S&W 3rd Generation Grip Recall

L

leadcounsel

Moderator
Apparently the 3rd gens have brittle factory plastic grips and can break if dropped. It also has been reported that this can disable the gun due to the spring mechanisms under the grip.

Anyone participated in this recall? I have a few I'm going to look for replacement to prevent this known issue, but wonder if the replacement grip is similar in appearance. I don't see any pictures on the web, but it might be the same in appearance except a notch or something in the back. Not clear to me.

http://www.firearmsid.com/Recalls/FA_Recalls 5.htm#SMITH

RECALL: Smith & Wesson has shipped over 300,000 Third generation Pistols. We have had a very small number or reports where a dropped pistol resulted in a broken grip resulting in a failure to fire by releasing mainspring tension. Resultant testing and review have shown that a pistol dropped at a specific angle can cause a fracture of the grip.

As a result of these occurrences and our testing, we have made a change in the grip material to a thermoplastic alloy of increased durability. This new material, which is now being used on all current production models, can be identified by a dimple on the bottom of the grip, next to the large opening. Additionally, the blue product box has a green dot sticker on the label end.

We believe it unlikely that you will experience any problem with your original grips. However, in order to safeguard our customers from the possibility of such a malfunction, we will make available, free of charge, an easily installed replacement grip. Please inspect your pistol and if you have a model listed below that does not have a small dimple next to the large opening, please write us including your model and serial number or call 1-800-331-0852. If you prefer, you can send your pistol to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Station where we will replace the grip for you.

Models Affected:

3904, 3906, 3913, 3913LS, 3914, 3914LS, 1006, 1066, 4506, 4516, 4516-1, 5903, 5904, 5906, 5946, 6904, 6906 & 6946

Smith & Wesson's development process is a continuing one. We are constantly striving both to develop new products and improve existing products. We are committed to building the safest, most reliable, finest performing firearms possible.
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That was issued in 1990 IIRC.
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Hey, I'm only 2+ decades behind the curve! :rolleyes:

So, I did some more hunting and found that the grips appear the same as the original, but the difference is a small dimple or divot in front of the "D" notch in the bottom.

Going to check mine this afternoon.

Figured this might be helpful to anyone else.

If anyone has any clear pictures of their recall grips to post, that would be helpful to see if they are in fact identical to the originals.
 
Smith sent me replacement grips for all Dept. 5906 and 3906 pistols then in service, that was in the late Eighties. We never experienced a broken grip prior or after the recall but some officers turned in grips that traveled a rough road.
 
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