat diameter.
I mark these so I know which bullets to shoot in a given revolver.
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