S&W 638 Crane/Frame Machine Marks

[johnm1]

I purchased the below 638 new a couple of months ago. I have around 2000 rounds through it and am wondering if the machine marks in the below photos are A.) normal, B.) something to worry about, C.) something I should send back to S&W?

The dark marks are carbon/dirt in the machine marks and I can't get them out when cleaning. The photos show the gun as clean as I can get it using normal cleaning methods/materials. The gun is not a show piece but the marks bug me. When clean the gun functions/closes normally. It is harder to close the gun when it is dirty, but I think thats true for any revolver.

Your opinions/comments are welcome.

(had a heck of a time getting the photos to meet the maximum size requirement)

John M.
Mesa, AZ

 

[Slopemeno]

I wouldnt worry too much about it. It's certainly no worse than my model 38.

 

[mikikanazawa]

Interesting pics. The machine marks on the front of the frame look like flycuts. I wouldn't worry about these being any type of stress riser. Relatively speaking, this is not a high-stress area of the frame.

Now if you saw flycuts like this on the top strap, this can be a place for cracks to start...

 

[johnm1]

638 Crane/Frame - Flycuts

I hate to sound ignorant, but what is a 'flycut'?

John M.
Mesa, AZ

Interesting pics. The machine marks on the front of the frame look like flycuts. I wouldn't worry about these being any type of stress riser. Relatively speaking, this is not a high-stress area of the frame.

Now if you saw flycuts like this on the top strap, this can be a place for cracks to start...

 

[mikikanazawa]

Here is a link to a picture of a flycutter in action.

A flycutter is basically a milling attachment that allows the operator to cut large swaths of metal to "relatively flat." They do not cut as flat as an end mill and are used in areas that you want a machined finish on quickly where accuracy is not critical.

 

[johnm1]

638 Crane/Frame Machine Marks

Thanks all for the replies. At least mine isn't the only one.

John M.
Mesa, AZ

 

[Slopemeno]

Shoot it. Mine isnt perfect from a cosmetic standpoint, but it shoots very tight groups.

 

[johnm1]

I have never owned a gun that didn't shoot better then I did and this one is no different. I had a series 70 Gold Cup back in the day. Talk about dressing up a pig.

John M.
Mesa, AZ

 

[johnm1]

638 Crane/Frame Machinge Marks

I could have saved some typing. I went to Sportmans Warehouse and looked over their selection of J frames and found all of them look about the same as mine. Guess I won't worry about it anymore. I hate dirt on my guns, and the marks just attract the dirt.

John M.
Mesa, AZ