S&w 4003 Any Known Alloy Frame Problems

[Middletown]

Shown below. I bought used a few years ago from the person that bought it new. Low round count for it's age as I only shoot it to make sure it still works and then goes back into my nightstand. Been totally reliable.

The steel and stainless models of these guns have a reputation for being tanks, probably deserved. Does this also carry over to the alloy frames such as mine? I did as good an inspection as I am capable after it's last outing and see no indication of any cracks or stress showing up

Always thought it was attractive in a well built full bodied kind of way.

 

[Steve762us]

I'm not a mega-authority on the 3rd Gens, but it should be good. The places that would show
cracking would be around the slide stop hole, and around the ramps that cam barrel down
from slide.

Some 'impressioning' of the barrel on the frame, where it lands in recoil, is normal.

Keep up with recoil & mag springs, and it will likely be a fully-functioning part of your
estate.

 

[ontarget]

I recently acquired a very clean 6906 with the alloy frame. I haven't fired it yet, as my revolvers usually see the most range time.
The round count of my 6906 is unknown but a very close inspection didn't show any unusual wear. I think the third gens have a reputation for holding up pretty well.

 

[jmr40]

I don't know much about that particular gun, but aluminum alloy framed guns tend to break at a lower round count than steel or plastic framed guns. But the life expectancy according to some numbers I've seen are 30,000-50,000 rounds. At today's ammo prices it would cost you $15,000-$25,000 in ammo to break it. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Middletown]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like there is not a lot of failures to report which I will take as good news.

Hey ontarget, I thought the 6906 was an all stainless model and the 03 in the model # was the alloy frame.

 

[shoobe01]

Literally the only things I can think of as problems on ANY Gen 3/4 S&Ws were the recall/replacement of gripframe as certain drops could cause the mainspring retainer to fail, now a dead gun, and complaints about the 1076 in service. Turns out there were like 4-5 complaints about the 10 mm, and mostly stuff unique to that gun (the frame mounted decocker one) fire control system, so don't apply.

I've seen plenty of other makes with somewhat worn alloy frames, elongated takedown pin holes and so on. Seen plastic frames cracked (personally seen 3 Glocks, aside from KB issues). But... can't think of a single S&W 59, 69, 40, or 10 series I have. Huh. Never occurred to me before. They are pretty thick where stress, good radius on the transitions, etc. I believe it.

Replace springs if you haven't as they likely haven't been changed and you don't really know how many rounds shot through it. Recoil and mag springs mostly; they compress to contact and that's bad for springs (springs can last forever if not overheated and only moved a relatively short distance).

 

[Steve762us]

Literally the only things I can think of as problems on ANY Gen 3/4 S&Ws were the recall/replacement of gripframe as certain drops could cause the mainspring retainer to fail, now a dead gun, and complaints about the 1076 in service. Turns out there were like 4-5 complaints about the 10 mm, and mostly stuff unique to that gun (the frame mounted decocker one) fire control system, so don't apply.

The polymer grip was the subject of recall. S&W changed the composition to a tougher mix; if the grip has a small dimple, adjacent to the pry-off hole,
it's the new & improved version.

The 1076 recall (never seen anything specific about what was changed) has been performed if two small dimples are visible in frame, when decock
lever is depressed.

The S&W frame design was apparently quite strong, as Illinois State Police used Winchester or Federal +P+ ammo for decades, and the aluminum
frames held up fine.

 

[armedwalleye]

Hey ontarget, I thought the 6906 was an all stainless model and the 03 in the model # was the alloy frame.

not directed toward me, but the 6906 is one of the anomalies of the Third Gen numbering system.
That’s what makes that chart harder than Chinese math

 

[ontarget]

not directed toward me, but the 6906 is one of the anomalies of the Third Gen numbering system.
That’s what makes that chart harder than Chinese math

True statement. I just double checked my 6906. Nothing magnetic about that frame, and I used a magnet strong enough to attract to the magazine through the frame.
I knew I wasn't crazy.....LOL

 

[shoobe01]

The polymer grip was the subject of recall...

YES. Correct, I think of grip/frame/ as it has functional bits inside it but not really a frame so shame, as I am outside the edit window.

 

[mgmorden]

I haven't heard of any failures. Mine's a 5903 - haven't put a whole lot of rounds through it but it looks fine.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I had an aluminum framed 6904 that exhibited pretty severe frame rail galling.

Seen plenty of cracked grip modules and magazine followers.

Thats about it for 3rd Gen problems Ive experienced.