S & W Model 340PD Frame Crack

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I recently experienced a crack in the frame of my 340PD. The crack was located directly beneath the forcing cone. I've had the revolver at least 10-12 years and confined my ammunition to our departmental load, initially, Federal 125 grain .38 Special +P JHP and later, Speer 135 grain .38 Special +P GDHP.

I've done a search and found that this type revolver is susceptible to cracking. Mine has been sent back to the S & W factory.

Has anyone else experienced this and could you advise what Smith & Wesson did to remedy the problem? Also, what is the time frame for this to be addressed?

Thanks.

JPJ
 
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Not with a 340PD, but with a 625-10, after S&W was no longer making them. My LGS, who only received the gun when I traded for it interstate, called S&W. They told him to ship it, and give me anything out of the catalog. That's what he did, and I walked out of the store with a new 22-4 1917 copy. The facts that I am a good customer of his and he is a good customer of S&W's probably didn't hurt.
 
That happens now and then, particularly with the lightweight J-frames. How S&W will handle your case is anyone’s guess. The only fix is a new frame. Your 340PD is the first one I have heard about cracking.

The problem is not limited to lightweight frames. I once saw a 640 literally throw it’s barrel downrange during firing. Completely destroyed the frame but the barrel looked OK - other than being scuffed up a little bit from sliding along the floor. :D
 
Smith and Wesson revolvers have been cracking in that exact spot for 50+ years now. It is most common with the alloy framed guns, even the Scandium alloys

No need to worry, the Factory will take care of you

It is not a common occurrence, but it happens.

I had a N-frame 327 that cracked there, S&W simply sent back a different serial number 327 to me.

The crack is not a catastrophic failure as the firearm can still be discharged many times should a life threatening event arise.
 
Most likely they will give you a new 340PD as it's still in production.

When an older gun no longer in production has this problem, it's more of an issue.
 
Thanks to each of you that took the time to respond. I hope to hear from the factory sooner rather than later.

I'll post again when I receive their decision.

Regards,

JPJ
 
To update, S & W sent me a new Model 340PD to replace the aformentioned revolver that was damaged. The new revolver will include the Hi-Viz sights as the red ramp was not available. They also offered to pay the transfer fee. I pick it up Saturday.

I was very impressed with the manner in which this was handled.

Good job S & W!

JPJ
 
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I’ve had my no lock 340PD for a little over a year, put about 150 rounds of standard pressure & +P down range (one round of .357 was enough for me) and so far so good. Not much fun to shoot but great for carry.
 

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