I finally got the S&W back

[Riomouse911]

Almost a year ago to the day I won a Gb auction for a nice 6” S&W Model 48-4 in .22 Magnum. I bought it as a companion for my 6” Model 17-3 .22 LR and I’ve since added a 6” 14-3 .38 Spl. to round out a Masterpiece trifecta.

I only got an opportunity to go and shoot this gun twice, the second time in late February 2020 it locked up and refused to cycle.

Naturally Covid hit right about the time I got the idea to send it back to S&W, so I was put off until June before they would issue a RO and take it back to fix.

In June I packed it into a cardboard revolver box from another gun and sent it in and waited. I was told to expect at least a six month turnaround.

In early September I got a repair bill for $192.00, stating they will diagnose and repair the issues. I paid the bill, and waited another seven weeks. Today, four months after I sent it in, it finally came back.

It needs a good wipe down, but so far it looks and feels like new. When I get a chance to shoot it I’ll report on how it does.



I now feel there there just may be some light at the end of the Covid tunnel...

Stay safe.

 

[Pat Riot]

Nice looking shooter.
Did they tell you what they had to do for it?
Glad you got it back with out having to wait longer. I sent a 60-15 in for warranty repair (for the 3rd time) in April and didn’t get it back until July 1st. When I complained to the CS rep he told me non-warranty repairs were taking 6 months or more.

Let us know how it shoots for you. I also have a 17-3. I got it to go with my 19-4. They both have 6” barrels. A model 48 might be a nice addition some day.

 

[ontarget]

So what was the malfunction? Enquiring minds want to know....
Glad it came back home finally.

 

[Riomouse911]

This was the invoice I got, it looks like the hand assembly failed and they replaced the cylinder stop and adjusted the timing.



It’ll have to wait a bit before I can stretch its legs, this Friday is picture day for the kids so no range trip for me .

Stay safe.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I bought it as a companion for my 6” Model 17-3 .22 LR and I’ve since added a 6” 14-3 .38 Spl. to round out a Masterpiece trifecta.

I thought the Masterpiece trifecta was the M-14 (.38), M-16 (.32) and M-17 (.22LR)

 

[Riomouse911]

I will shortly have a 4” Model 15 Combat Masterpiece in hand (which I will pick up after it’s out of the penalty box) and it’ll become a quadfecta I guess...

Maybe I can find a nice Model 18 .22 Combat Masterpiece, this makes a cinqfecta?

Adding a 32 S&W Long Model 16... maybe would make it a ...sexfecta?

LORD, be kind... for my wife’s gonna kill me....

Stay safe.

 

[.38 Special]

Very nice!

You remind me how fortunate I am to have a world class revolversmith within driving distance. He has even done repairs and adjustments for me on the spot, just to get me out of his shop!

 

[WestKentucky]

I will shortly have a 4” Model 15 Combat Masterpiece in hand (which I will pick up after it’s out of the penalty box) and it’ll become a quadfecta I guess...

Maybe I can find a nice Model 18 .22 Combat Masterpiece, this makes a cinqfecta?

Adding a 32 S&W Long Model 16... maybe would make it a ...sexfecta?

LORD, be kind... for my wife’s gonna kill me....

Stay safe.

Your safe until the bill of sale comes out for that model 16. they are so expensive that I’m honestly considering a caliber swap from a different K frame. If I do it then there’s a good chance it will be the ultimate bastard gun... a caliber swap smolt.

 

[mnrivrat]

Other than what looks like hammer to frame drag on the right side, that is a good looking piece.

 

[Pat Riot]

This was the invoice I got, it looks like the hand assembly failed and they replaced the cylinder stop and adjusted the timing.

View attachment 951752

It’ll have to wait a bit before I can stretch its legs, this Friday is picture day for the kids so no range trip for me .

Stay safe.

Thank you for the repair update. They sure give you a lot more info in the “Repair” department than they do in the “Warranty” dept. that’s good to know.

 

[bannockburn]

Riomouse911

Great looking Model 48! You're a man of great patience, especially waiting on a beauty like that! Here's hoping the repairs were done right and you're shooting one hole groups with it on your first range trip!

 

[H&R Glock]

I'm living in the past. My model 19 repair was $183.00 and I thought it was excessive. The times of $100 factory repair are long past. I am, however, thankful of having my pride and joy repaired correctly. You have got to be proud of your fine looking Smith. Great pictures too. Thanks for your story.

 

[AustinTX]

Love that gun. I have one just like it. First handgun I ever shot.

