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Possible quality control issue with S&W 642

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joepa150

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Jan 5, 2011
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I don't expect a $400 revolver to have top notch fit and finish. I inspected my 642 before purchasing but may have missed a spot. I don't know if this was there when I bought the revolver or happened from shooting it.

On the underside of the barrel, where the barrel goes into the frame there is a bright shiny material coming out of the opening/crack that encircles the barrel. Basically between the frame and barrel there is an aluminum foil looking material coming out. I don't know if this is just part of the frame that didnt get the coating on it or what.

Anyone have this issue?

It probably won't effect the performance but it just bothers me and I don't know if I should contact S&W.

If I have a chance, I am going to take some pics.
 
I've owned a M-642 for 15+ years and I can't even imagine what you are describing.

I think we'll be able to help you better to figure it out if you could post clear and detailed pictures of the area in question
 
I'm very interested as well. I just looked at my 638 and it has the same thing! I've never noticed it before.
 
modern guns are built by parts assemblers, not gunsmiths- it looks to me like it is residual material from the thread cutting (a gunsmith would have deburred that) i doubt it is a serious defect- might try a razor blade to help clean the flashing off
 
Im pretty sure it is S&Ws new and improved cost cutting measures.

I have also seen them like that.

They let them pass that way at the factory on purpose but I bet you could call up CS and they would be more than happy to fix it for you.
 
dumb question but,
is it a reliability/longevity concern?

if it doesn't affect anything then I'm not going to worry about it.
 
A steel barrel has been crush-fit into an alloy frame.

I've seen it now and again.

One of my 642-1's came that way. I brushed it off in a manner that didn't damage the alloy frame.

Of course, there are folks who have also complained about how sometimes a new style model might have a discernible gap between the rear of the barrel shroud and the frame, too. ;)

Why not call and ask to speak with a technician about it, to ease your concern ... or, ask a cs rep answering the phone to send you a shipping label for it to be checked by a tech under warranty?
 
A steel barrel has been crush-fit into an alloy frame.
Click to expand...

That is a much better answer than I would have posted. I would have said something technical like, Nothing to worry about, they just smushed the frame a bit when they screwed in the barrel

It really isn't going to affect the function of the gun and I'd rather have it be a tight crush fit then have a gap. As has been suggested, you could likely scrape it off with a razor or knife...remember that the barrel is harder than the frame
 
I scanned over my 442 and couldn't see anything like that. I was fairly confident mine didn't have that but I had to double check.
 
Just look at it as wrapping Teflon tape around pipe threads as an extra good seal, trim off the excess and be glad it's sealed and no chance of a gap.
 
When you machine a piece of metal the cut metal tends to come off in very thin strips that cork screw. I think the part of the barrel that was pushed into the frame was just not cleaned completely of this cut metal and a little got caught between the barrel and the frame.

Nothing serious.
 
My 642 has it as well. It is really only visible to my eyes with the aid of a Lupe or magnifying glass.

Mine is more along the whole bottom of barrel, but does not protrude as far out as yours. Where mine is the worst is about how yours is the least.

Right after I bought this gun, brand new, I did notice that and realized that the barrel is screwed on, and is screwed on rather tightly. I then thought that this is the result of the harder barrel screwed into a softer alloy frame (as someone else already mentioned).

An Exacto Knife would most likely clean that right off.
 
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