New S&W 63 - what a disappointment!

[akviper]

A Model 35 is a J frame six inch "target" 22.

 

[catdad]

One rule I have with buying S&W's, is Not to Buy a new one, unless it is prelock.
I also think S&W should NOT give the same model number to the new guns, they are NOT made with the same quality and don't deserve to be in the same light.
Good luck with yours.

 

[RAMS]

Originally posted by bmcgilvray:

Don't use them in 34s, 35s and 317s, except when carrying for "self-defense." Metallurgy problems.

What about this? Never heard it before. Not that big a deal with me because I'm no fan of Stingers but am surprised that at least the Models 34 and 35 couldn't relish a diet of Stingers.

All I know, bmcgilvray, is that right after a couple of boxes of Stingers, the group sizes of one of my M35s (which are just M34s with a 6 inch bbl) and my early M317, doubled--even with clean guns and high-end target ammo. Later, S&W told me they do not recommend Stingers in those revolvers.

 

[tomiswho]

As far as I can tell, Stingers haven't made a bit of difference in my Mod 34-1 Still hits exactly what I aim at if I do my job.....and I'm gittin older....

 

[bobf]

After I got my 63-4 back from S&W I traded it for a model 57. I would like to have a good one.

 

[Mike_1974]

I just got off the phone with S&W and no one there has ever heard of any recommendation from them not to use Stingers. Please back up statements such as S&W not recommending something with references. Thanks

 

[RAMS]

Originally posted by Mike_1974:
I just got off the phone with S&W and no one there has ever heard of any recommendation from them not to use Stingers. Please back up statements such as S&W not recommending something with references. Thanks

My friend, I don't appreciate the implication in your post. Also note that S&W will tell you on the phone (as they have me and others here) that their locks don't malfunction.

Now, Mike_1974, I don't care if you believe me about my bad experiences with Stingers, or about what S&W recommended, or not. But here's the skinny:

According to my notes, the first time the shop recommended I not shoot a lot of Stingers in a M35 was by phone in early March 1996 when S&W reset the bbl and reamed the throat in an attempt to restore the ruined accuracy--it didn't restore the accuracy, but there was no charge. I was living in Virginia at the time. The repairman's advice (yes, in those days a customer could speak directly to the guy doing the repair, maybe Vito or Tony) went something like this after I told him I had been shooting a lot of Stingers: "Why would you want to shoot Stingers out of a fine old revolver like a M35, anyway?" I am sorry, Mike, but I did not record that 1996 conversation for you.

The second time I was cautioned about Stingers by S&W was in connection with a 317, the accuracy of which went to hell after a lot of Stingers. It was on April 13, 2006, 8:59:44 AM CST. Yes, I still have the e-mail; it's from [email protected], Subj: RE: 317 and 351.

Go back to whomever it was that just told you a different story, give him/her the above info, and then let us all know how they explain away their e-mail to me.

In any event, Mike, stuff your old kit guns, 35s and 317s with whatever you like. They are your guns.

 

[msr]

I'll stick with the older version. 63 no dash.

 

[RAMS]

Just in case you are wondering, msr, I never had a problem with Stingers in the beautiful old M63. It is stronger than the 34, 35 and 317. It had to be strong because it also was made for the .22Mag (M651).

 

[Cool Hand Hodge]

Sorry to hear of your mis fortune. I must say though, the two nicest smiths ive seen in factory guise are the two brand spanking 686s my brother and i just got...a 6 and a 4 inch respectivly. Perfect lock up, trigers and smoooooth! Send yours back, smith will make it right

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by catdad:
I also think S&W should NOT give the same model number to the new guns, they are NOT made with the same quality.

Correct. The new ones are better.

 

[IkenI]

Well, I got it back from S&W this afternoon late. The note enclosed just said they adjusted to their standards 1)repaired frame 2)repaired yoke.

I'll take it to the range tomorrow and see what happens.

 

[msr]

Good luck. I hate the frustration that comes along with problem guns!

 

[IkenI]

Took it to the range yesterday and fired six different brands of .22 LR - worked fine.