I don't much care for shooting .22 LR handguns, but the .22 Mag. provides a loud enough crack and a big enough flash to keep it interesting.

 

[Riomouse911]

Other than what looks like hammer to frame drag on the right side, that is a good looking piece.

That was one of the issues i pointed out in my letter to S&W, the hammer drag on the right side.

It looks like it’s been addressed, but if it continues or worsens I’ll find a local Smith ‘smith to shim it.

Stay safe.

 

[Riomouse911]

Your safe until the bill of sale comes out for that model 16. they are so expensive that I’m honestly considering a caliber swap from a different K frame. If I do it then there’s a good chance it will be the ultimate bastard gun... a caliber swap smolt.

I saw this on GB, listed to start at $3,200.00

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/882597084

That’s one I don’t need to worry about ever acquiring... waaaaay out of my league.

Stay safe.

 

[ThomasT]

Nice looking gun. But at $192 for a repair I'm glad I can repair my own guns. I had no idea S&W was charging that amount for repairs.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

I'd love to have that as a hunting side-arm. If I had to spend the night in the woods, I'd be getting fat on grouse and bunny-wabbits. Always wanted one for that purpose, besides being a fun gun just to shoot.

 

[Riomouse911]

Nice looking gun. But at $192 for a repair I'm glad I can repair my own guns. I had no idea S&W was charging that amount for repairs.

I can do Glocks, 870/1100’s but not these revolvers.
Someday I hope to learn how to diagnose and fix them .
Stay safe.

 

[ThomasT]

I can do Glocks, 870/1100’s but not these revolvers.
Someday I hope to learn how to diagnose and fix them .
Stay safe.

They are a simple machine. And there are lots of YT videos to get you started. But the first thing to do is get a set of gunsmith screw drivers so you don't booger up the screws. And you can find sets of hollow ground screwdrivers at some of the tool stores like Harbour Freight and Northern Tool.

Find a beater that you aren't afraid to take apart and give it a go. Once you do you will see what a simple device it is and it won't be long before you are making your own repairs. But best of all they just almost never break.

I know a guy down the street from me who has a model 18 and as far as I know he has never fired it. It was given to him. I have never asked if he was interested in selling it. Maybe I will the next time I see him.

 

[buddyd157]

This was the invoice I got, it looks like the hand assembly failed and they replaced the cylinder stop and adjusted the timing.

View attachment 951752

It’ll have to wait a bit before I can stretch its legs, this Friday is picture day for the kids so no range trip for me .

Stay safe.

but if you won that at an auction, was it brand new?

if so, why was there no warranty on it?

 

[Riomouse911]

but if you won that at an auction, was it brand new?

if so, why was there no warranty on it?

I wish I could say I bought it new... it was used. The serial number range makes it a 1977 vintage revolver.

The invoice was from S&W after I sent it in for repairs .

Stay safe.

 

[buddyd157]

I wish I could say I bought it new... it was used. The serial number range makes it a 1977 vintage revolver.

The invoice was from S&W after I sent it in for repairs .

Stay safe.

ok, i just was not certain, i have seen brand new, as well as used, for sale on Gun Broker.

 

[1KPerDay]

I hope they fixed it properly the first time. It took them 2 tries on my M28. I paid about the same price you did for the repair.

 

[Riomouse911]

I hope they fixed it properly the first time. It took them 2 tries on my M28. I paid about the same price you did for the repair.

Me too! The Covid delay affecting factory non-warranty gun repairs is really long, I don’t want to wait another four-five months should it need a return.

Stay safe.

 

[Riomouse911]

They are a simple machine. And there are lots of YT videos to get you started. But the first thing to do is get a set of gunsmith screw drivers so you don't booger up the screws. And you can find sets of hollow ground screwdrivers at some of the tool stores like Harbour Freight and Northern Tool.

Find a beater that you aren't afraid to take apart and give it a go. Once you do you will see what a simple device it is and it won't be long before you are making your own repairs. But best of all they just almost never break.

I know a guy down the street from me who has a model 18 and as far as I know he has never fired it. It was given to him. I have never asked if he was interested in selling it. Maybe I will the next time I see him.

You’re right about the screwdrivers! I have a decent armorers kit for travel that fills a tackle box using Wheeler screwdrivers, and another for home with a Brownells magna tip starter set and an add on set, so I’m good to go there.

I could work on one of my Smiths, but I’d prefer some instruction first. Not because I couldn’t figure it out, more for peace of mind (I’m a certified Glock and 870 armorer, my 1911 armorer class for next week was cancelled this last Thursday ).

Stay safe.