S&W J-frame issues

[Mr. Mosin]

After being abruptly informed of the S&W J- frames ‘tendency’ to crack under the forcing cone; I must ask.... is this a regularly occurring issue, or is it one or two isolated incidents overblown internet folklore ?

I am not inclined to disagree with it occurring, especially with hot loads and high round counts (aluminum frame and all), but if this is a well documented and chronically re-occurring issue, you would think S&W would fix it.


Also... are there any other things of this sort that one would be well to know before deciding on a revolver purchase ?

 

[.455_Hunter]

I believe S&W warranties all guns from roughy 1990 to now. If you buy a 642 and succed in cracking the frame, they will send you a new one.

 

[Deanimator]

You're more likely to incur that kind of damage in J and K frames from using hot, light bullet loads.

Stick with 158gr. and you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

You're more likely to incur that kind of damage in J and K frames from using hot, light bullet loads.

Stick with 158gr. and you shouldn't have a problem.

You're more likely to incur that kind of damage in J and K frames from using hot, light bullet loads.

Stick with 158gr. and you shouldn't have a problem.

Isn’t there a certain grain weight bullet that flame cuts (?) the top strap more than a 158 grn ?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

After being abruptly informed of the S&W J- frames ‘tendency’ to crack under the forcing cone; I must ask.... is this a regularly occurring issue, or is it one or two isolated incidents overblown internet folklore ?

I have not heard of J frames cracking forcing cones, I think you are mistaken.

The K frame .357 Magnum was having problems with forcing cones after the 125gr jacketed bullet was introduced in .357 Magnum ammo. The super high velocity light bullet slamming into the forcing cone was too much for the gun to handle. This had nothing to do with the J frame however.

 

[bannockburn]

Mr. Mosin

I remember reading some time back that it was the combination of a lighter bullet (110 grain and 125 grain), along with slow burning powder was possibly the cause of flame cutting on the top strap of a revolver's frame.

 

[Barry loyd]

I bought a used 642 that was already cracked. My LGS gave me money back. They were great about the whole thing. I’m sure they returned it to the mothership for replacement. I bought another 642 without a crack. It’s a carry a lot and shoot little gun to me.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

The problem began when they went from pinned barrels to crush washers. This stretches (and stresses) the frame at its thinnest point. I can find no photographic or antecdotal evidence of a pinned Airweight cracking in this way. They always crack in the same spot beneath the barrel. Aside from going back to pinned barrels, or a complete redesign, I cannot see any way they could fix the problem as it is inherent in the J-frame dimensions.

Im sure they have done a cost analysis which has concluded that most customers shoot their Airweights so seldom that they will never reach the failure point, therefore it is cheaper to just replace guns for the few folks that actually shoot them.

Are there Airweights out there that have survived several thousand rounds without cracking? Sure, but Im not risking it again myself, warranty or no. There are plenty of other carry options out there without defects like this.

UPDATE below-

 

[Barry loyd]

View attachment 852447 View attachment 852447 View attachment 852449 View attachment 852450 View attachment 852451 View attachment 852452 View attachment 852453 View attachment 852454 View attachment 852455 View attachment 852456
The problem began when they went from pinned barrels to crush washers. This stretches (and stresses) the frame at its thinnest point. I can find no photographic or antecdotal evidence of a pinned Airweight cracking in this way. They always crack in the same spot beneath the barrel. Aside from going back to pinned barrels, or a complete redesign, I cannot see any way they could fix the problem as it is inherent in the J-frame dimensions.

Im sure they have done a cost analysis which has concluded that most customers shoot their Airweights so seldom that they will never reach the failure point, therefore it is cheaper to just replace guns for the few folks that actually shoot them.

Are there Airweights out there that have survived several thousand rounds without cracking? Sure, but Im not risking my money on one.

I was just about to post that you’d be around shortly.

 

[Jonesy814]

I am a regular on a couple S&W forums and have seen pictures of and heard of a few cracked J frames, but its like literally a handful. Considering the number of J frames made in the last 50-60 years even 100 cases would be a fraction of 1%. I have a 63& that I have shot extensively the past 4 or 5 years. Probably near or over 2000 rounds. Its fine

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I was just about to post that you’d be around shortly.

Im really just angry because I found that gorgeous 3" pre-lock 642 awhile back without doing my homework first-
and couldnt convince myself to keep it. Im still in the market for a nice M36, 60, or Centennial, though.

 

[Barry loyd]

Im really just angry because I found that gorgeous 3" pre-lock 642 awhile back without doing my homework first-
View attachment 852459 and couldnt convince myself to keep it. Im still in the market for a nice M36, 60, or Centennial, though.

While not as nice as a Smith I have a Rossi 68 and a Charter Arms undercover both with 3in.

 

[bannockburn]

NIGHTLORD40K

Maybe look for an older Model 649. No pinned barrel but very solidly built with all stainless steel construction.

 

[Pat Riot]

NIGHTLORD40K

Thank you for the photos. These show where the cracks occur. Until seeing photos the descriptions always had me looking below that area where the frame is thinnest vertically below the barrel.

 

[Sistema1927]

I had a 642 that cracked exactly as NIGHTLORD40K describes. S&W replaced it and paid shipping both ways.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

So, the last time I researched this, I could not find any proof of a pinned Airweight cracking, however of the above pictures, it looked like TWO of them were pinned. Looking into it a little further, pics #2 and #10 are the same gun, a nickle M37.The owner discovered the failure after a reported 150 rounds downrange.

S&W did replace it for him free of charge, though with a new production 637.

 

[Hondo 60]

After being abruptly informed of the S&W J- frames ‘tendency’ to crack under the forcing cone;

"tendency" is way too strong of a word.
Yes, it happens, but not with any regularity.
I've used lotsa full house loads with a S& 65 & 66.
I've seen no cracks.

Just my 2¢ worth. YMMV

 

[jar]

Only one of my J frames is young enough to not have a pinned barrel. In fact I think the only other Smith revolver I own that does not have a pinned barrel is my 19.

 

[Twiki357]

I’m not aware of the steel J frames having a cracking problem, only the aluminum airweights. I agree with NIGHTLORD40K that the problem is mainly since the pinned barrels were eliminated. The aluminum model 12 K frame airweight is notorious for cracked frames. Don’t that this as gospel, but from everything I have “heard” it seems that most of the cracked frames come from the factory that way rather than from usage. I wouldn’t worry about a cracking problem with any of the steel J frames, only the aluminum airweights. I have 13 J frames made the 1950s to a few years ago, all but one were purchased used. That includes 5 airweights and I’ve never come across a cracked frame.

The only steel frame with a cracking problem that I am aware of is the model 19 K frames. And that was a problem created by hot, light weight loads, mainly the 110 and 125 357s like Super Vel.

 

[Eddietruett]

Over the last 30+ years, I have probably owned and fired at least 25 different J frame guns (all pre lock). I've never had a frame crack. Several I've owned have had at least 500-100 rounds put through them. I still carry a model 60 in the summer loaded with Golden Saber +P. I don't make a habit of shooting a lot of +P ammo in a pre lock J Frame especially the Airweight Models. Don't want to take a chance on cracking and also it is brutal on the hands. Through the years, the majority of frame cracking issues I've witnessed has been with Model 12's and I would say just about every one is because the owner was stupid enough to use +P ammo in a airweight gun.