I recently purchased a M629-6 Mountain Gun in 44 Magnum. The revolver had a very large and unsightly gap where the barrel shroud meets the front of the frame. I contacted Smith, and they paid shipping to return the revolver for inspection. They replaced the barrel and front sight, and adjusted the crane. But, the the gap is still there. It will easily accept a .007 feeler gauge with the cylinder opened. None of my other Smith's have this gap, to include a 617 bought a month before the 629. Smith told me the gap must meet their specification or they wouldn't have returned the revolver, but has finally agreed to accept it for service again after a few weeks wrangling. Does anyone else have th esame problem with a recently purchased Smith? Tony
Smith & Wesson Barrel Shroud/Frame Gap?
- Thread starter AnthonyB
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Sounds like a cosmetic thing rather than a function problem.
Perhaps the frame was buffed a bit more than usual but still acceptable by factory standards. I've seen others with gap in this area and have to admitt it doesn't yell out quality to me either.
It is however not a function problem so it will be interesting to see what happens in the sense that they would likely have to replace the entire gun (or at least the frame) in order to correct it. Let us know what happens.
Perhaps the frame was buffed a bit more than usual but still acceptable by factory standards. I've seen others with gap in this area and have to admitt it doesn't yell out quality to me either.
It is however not a function problem so it will be interesting to see what happens in the sense that they would likely have to replace the entire gun (or at least the frame) in order to correct it. Let us know what happens.
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HammerBite
Member
I know that a gun is a tool and all that stuff but there was once a time when the S&W "tools" had just about the best fit and finish of anything in the known world, and it depresses me that S&W apparently no longer cares.
It occurs to me that if S&W no longer cares about fit and finish there may also be functional things they don't care about.
I feel better now after my little rant.
It occurs to me that if S&W no longer cares about fit and finish there may also be functional things they don't care about.
I feel better now after my little rant.
PinnedAndRecessed
member
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- Aug 10, 2004
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I agree. I can't imagine who they've hired to do their market analysis but they aren't consulting the right people.
And what's with that ridiculous picture of an atom on the side of some of those handguns? I feel like I'm holding a cheap toy from my youth.
RON in PA
Member
There is suppossed to be a gap there, but I don't know what the exact dimension should be.
Owning and handling lots of Smiths from many eras I can tell you that there's lots of variability out there.
Owning and handling lots of Smiths from many eras I can tell you that there's lots of variability out there.
Fellas, thanks for the replies. The revolver went back to Smith today. Guys on the Smith & Wesson forum tell me this is the new "normal" but if Smith can't eliminate the gap the revolver will go out the door. I haven't even fired it yet.
Ron, none of my other Smiths have any gap at all, so I don't see any reason there should be a gap there.
Tony
Ron, none of my other Smiths have any gap at all, so I don't see any reason there should be a gap there.
Tony
Peter M. Eick
Member
I had to pull up a picture of all of my big N frames.
All of my Pre-numbered do not have any visible gap between the frame and the shrouds. This is now 15 different versions of pre and post war un-numbered N frames.
I suggest you send it back.
All of my Pre-numbered do not have any visible gap between the frame and the shrouds. This is now 15 different versions of pre and post war un-numbered N frames.
I suggest you send it back.
Fellas, the Mountain Gun returned from its second trip back to S&W last Friday. The gap is still there and is about what is was originally; the first replacement barrel was much worse. I called today and asked if the Performance Center could fit the barrel properly if I paid for it – they said no, the barrels are made this way and they couldn’t guarantee the fit. The revolver will go with me to the next gun show and will not come back, and this will be the last Smith I buy without a visual inspection first. Tony
Owen
Moderator Emeritus
The barrels are made that way so they don't scratch the frame when they are screwed on.
The crush ring, as it is called, is .003 to .007", IIRC.
There's nothing wrong with it.
The crush ring, as it is called, is .003 to .007", IIRC.
There's nothing wrong with it.
Owen, I understand that there is no mechanical problem, but the thing is too ugly for me to own. I have several other crush fit Smith and none of them have the gap. Maybe I just got lucky on the others. $600 gets this one shipped to your dealer if you want it. It has many miles on it but has only been fired at the factory. Tony
Speaking as a long time observer of Smith & Wesson revolvers...
Prior to World War Two heavy underlugs were only found on certain models built on the N-frame. I have examined literally hundreds, but never noticed one with a perceptable gap between the frame and barrel underlug.
More recently, but prior to the crush-fit barrel system I would notice on rare occasions that there would be a gap, but runing under .001"
When crush-fit barrels were introduced the number of barrels that had gaps became more noticeable, although for the most part they weren't much wider.
I wouud agree with AnthonyB - It is always best to look before buying. Quality control and acceptable tolerances are not what they used to be.
Other handgun makers aren't what they used to be either. This is not a problem that's exclusive to S&W.
Prior to World War Two heavy underlugs were only found on certain models built on the N-frame. I have examined literally hundreds, but never noticed one with a perceptable gap between the frame and barrel underlug.
More recently, but prior to the crush-fit barrel system I would notice on rare occasions that there would be a gap, but runing under .001"
When crush-fit barrels were introduced the number of barrels that had gaps became more noticeable, although for the most part they weren't much wider.
I wouud agree with AnthonyB - It is always best to look before buying. Quality control and acceptable tolerances are not what they used to be.
Other handgun makers aren't what they used to be either. This is not a problem that's exclusive to S&W.
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