The dreaded frame crack

[ladder13]

Thanks for the explanation BigBoku. I'm awaiting the Fedex truck as I type. Also was advised by the smith at the factory that the gun needed to be shipped to an FFL since a new serial number would be issued. Looks like a trip to Richie's is on the horizon.

It's on the Fedex truck heading back to the mothership. Think I'll throw on a 3913TSW, change the lineup for a few days.

 

[BigBoku]

By definition, it wouldn't be an Airweight. Made of stainless or carbon steel is would be a Model 640 or a Model 40. We're not talking about a ton of weight here in either case.

I carry a no dash 649 in my pocket every day.............For many years it was the 342PD that I said earler had 1500 rds of 135gr +P through her with no problems.

Someone offered me a price that was good enough to part with that gun, I will say this it did take a few days to get used to the extra weight riding in my Kramer Pocket Rig but I don't even notice it now. The best thing was I became so used to training with the Airlite and +P ammo firing my 649 No dash with the 135gr +P GDHP feels like a 2" Model 64.

Ladder13, I figured you were going to have to go through Rich with the replacement and have your license ammended to reflect the new serial number and remove the old.

 

[straightshooter1]

Mine, likewise, is headed north. My FFL looked at it, and, like me, wasn't sure. OTIH, as we both agreed, what else could cause such a thing. There's nothing there that could scratch it, and the line is so perfectly straight, just like Ladders, but not as deep and wide.

My FFL has had enough of the cracked Smiths that he has a standard letter on his computer, and all he has to do is fill in the model and serial number. That shakes my confidence in S&W.

Anyway, I'd been thinking about buying another 642 or, preferably, a 638 without the locks. I posted a WTB here, but I expect I am wasting my time.

In the meantime, I am carrying my pre-36 with the small trigger guard. It's soooo heavy, though!

Bob

 

[GaryS]

I carry a no dash 649 in my pocket every day.............For many years it was the 342PD that I said earler had 1500 rds of 135gr +P through her with no problems.

If they offered the Model 40, I'd probably buy one of those. Unfortunately, they stopped making the Model 40 in the classic line, although they were a bit expensive.

In any case, when I get back from vacation I'll call S&W customer service and see what they have to say.

I'm confident they'll stand behind their product.

 

[ladder13]

Mine, likewise, is headed north. My FFL looked at it, and, like me, wasn't sure. OTIH, as we both agreed, what else could cause such a thing. There's nothing there that could scratch it, and the line is so perfectly straight, just like Ladders, but not as deep and wide.

My FFL has had enough of the cracked Smiths that he has a standard letter on his computer, and all he has to do is fill in the model and serial number. That shakes my confidence in S&W.

Anyway, I'd been thinking about buying another 642 or, preferably, a 638 without the locks. I posted a WTB here, but I expect I am wasting my time.

In the meantime, I am carrying my pre-36 with the small trigger guard. It's soooo heavy, though!

Bob

Bob, you could get a new 442-642 from Budsgunshop cheaper than used. Being a cop and a vet, you can get one from Budspolicesupplies for $320 shipped. My dealer can' get them that cheap.

 

[jspick]

This is an interesting thread!

John

 

[BigBoku]

If they offered the Model 40, I'd probably buy one of those. Unfortunately, they stopped making the Model 40 in the classic line, although they were a bit expensive.

In any case, when I get back from vacation I'll call S&W customer service and see what they have to say.

I'm confident they'll stand behind their product.

I dont think you will have any problems with warranty, I must admit I really liked the Classic Line when they came out, all three of the available finishes were gorgeous.

 

[straightshooter1]

Thanks Ladder, I'll check it out.

Bob

 

[syl17]

Ok you got me thinking, I have a 642-2 with the lock and I HAD to go check it. No crack but found I had not cleaned it yet from last trip to the range. My bad I am on my way to the work bench. thanks for the heads up

 

[f2]

checked my 342, 642-1, and 49 - happy to say no-crack.

 

[ladder13]

My 642 got to the factory this morning at 9am, we'll see.............

Quite funny how it goes from NY to Newark NJ, then to Springfield Mass.

 

[Lenny_D]

ladder13,
This thread got me to check my 442-1. I've had it for about a year now and am closing in on 1500 rds. Mostly homegrown loads but some pretty stout. So far no crack. My 442 is a no IL. Maybe you like the stainless look better but if you wanted a no IL gun you may be able to pick one of them up?

 

[ladder13]

UPDATE:

Received a letter from customer service, with a work order number, today. Should hear something soon, I suppose.

 

[ladder13]

Called Customer Service this morning, the 642 has been "scrapped" as they put it. They asked for FFL info, I'm faxing over the FFL right now.
No word of lock vs no lock, they couldn't tell me. I have a buyer for this gun if it has the IL, he doesn't care if there's a lock or not.
Kudo's to S&W.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

Just checked my 1982 Model 37 (no dash), and I didn't find any cracks. (Heavy sigh of relief.) This Airweight is with me near 24/7 since it rides in my pocket at work and is my second primary concealed carry.

ECS

 

[ladder13]

Yeah, it's going back. I'll call S&W on Monday and talk to the service department. If they are just going to stuff my "good" parts into a new frame and barrel, I'll send it back with the Pachmayr grips and Wolff springs. If they are going to replace it with a whole new pistol, I'll put the factory springs and grips on. I don't want to lose those.

I might wait to actually bring it in to the factory in April. One of the nice things about living in MA is being able to drive to the factory and drop a piece off for service.

Gary, did you send your gun back yet?

 

[GaryS]

Gary, did you send your gun back yet?

I haven't done anything yet. I'm planning to go on a factory tour in April and will call them about a week before. You can drop guns for repair off in person at the guard house. They won't guarantee that it will be turned around in the same day, but it usually is from what I've seen.

I'll keep everyone up to date.

 

[1973Glenfield25]

I haven't done anything yet. I'm planning to go on a factory tour in April and will call them about a week before. You can drop guns for repair off in person at the guard house. They won't guarantee that it will be turned around in the same day, but it usually is from what I've seen.

I'll keep everyone up to date.

Gary, is that only for MA residents, or could an out of state person deliver their gun directly to the factory? Just curious.

 

[GaryS]

Gary, is that only for MA residents, or could an out of state person deliver their gun directly to the factory? Just curious.

I would guess it's for everyone, but given the MA gun laws, it's not feasible for most out of state residents. In MA, you need a license for the mere possession of a handgun (or any firearm for that matter). MA has no reciprocity with any other state and for a Non Resident License To Carry, you must appear in person for an interview. A NRLTC also costs $100.00 year and you must appear every year for an interview (I think).

Unless you are in a neighboring state and travel to MA frequently, it's hardly worth it.

 

[ladder13]

Update on S&W customer service.

My 642 was replaced with a brand new 642 in less than 10 days. They even paid my FFL for his transfer fee. Kudo's to Smith.