S&W warranty/replacement policy

[RychenCop]

I have a 66-1 and if the forcing cone were to crack by using .357 loads, would S&W cover this or would I be out of luck since it's a known issue? I read in another forum that S&W offered to replace a guys gun with another model because of this type of failure. I love firing .357's but I'm also very cautious to what loads I use due to the forcing cone problem.

 

[handgunner356]

I would believe they would consider it normal wear on a thirty-year old gun. Just stay away from the barn burner 110-125gr loads.

 

[s&wchad]

The S&W lifetime service policy covers guns made from 1989 on. The 66-1 dates between 1977 and 1982. They probably don't even have barrels, so you'd have to find one and pay to have it installed.

 

[RychenCop]

yeah...i didn't even think of the year it was made. thanks!

 

[nutsforsmiths]

Smith does not have any pinned barrels at their factory. As mentioned, you would have to buy a barrel and they would install it for a reasonable price, and of course, do the work right.

 

[ab4ka]

I'd stick with .38Specials in it, other than for serious social situations. I've got a 19-4 that I really like, but it gets fed .38's, although I keep it stoked with .357's while it's resting at home. If I want to shoot magnums I use my L frames.

 

[RychenCop]

yeah...i guess it's time to get a 686

 

[s&wchad]

yeah...i guess it's time to get a 686

Great excuse..... Oh, I mean reason!

 

[RychenCop]

just received this email from S&W after I had sent them one inquiring about the forcing cone issue.

"As a rule any grain under 120 will corrode the barrel ( .357 ) ( .38 & .38+P ) are Ok"

 

[martyj]

Had the same deal with them on a o/u shotgun. They are out of parts and the heirloom warranty that comes with them is worthless.
PS the shotgun was a Elite silver that was new.