UPDATE (it's back) - Well, my 3" 624 Lew Horton is on its way back to S&W

[Denver Dick]

Some of you may recall my posting about my new (to me) 3" Model 624. (Here) Well, I spoke with Dave in S&W Customer Service late last week when he told me he would have to check the serial number with the Records Department and get back to me. He got right back to me and said it was subject to the cylinder recall and instructed me to call Customer Service back and get a call tag and reference him if they hesitated.

Having read the FAQ and a number of threads on this forum about the 629/624 recall, it was clear to me that one should not send back their revolver until checking with Kate Fredette at S&W. Well, I she gave me the word late on Monday that my 624 (s/n AHT27xx) was shipped on May 3, 1985 and should be returned for inspection. So, I took off the original S&W Combat grips (now apparently worth $250) and put on some less expensive grips just in case it does not pass the inspection and they refuse to return it to me. It's packed up awaiting the call tag (prepaid shipping label) from S&W that should be here today or tomorrow.

Apparently, in the very unlikely event that it does not pass the recall inspection (actually they magneflux the cylinder), I will be offered a handgun from their current product line. This would have been a problem (I hate the locks), but I think I would go for the new Classic Model 40 (no lock

) Of course, I am wishing, hoping and praying that it passes and I get my Lew Horton 624 back, but it would not kill me to get a new Classic Model 40 and have a like new pair of S$W N Frame Combat grips worth a few bucks.

Oh well, at least the 6.5" Model 624 I purchased on Sunday had its original box with the red C in a circle stamped on the label. (Here) Its already passed the recall inspection.

EDIT: See my update posting below.

 

[Denver Dick]

Some of you may recall my posting about my new (to me) 3" Model 624. (Here) Well, I spoke with Dave in S&W Customer Service late last week when he told me he would have to check the serial number with the Records Department and get back to me. He got right back to me and said it was subject to the cylinder recall and instructed me to call Customer Service back and get a call tag and reference him if they hesitated.

Having read the FAQ and a number of threads on this forum about the 629/624 recall, it was clear to me that one should not send back their revolver until checking with Kate Fredette at S&W. Well, I she gave me the word late on Monday that my 624 (s/n AHT27xx) was shipped on May 3, 1985 and should be returned for inspection. So, I took off the original S&W Combat grips (now apparently worth $250) and put on some less expensive grips just in case it does not pass the inspection and they refuse to return it to me. It's packed up awaiting the call tag (prepaid shipping label) from S&W that should be here today or tomorrow.

Apparently, in the very unlikely event that it does not pass the recall inspection (actually they magneflux the cylinder), I will be offered a handgun from their current product line. This would have been a problem (I hate the locks), but I think I would go for the new Classic Model 40 (no lock

) Of course, I am wishing, hoping and praying that it passes and I get my Lew Horton 624 back, but it would not kill me to get a new Classic Model 40 and have a like new pair of S$W N Frame Combat grips worth a few bucks.

Oh well, at least the 6.5" Model 624 I purchased on Sunday had its original box with the red C in a circle stamped on the label. (Here) Its already passed the recall inspection.

EDIT: See my update posting below.

 

[toroflow1]

Oh man, I don't know if I'd send my 3" 624 back!! Please let us know what happens.

 

[tjpopkin]

I would not denegrate myself and take a new Model 40 for a Horton 624.....
remember, these were special run guns that were made BEFORE there was a Perf.Ctr. Ask for a Performance Center gun...since the appreciated value of the Horton guns puts them in the same league....Cannot hurt to ask...or better, yet...INSIST. Fix it or replace with like value. Might as well get something neat (and a bit more valuable) for a defective "special" gun. Just buy the new model 40...just another nice gun.
Terry

 

[jed1177]

Dick,
I posted a reply on your original post regarding having your 624 checked. Oddly enough, my serial number is also in the AHT27XX range and Mark Rossini at S&W checked mine and said it was not in the recall range.

I'm not sure how many of these 624's they make per hour, but we're within 50 guns or so of each other (my actual number is midrange AHT2700's). I also asked if they were making their determination by serial number or the date in the grip panel. He said it was based on the serial number as grips could feasibly be exchanged.

I saved the e-mail response from S&W and placed it in my box as it does not have a red circle "C" on it either.

In any event, I would ask for a high end replacement if they keep the 624. Although it was ONLY a 3 inch 624 when made, it has certainly appreciated greatly. The grips are a good indication. They were probably $35 or so new and now easily bring $250.

 

[GLL]

I have never understood why S&W did not make another run of cylinders for all of these "defective" 624s. They are willing to replace them with complete guns but unwilling to machine a batch of correct cylinders. I do not understand their fiscal logic on this one!

What are they doing with all of these 624s they confiscate? I would love to have a few barrels, hammers, triggers, grips, etc. !!!!! It is the cylinders that are bad not the entire gun.

Why not keep the cylinders, return the guns to the owners AND give them a new gun? The owners could sell parts for a small fortune !

Jerry

 

[dsf]

I suppose bargaining for $$$ from S & W would be out of the question? My 375 H & H Magnum Encore handgun destroyed one of their handgun scopes, which they no longer make, and they cut me a check for $200.00 I believe.

