S&W 642 Question

Hi. I am looking at a new 642 at my local gun shop. My question is, do all of these revolvers have scars/scratches on the frame, at either end of the cylinder?? Gunshop owner says its from the factory test firing.:confused:

If you mean powder rings around each cylinder chamber at the front then yes. Revolvers burn these rings of powder in when shot. They can be cleaned off but it's a bit of work to do so. All revolvers do this.

Chris

No, not on the cylinder, the scratches are circular, and on the actual frame.

Ok that sounds kind of strange. Are they around the forcing cone and just above it? The forcing cone is the area where the barrel begins and meets the cylinder (Not trying to talk down to you, just figured I would assume you didn't know to save you asking another question. If you already knew I apologize, no offense intended.)

Chris

One other thing common to revo's is a perfectly round line towards the rear of the cylinder that forms from the turning of the cylinder over time.

I bought my 642 new almost a year ago. There were no "factory" scratches on mine. If they test fired it (and I assume they did), I could not tell. I've put a few scratches on it, but I've been very pleased with the fit and finish. YMMV.

Seems to me the dealer speaks with a forked tongue.

mine was basically flawless when I bought it BNIB, even test fired...

No, not on the cylinder, the scratches are circular, and on the actual frame. On the left side of the frame just above the cylinder latch? If so, those aren't scratches. Look closer and you'll see it's an arrow and the letter 'L' for lock. It's the internal locking mechanism.

Here, a pic may help. If i get it right.37807

Find another one or get a discount!!:evil:

My bet is that is exactly the arrow indicating the locking mechanism as was said. I did a double take when I got mine - right out of the box from S&W. It was not until I put on my readers, that I noticed what it really was. If you look in the manual, you will probably see a picture of it with directions. It is right above the cylinder release tab.

Was it on the inside of the frame, below the forcing cone? Looking at mine, there is shiny shape like that where the crane/front of the cylinder contacts it. But I wouldn't describe it as a "groove dug in". On the other side of the frame, is it a line running in to the center of the rear face of the frame? That would be from the center pin dragging on it as it goes to lock up. That would also be normal.

Are these the marks?

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/460/front0hq.th.jpg (http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=front0hq.jpg)

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/56/rear2qp.th.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rear2qp.jpg)

They will develop these marks with use (opening and closing the cylinder). I guess you'll have to judge if the ones on the gun you're looking at are abnormal, since you mention them being "dug in".

If you look at his picture, you can clearly see it is not the lock, and it is not where the cylinder locks up. It is on the outside. I'd say what the shop owner is telling you is bs, and you should find another gun or get a discount.

Look at another new 642 or other Smith & Wesson J frame and compare the two. A minute's look should be enough.

The scars in the aluminum are as Titus's pictures show. Sorry i couldnt come up with a more clear description, as im am out of my area of expertise with revolvers. Is the wear in Titus's picture common on a NIB gun??

If the marks you reported are the same as Titus's picture they are normal for any Smith and Wesson revolver that I've seen.

Jackal:

I have owned 2 aluminum J-frames in the past where the ejector star on the back of the cylinder had burrs protruding from where the maching was done and these have cut into the frame a bit deeper than usual. There is usually no mechanical problems associated with this situation.

It is more of a cosmetic distraction than actually degradating the strength of the frame. If this is determined to be the cause, have the gunsmith who works with/for the shop hone them off and all should work fine.

Is the wear in Titus's picture common on a NIB gun??

The one you're looking at must be one in the display case. They all get that way, but this one's probably showing wear from customers opening and closing the cylinder while they're handling it.