Took my M-38 out frame cracked under barrel

[jeeps]

This Bodyguard has been shot 15 times a year with standard factory 158 loads. She is 98% condition. But upon cleaning I seen a crack under the barrel in the frame!! Ugh was a let down!!. I will call Smith Wesson tomorrow. And send it back. Hope they honor there product!!!! I am sure they will not fix it.They do not make them anymore. Pissed off for sure. My favorite house gun.

 

[murphydog]

Total bummer .

They may offer nothing (unfortunately, especially if it is pre-lifetime warranty), a discount on a similar model (currently the 638-3), or least likely a free replacement. It seems to be dependent on your customer service representative. Please let us know what happens.

 

[jeeps]

About late 1970's.

 

[sodacan]

My guess is you get no satisfaction.

 

[jeeps]

Is it safe to shoot?

 

[raygixxer89]

Is it safe to shoot?

I would think not if there is a crack in the frame. I would think even a hair-line crack would give me pause about shooting it.

 

[dr. mordo]

Remember that if you get an answer you don't like, tell them you want to look into private repair and call back later. Different customer service reps may be more generous.

 

[jeeps]

Thanks,I would take a new 638,better than nothing!

 

[M29since14]

Good luck. I think they'll take care of you, but I doubt you get a new gun for free. Maybe I'll be wrong. Hope so.

 

[DWalt]

Having seen at least four (possibly more) similarly cracked S&W alloy frames, I long ago lost interest in ever owning one. They cannot be repaired. Whether they are safe to continue shooting with the crack I have no idea, but I do know that I would not try it.

 

[Mrnurse]

Take it to the Local Gun show FS. S&W would be nuts to do anything on a 48 yo pistol....but...ive read where they did offer a new pistol in trade.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Smith will offer you a list of current replacement firearms. It is unfortunate that you led off with thinking Smith & Wesson wouldn't make it right. They will. Please update the thread whern this occurs . . .

 

[jeeps]

Will call them and update. Thanks

 

[Muss Muggins]

Will call them and update. Thanks

The process will be that you send it back on their dime, they send it to metallurgy to make sure it's a defect, and then you get a new gun. Takes about six weeks to get to "you get a new gun," so be patient . . .

 

[Lonestar57]

The process will be that you send it back on their dime, they send it to metallurgy to make sure it's a defect, and then you get a new gun. Takes about six weeks to get to "you get a new gun," so be patient . . .

And I don't know if it has any sentimental value to you but if it's cracked and you don't like the offer they make they will not return the gun to you.

 

[jeeps]

It's a nice pistol but useless cracked. I like the classic look of old S-WM M-38. Wish they made the new one blue.

 

[rockquarry]

They replaced my like new cracked-frame nickel M38 more than ten years ago with a 638.

Whether or not there is anything to the alleged over-torquing of the barrel in the frame as the cause of the cracking, I don't know. Most don't crack and I would assume some people even fire +P ammo in these guns. I wouldn't buy another older Airweight. I doubt these revolvers were ever intended to be fired much and most probably aren't.

 

[JayFramer]

Sadly, and for reasons unknown, Smith refuses to offer the 638 in a non-locked variant.

 

[S&WsRsweet]

I have a 638 it was a year old and has the lock. I honestly haven't fired any +P thru it but so far so good I am probably going to do away with the lock but haven't as of yet. I would recommend taking one especialy if they offer it to you cheap or free .They aren't bad revolvers and even with MIM parts and lock I haven't had anything break fall off or lock up on its own yet .Worse case you can always trade a new one on something else or sell it outright..Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[jeeps]

S.W. sent label and also says do not shoot it because it's not safe!! Barrel and fragments can fly everywhere!!

 

[ken158]

My guess is you get no satisfaction.

You will get a new gun for liability reasons as well as negative internet bashing if they don't. The cost of a replacement is nothing to them.

 

[Hondo44]

These do crack but they are rare occurrences, it's not a normal thing. Recognize we only hear about those that do crack on the forums, not about the 100,000 that didn't crack.

Keep your grips when you send it in, Smith won't care and they'll just be thrown in a junk barrel at the factory. It wouldn't matter to Smith and you might as well have them as spares or to resell (for your trouble).

Take your pick and of what they offer as a replacement. If you don't like it, sell it and get top dollar as a new gun in the box, even if you test fire it. Then go shopping for another Mod 38. There's a zillion out there w/o cracked frames. And you'll know just what to look for when inspecting potential replacement!

 

[sw44spl]

My 1971 model 38 has held up good so far. sorry yours cracked I hope they help you out.

 

[RMFnLA]

Take it to the Local Gun show FS. S&W would be nuts to do anything on a 48 yo pistol....but...ive read where they did offer a new pistol in trade.

Are you suggesting he knowingly sell an unsafe gun..?

 

[27 Man]

Exact same thing happened to my model 38. Same crack in the same place. The frame is very thin at that point. I contacted S&W and they sent me a label with instructions on how to send it to them. Later, I got an email telling me that it was not repairable and would be replaced with a 638. Good advice on keeping the grips. I did and it was not a concern. My only cost through the whole procedure was the transfer fee ($10) that my FFL charged. Hang on to your factory box too if you have it.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Usually that crack is from over torquing and you can see if they will replace it with the new Model 638, or if you don't want the lock, a 642. Over torquing is not your fault, and if you ask nicely, perhaps they will replace it, which will give you a newer, better gun.

 

[steelslaver]

I have a very nice pre model 38 that I have never fired. Most of my guns get shot, but it is the one I worry about turning form nice to trash with from shooting.

 

[wrangler5]

< snip > My only cost through the whole procedure was the transfer fee ($10) that my FFL charged.

When they replaced a gun for me a couple of years ago (a 432, which they also don't make any more) they also reimbursed my transfer fee.

 

[Muss Muggins]

S.W. sent label and also says do not shoot it because it's not safe!! Barrel and fragments can fly everywhere!!

Whatever happened with this? Inquiring minds and all that, ya' know . . .

 

[moralem]

Whatever happened with this? Inquiring minds and all that, ya' know . . .

Not quite 6 weeks from start to finish as you mentioned......though it would be interesting to know if he sent it back and when, so we could start the clock ticking. Alas, like so many of these posts we seldom hear the end......I will be back in a few weeks just to check.