If they're open to it, make sure you ask for CA value.

 

[Denver Dick]

jed1177 wrote:

I also asked if they were making their determination by serial number or the date in the grip panel. He said it was based on the serial number as grips could feasibly be exchanged.

The determination is made based on when the revolver "shipped out." My search of posts over the past two years made it clear that Kate Fredette is the guru when it comes to final determination if the revolver should be returned. By the way, Jed, what is the date on your original grips and what is the "Spec Ord" four digit number on the label of the box?

GLL wrote:

They are willing to replace them with complete guns but unwilling to machine a batch of correct cylinders. I do not understand their fiscal logic on this one!

Keep in mind that almost all the 624s that have been returned to them have passed the inspection and are sent back to the owners. They apparently recalled 21,000 revolvers to find approximately 500 that "might" be defective. I believe to date only a handful have failed the inspection. It's not like they're handing out a new firearm every week or two. It's probably been more like one every two or three years.

FWIW, if they call and tell me that the 624 did not pass and cannot be returned to me, I intend to request that they return my "less expensive grips" and all the parts from the 624 in addition to the new firearm. However, I fully expect to be receiving it back in a week or two (it shipped out overnight this afternoon) with paperwork indicating it passed the inspection.

As for what firearm I would ask for, well the only revolver (either Performance Center or not) that I would own is one without a lock. Now, I might ask for a 945 . . . that's some value. But we'll see, I really don't think it's going to fail. I will post the results of this little exercise.

 

[jed1177]

My spec ord is 5123. I'll have to get the grip date. 624 is in safety deposit box.

Also, I talked directly to Kate and she did my research, Rossini just sent the e-mail.

 

[catdad]

What's the number for S&W to call and ask.
I have a 624 and would like to find out if mine's on the list.

 

[Denver Dick]

Jed1177 wrote:

My spec ord is 5123.

Humm . . . The Spec Ord date indicates your 624 has a "born on" date of the 123rd day of 1985. Interestingly, that's May 3, 1985 which was the "shipped out" date on mine. It will be interesting to see the date on your original grips. Mine are dated April 11, 15 or 16 (the ink was heavy and ran a bit), 1985. Maybe yours did not get shipped out until after the recall period. Or, Kate just flips a coin.

 

[Denver Dick]

catdad wrote:

What's the number for S&W to call and ask.

Best to e-mail Kate at [email protected] with Model number and complete serial number.

Good luck,

 

[Poohgyrr]

Best on your 624, and keeping your M624 would be the best thing. Choosing a replacement would be a challenge for me, and might be a fun thing to do in its' own way....

 

[catdad]

Thanks, Denver Dick.

 

[gig-a-hertz]

I have read about & pondered about this for a couple of years now, since hearing about it.
I have a 6.5" that Kate says they want to see. I had all the data to return it, but decided not to 2 years ago.

GLL, I don't get it either, it would seem that it would be simple to not bore a .44mag cylinder as deep, correct the length,etc., but I think the extractor star is different now? (so it'd need more fitting & maybe a new hand?)
They could do that though.

I often wonder when this subject pops-up, why someone doesn't just send only the cylinder back? I am sure S&W won't suggest that, but for those of us who have no problem removing one, why not do it that way?

I still don't plan to send any or all of my 624 back.

 

[arfmel]

I think sending only the cylinder is a fine idea.

If the Model 624 cylinder failed the exam I would have a Model 28 cylinder remodeled into a 44 spl and fitted.

 

[GLL]

Why was it not feasible to make 500 new 624 cylinders from scratch?

They are willing to give away 500 or so new guns @ $300,000 but not willing to make $30,000 worth of new cylinders ! CNC equipment could knock these out very quickly at low cost. If I were a bean counter at S&W I would be asking questions.

I own seven 624s and would hate to give one of them up ! I would consider having a cylinder made or modified by my local Smith smith first even though it would be very expensive.

Jerry

 

[jed1177]

Dick,
I'm pretty confused on this recall thing after finding two guns that are nearly together on the production line.

I'm guess that i'm more amazed that they can actually differentiate bad metal from gun to gun with that degree of accuracy????

 

[GLL]

jed1177:

Hardness test equipment can pick out minute variations in heat treating with ease.

What is more amazing to me is that S&W or their supplier missed the heat treating flaws before the cylinders made it into the guns.

Jerry

 

[Denver Dick]

The discussion on this thread has been interesting. I guess, from my perspective, although the 624 is very nice and I want it back, it is only one of 27 lovely handguns I own and shoot. I primarily collect semi-automatic pistols. I'm always on the hunt now for a near new 3rd generation S&W pistol from the early '90s. So, as for sending back only the cylinder and having one custom made later, that's not for me. If the worse happens, I'll just try to maximize my dollar recovery (like holding on to the original grips and requesting the parts back) and move on. There's always another S&W going up on consignment somewhere and another gun show right around the corner.

By the way, I doubt that S&W would offer a replacement if the frame (with serial number) were not returned to them.