Smith & Wesson 624 44Special round butt size.

[Hondo44]

I really like my 3" 624 too and would hate to not get it back.

I would confirm if they'll return the gun if the cylinder doesn't prove to be 'safe'.
I'm pretty sure they won't do a conversion to the 44 mag cyl, so I'd confirm that with them as well.

 

[KLYDE]

Jim, I called the S&W phone number you provided. Spoke with a rep. concerning the cylinder recall and she requested the Serial No. I gave her purchased new date with serial no., had me hold while she checked if was within suspected revolvers sold. Next told a prepaid label would be sent, and to enclose a note inside box was for the cyl. recall. Given her name, extension - after providing my ship address with email & phone number. She said they would test the cylinder and notify before returning my 624. Do you think I need to follow up that telephone conversation with an email to them, before I FedEx my 624 to S&W. I'll skip buying a 44Mag cylinder at this point, would only trust S&W to do the conversion(something I was told might be possible, shortly after I bought it new in June 1985). Will be glad if it is determined safe and to get it back after it is tested. It is one of my favorite handguns of many presently.

A year or so ago I sent my 624 to S&W for "testing". I mailed it 2 day on a Monday. They received it on Wednesday. The Factory mailed it back 2 day and I received it the Friday of the same week. Considering S&W received the gun on Wednesday and mailed it back out on the same day I don't know what kind of "testing" could have been done. I have read the email from Jinks, who was in charge of the recall, that stated the recall dealt simply with the issue of being over reamed and able to chamber a magnum. Taking into account my gun had to be received, unboxed, "tested", reboxed and shipped the same day I'd think the testing may have been the 30 seconds it took to see if a magnum chambered.

If it were me again I would not send it in. YMMV.

 

[Mack]

After learning the real reason for the recall, cylinder bored for .44 mag, I would never return a 624-3 to S&W to be checked.

 

[Nick69]

I really like my 3" 624 too and would hate to not get it back.

I would confirm if they'll return the gun if the cylinder doesn't prove to be 'safe'.
I'm pretty sure they won't do a conversion to the 44 mag cyl, so I'd confirm that with them as well.

Jim, I also remember now when buying my 624 new the rear sight was actually bent off to one side. Did not take possession at that time; gun shop sent it right back to S&W. Think it was about 3-4 weeks later, when available for pick up and rear sight was perfect(not just pulled back in place) My inspection was meticulous. So, if my 624 was 6/85 production - returned when received 6/14/85 for repair of sight damage. Wouldn't they have checked the cylinder then? Now I'm vague about a red sticker on the box at that time of pick up. No conversion on my mind anymore. Just slow caution about recall inspection. I've read other messages with issues concerning this remedy. One said they kept it and offered one "like same" 629 44Mag. I've bought 8 new S&W revolvers, all with snub nose, buying 3 barely used from friends and 2 were snub. Only close substitute would be a 629 w/3" barrel and they only have the 2.625 Perf. I'd consider fair. I will call them again for definite answers via phone with follow up email requested. I always thought S&W was reliable and trustworthy. Been doing the Harley Davidson thing 40 yrs.(3yrs. more than S&W) 9 new, w/1 barely used from a friend. Company pretty good; but with dealers - need to toss the coin. I want to confirm action to be taken by S&W; not toss a coin. Thanks again, Victor N.

 

[Nick69]

After learning the real reason for the recall, cylinder bored for .44 mag, I would never return a 624-3 to S&W to be checked.

Do you mean the actual recall was for cylinders bored to chamber 44Mags; that were installed in 624 44Special revolvers by a S&W mistake.

 

[Nick69]

New plan; Will not send my 3" 624 back to S&W - Remember now: when buying box had no red dot sticker. Upon return, after rear sight repair a red dot was on box. Cylinder will not chamber the 44Mag only 44Special. After reading threads; that seems to be the issue. I will be buying a new 629 44 Mag 2.625" Performance. Then maybe sell the 624?, not trade = book price is for a Gun & Car dealer benifit. I didn't even shoot a full box of 50 through it, almost like new. Couple photos will prove; only have the Pachmayr grips though, gave stock to a friend.
Excuse my long posts. Victor N

 

[Nick69]

A year or so ago I sent my 624 to S&W for "testing". I mailed it 2 day on a Monday. They received it on Wednesday. The Factory mailed it back 2 day and I received it the Friday of the same week. Considering S&W received the gun on Wednesday and mailed it back out on the same day I don't know what kind of "testing" could have been done. I have read the email from Jinks, who was in charge of the recall, that stated the recall dealt simply with the issue of being over reamed and able to chamber a magnum. Taking into account my gun had to be received, unboxed, "tested", reboxed and shipped the same day I'd think the testing may have been the 30 seconds it took to see if a magnum chambered.

If it were me again I would not send it in. YMMV.

Hi, My 624 does not chamber a 44 Mag in the cylinder, only 44Special. Can 44Mag's be chambered in your 624? Thanks for your thread; the reason I will not send mine back to them. Thanks

 

[Nick69]

Before I sent it back, I would confirm that if the cyl is not satisfactory
to them, that they will replace the cyl. The gun hasn't been made
in many years and they won't make just one replacement cyl
for you. I've heard of S&W refusing to return the gun and offered
a newer replacement gun instead.

The 44 spl cyl can be bored to 44 Mag but it will not be safe to shoot!

44 mag cylinders have a special heat treating for strength. I would
not risk losing the gun if it were mine. Did you e-mail to verify it's
one that's being recalled? I would do that, and if they say yes, send
it back; here's what I would do. There are 629 SS 44 mag cyls for
sale on ebay and gunbroker. I would buy one of those and have it
shortened and fitted to your gun.

You'd have the best of both worlds;
a super strong cyl that also shoots 44 Mag. You can just shoot 44 spl
most of the time and even hot 44 spl, but have the option to shoot
44 mag. The cyl is long enough for off the shelf 44 Mags with about
1/16" extra chamber length. The only limitation would be that you
wouldn't be able to load extra long bullets in the 44 Mag cases. I've
never had need to do that anyway.

Thanks for all input - I now have the best of both; a new Perf.Centr. 629 44 Mag & 624 3" an old favorite that is confirmed safe.