Removable barrel on my S&W 432PD

[TooTech]

I had my S&W 432PD out to the range recently. The 432PD looks like a 442, except it's six-shooter chambered in .32 H&R mag. I purchased the gun new about 4 years ago. The total round count would be no higher than 500.

This evening when I was cleaning the gun I noticed that the barrel and barrel shroud had a bit of play in them. I was surprised to find that using just my fingers I'm able to completely unscrew the barrel, and separate the barrel and shroud from the frame!

Do I need to return this to S&W? I'm perfectly comfortable with degreasing the threads, applying Loctite, and reassembling, but I'm wondering if this is the correct thing to do.

Is this how S&W puts these revolvers together in the first place? Or does the factory just torque the barrel down and call it a day? If so, they need to start using some "glue"!

 

[Hondo44]

They never use glue and everyone I've heard is against it as well. The barrel is tightened down with a special wrench that engages the rifling. And 'till recently unobtainable outside the factory and Svc Ctrs.

It should be fixed under warranty. I'd call Smith and see if they'll send a 'call tag' for it so you don't have to pay to ship it to them.

 

[tomcatt51]

The barrel is tightened down with a special wrench that engages the rifling. And 'till recently unobtainable outside the factory and Svc Ctrs.

Still is unobtainable as far as I know. If you have a link...

Definitely a "send it back" thing. Might check the frame for a crack. Usually in the thin frame area right under the barrel, visible with the cylinder open. That can cause the barrel to come loose.

 

[TooTech]

Still is unobtainable as far as I know. If you have a link...

Definitely a "send it back" thing. Might check the frame for a crack. Usually in the thin frame area right under the barrel, visible with the cylinder open. That can cause the barrel to come loose.

Just checked the frame and there are no cracks I can see. I submitted a request to S&W for a return tag.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Yikes! I'm going to have to check my 432PD when I get home! Please let us know how this turns out.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[Hondo44]

Still is unobtainable as far as I know. If you have a link...

Definitely a "send it back" thing. Might check the frame for a crack. Usually in the thin frame area right under the barrel, visible with the cylinder open. That can cause the barrel to come loose.

Hi tomcatt,
It was posted here on this forum within the year but you'd have to do a search, I didn't tag it.

 

[TooTech]

Free shipping tag received last Thursday, fed ex'ed the 432 back to S&W last Friday.

 

[TooTech]

Almost forgot to close the loop on my original post. My 432PD had nothing wrong beyond a loose barrel, which was promptly fixed and returned in about 2 weeks. Thanks S&W!