To many guns returned to S&W

[Lemonade52k]

compared to many other members on this forum, i would be considered a rookie among them. So saying that, it seems that as i scroll through the different threads that i constantly see a steady subject of "sent my gun back to S&W" and having just bought my first S&W revolver it makes me think and wonder when the "hey day" or the "Golden years" or even the Prime years of Smith and Wesson revolvers were. Im learning more and more every day and in my opinion i would think that a counter sunk, pinned barrel revolver are the most ideal to have, but im at a lost of what years these were made, or even if im right in thinking so. so i put it to yall, as far as quality, fit and finish, when was the best era (years) of Smith and Wesson revolvers? what would i look for to identify these years as well?

 

[m1gunner]

What are you looking for? A 38. 44, 44mag, 357, 41, 9mm,32, 22, etc?
I frame, J frame, m frame, k frame, n frame, L frame?

Or an auto?

The answer will vary.

 

[Fishinfool]

Most would probably say quality was best up until the 70's. Having said that, I have seen some dogs from the supposedly "Golden Era".

It would seem that there is less hand inspection / fitting these days, same as with almost any product. S&W is relying more on modern CNC machining, and less on hand fitting. And that is not necessarily a bad thing if you don't have the people who know how to hand fit things.

I also think with the profusion of new gun owners, there are some minor flaws that might not have bothered a more experienced shooter, or been fixed by him / her without a return. I also suspect a lot of returns are for non existent problems or owner error.

The days of rows of benches, staffed by fat little old men with glasses carefully massaging each revolver / part with a bunch of wooden handle tools are over.

Larry

 

[MP1983]

this has been touched on before...here's a previous thread on the topic:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...begin-considered-not-made-like-they-used.html

I would also suggest getting a copy of the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" by Supica & Nahas...it's a perfect source for learning what models were made when, what year specific changes were made, etc.

 

[WR Moore]

Back when I ran a shop, I had a guy come in with (great?) granddads Military and Police revolver in the original tan box. Looked like it just came out of the factory with a blue you could fall into and drown. I enthused for quite some time about how they don't build them like this anymore.

When I ran down, I asked why he brought it in and he said it spit lead. Curious, I swung the cylinder out and burst out laughing. After I quit, I apologized. The factory hadn't cut a forcing cone in the barrel.

 

[boykinlp]

I agree with the folks that say before 1982.

 

[Arik]

compared to many other members on this forum, i would be considered a rookie among them. So saying that, it seems that as i scroll through the different threads that i constantly see a steady subject of "sent my gun back to S&W" and having just bought my first S&W revolver it makes me think and wonder when the "hey day" or the "Golden years" or even the Prime years of Smith and Wesson revolvers were. Im learning more and more every day and in my opinion i would think that a counter sunk, pinned barrel revolver are the most ideal to have, but im at a lost of what years these were made, or even if im right in thinking so. so i put it to yall, as far as quality, fit and finish, when was the best era (years) of Smith and Wesson revolvers? what would i look for to identify these years as well?

No forum to cry on in the golden years. No one knows how many problems they had. You wouldn't know in Idaho if someone in NJ had a problem

 

[USAF385]

Well many people, myself included, don't often post threads called "I still haven't had any issues with my model XYZ"......

I abused a new run 686 for quite some time with no issues. I find it to be a quality firearm. I'm also very pleased with my 642.

That said, my favorite S&W revolver I own is a 30 some year old 681.

 

[Fishslayer]

I'm nowhere near a "collector" but I would say '50s through the '70s were the pinnacle. Good steels, high polish & deep bluing.

Some people point to the dropping of the pinned barrel in '82 as a quality milestone, I look at the introduction of MIM parts in... what was it? '97?

Of course... S&W is still selling all they can build & most owners are just pleased as punch. Another website I belong to has a younger demo and a lot of first time revolver buyers. They generally rave about the sweet triggers and accuracy of their new S&Ws!

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

It is all relative. I think the other manufacturer's quality has suffered as well. Current Smith quality is as good as anyone else's these days. I think that customers also have higher expectations of their guns (especially triggers) than in the past.

 

[Scare-Crow]

I don't think the quality today is better than yesteryear, but not far off. You have to take in to consideration that back in the day there was no internet. I'm sure there were plenty guns shipped out that didn't make the grade, but no internet or forums to complain about it. Also you have to take in to consideration that most guns were bought from shops and not ordered online. Buyers would have a chance to inspect the gun before buying. Just some food for thought.

 

[Hapworth]

Every era has winners and stinkers; most of the bygone duds have washed out of circulation, leaving only the best examples by which to (inaccurately) judge. Folks in each era were convinced previous eras were better.

In the Internet age, online complaints are many, posts about being a contented shooter are few.

Choose and use a gun based on its specific individual merits, quality and utility to you; the rest is just noise.

 

[LostintheOzone]

I bought a new 625-8 a few years ago. Never had an issue with it. Shoots like clock work.