Problem with new S&W 642!

G

GregM

New member
I just bought a new S&W 642 with the stupid lock on the side. I didn't want to but couldn't find a new one with out it. Anyway, I took it to the range today to qualify with it for off-duty carry, and after firing 5 and reloading, I pulled the trigger and it wouldn't pull!!!! That's B A D!! I flipped open the cylinder and made sure all the casings were in all the way, closed it, pulled the trigger, and the same thing! It finally decided it wanted to fire again and I finished the course. What's wrong with this gun??? anyone ever had the dummy lock cause this? I checked the lock mechanism ater I finished to make sure it was all the way to the unlocked side and it was. I'm stumped, been shooting a long time and never had this happen. Any ideas??

GregM
 
One idea.
I sounds to me by your wording that you are "On The Job". If this is the case, call S&W, get their service dep't. on the phone, and politely raise hell with them. The tend to be VERY reasonable when dealing with LEOs. Had a similar problem a few years ago with a model 37 (no lock). Being that I live about a two hour drive from Springfield, it was a matter of a round trip drive to get it fixed. Did it while I waited. Gave me a bunch of free stuff (grips, holsters) for my trouble. Wound up taking a tour of the facility while I was waiting.
In any case, let them know that there is a problem, I am sure it will be promptly handled to your satisfaction.
Y.D.
 
Gosh I love the 642, so stories like yours bother me. Please find out exactly what the problem is/was, if you can? And let us know how it was resolved?

All the best to you!

StrikeEagle
 
My department makes me qualify with my off-duty weapons so in the event I were to get into a lethal force situation off-duty they would back me and with my training and experience. The reason I bought the 642 was for the concealability and revolvers famed "reliability". I'm very upset right now as was my rangemaster seeing as how he had just bought a revolver for off-duty carry also. I'll keep you posted.


GregM
 
Well, this is interesting. A friend and co-worker just sent his brand new 642 back to S&W to fix an intermittant trigger pull problem.
(Very similar to what is described here)
He hasn't even fired it yet.
 
This worries me. I have a new model 60 2" that hasn't had this problem, a used 686 4" and new 686 2", including a LS36 - none of which have given me trouble. Makes me glad I have the SP101 to take with me for carry....:eek:
 
This worries me.
Click to expand...

Worries me too... I love J-frames. Mine are older, though... 20 years or more, I guess. *sigh*

Smiths just ain't what they used to be... wonder if that stupid lock has anything to do with it?

StrikeEagle
 
Mechanical Issues.

Anything made by man can fail and will fail at some point. Don't worry. Take good care of your guns and they probably won't show you any problems themselves.
 
That is weird!
Just to let you know, I had the same problem with an old 40's model 10 several months ago.
I checked everything that day and could find nothing wrong.
Sometimes a little burn't powder can get under the ejector and cause a lock, but that wasn't the case.
It just started working again.
Who knows?
 
I've got a new production 60, 640 and 642. None have given me any problems. Almost sounds like bullets and/or primers backing out. Can you repeat the problem with dry fireing?
 
I dry fired the crap out of it last night trying to duplicate it and couldn't. The gun was new outta the box when this happened, I shot its very first 5 rounds, reloaded, and that's when It happened. I did notice when the cylinder is locked in there is quite a bit of sideways play most noticable where the ejector rod and front strap meet the frame. I have a 686 that's almost 20 years old that is just glorious to shoot and utterly reliable. My new 642 doesn't seem up to par with the ol' 686 as far as fit and finish. I'm gonna call S&W and see what they advise. I hadn't posted on here since before the boards shut down several years ago. Its nice to see we still have a place full of great people to help out when something like this happens.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top