Welding crack in yoke

[Quik_Coupe]

Hey guys, my father has a full size frame .357 revolver that he built years ago and had an after market barrel and rib put on it and I believe when they tried lining up the cylinder with the barrel a little hair line crack developed in the yoke. He shoots .38 specials out of it occasionally with no issues. My question is, could I get a local welder that is very talented to weld it? Is there any special way it should be done? My father doesn't want to send it to S&W to get a new yoke, and Ive been told with all the aftermarket parts they wouldn't touch it anyway. It is a very beautiful gun and hate to see it not get used because of this. Thanks for any help guys,

 

[Camster]

Welcome.Somewhere,someone,has a used yoke.I wouldn't get involved with welding an old one.

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

Replacing the yoke will cause you fitting issues. The endshake will need to be reset and on the front of the gun it will need to be polished down to look even with the frame.

Welding also has it's good and bad points. Either way will cause you work. I'd look at replacing it personally.

 

[W.E.G.]

I think it would be a real crap-shoot to try to find some "local welder" who would do a satisfactory job.

This gun sounds like a range toy.
I'd probably just stick with shooting mild .38's out of it from time-to-time, and keep an eye on that crack.

Its easy to replace yoke.
I'd think about finding one, and trying it for fit.
But I wonder if the "fitting" process is what ruined the original yoke. More whanging on a new yoke might repeat the problem.

 

[Alk8944]

Having worked on S&W revolvers in several capacities for the past nearly 50 years there is no way I can see that the yoke itself has developed a crack within the metal. The only possibility I can even imagine is the yoke barrel has a crack from grossly over and repeatedly bending it trying to align the yoke, is that what you refer to? Or are you referring to a gap at the front of the frame between the frame and yoke, which is normally tight, as a crack?

If the first is correct then replacing the yoke is the only alternative. If the latter, then the frame is sprung due to over-stressing the frame while installing the barrel. (Or, more likely, while removing the original barrel.)

If it is the frame that is sprung then sending it to S&W is really the only alternative. I haven't seen them get too anal about working on guns with legitimate after-market parts installed, so long as they do not present a safety issue. S&W is also, generally, the least expensive place to have a S&W product repaired.

 

[Quik_Coupe]

The crack developed from them hitting on it trying to align it with the barrel. Ive been looking around at places trying to find the correct part for it, anyone have recommendations where to look for a new yoke? Thanks again guys.

 

[WR Moore]

First, get the name(s) of the guy(s) who "hit on the yoke trying to align it with the barrel". Never allow them to touch any of your guns under any circumstances.

Second, Send it back to Smith & Wesson. The yoke is a fitted part, might as well let the factory make it right.