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Posted: 2/3/2022 9:47:55 PM EDT
This happened after approximately 600 rounds were fired.
It was declared to be a total loss. S&W is sending a replacement. I think that there are other examples of this failure on the intetweb. Check yours... Edited to correct round count...  
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Posted: 2/3/2022 10:02:08 PM EDT
[#1]
Tolerance stacking???
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Posted: 2/3/2022 10:03:28 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Tolerance stacking??? Frame's a crakin' |
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Posted: 2/3/2022 10:17:56 PM EDT
[#3]
+/- 200 rounds of 22lr. Sounds like a metallurgy issue. I'd be disappointed too. Always has been a gun I'd like to own. /;-((
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Posted: 2/3/2022 10:20:29 PM EDT
[#4]
200 or 20,000 rounds?
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Posted: 2/3/2022 10:21:38 PM EDT
[#5]
that sucks, was tempted to buy one myself.
It reminds me of the old M1917 Eddystones. I want to say iirc the barrel shank threaded area was over sized and they cranked them on anyhow. Mostly fine until they were rebarreled and then cracked. |
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Posted: 2/3/2022 10:24:43 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 200 or 20,000 rounds? Approximately six hundred. They had it in their metallurgy lab for several weeks Edited to correct round count... |
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Posted: 2/3/2022 11:03:09 PM EDT
[#7]
I'll tell my buddy to check his. He'll be thrilled if he finds one.
His has more than a thousand rounds fired. |
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Posted: 2/4/2022 9:44:17 AM EDT
[#8]
Here's a video of someone else who had a cracked frame. Skip to around 2:15 for the images...
 Smith and Wesson 617 issues... finally found out why it was shaving lead off bullets. Broken frame! |
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Posted: 2/4/2022 9:59:27 AM EDT
[#9]
I just checked my 2012 era 6” 617 and no cracking. Thanks for the heads up though.
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Posted: 2/4/2022 10:20:23 AM EDT
[#10]
I have heard it is from over torquing the barrels on install
Fairly common on alloy frames. First time I have ever heard of it with a steel frame |
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Posted: 2/6/2022 12:25:43 AM EDT
[#11]
WTF? A steel-framed .22 cracking? A K-frame should handle a .38 with ease and this gun weighs more than a 686, so there should be MORE steel present than a larger caliber. I have two, one a lightly used 617-6 that I've only shot a couple time since i bought it - now I have to look at it.
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Posted: 2/6/2022 10:20:27 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: WTF? A steel-framed .22 cracking? A K-frame should handle a .38 with ease and this gun weighs more than a 686, so there should be MORE steel present than a larger caliber. I have two, one a lightly used 617-6 that I've only shot a couple time since i bought it - now I have to look at it. Agreed WTF? Checked mine, its good. Not sure how many rounds it has through it, I bought it used, but I have only put about 400 through it. |
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Posted: 2/6/2022 10:30:44 AM EDT
[#13]
That crack is from the barrel install, had nothing to do with what's fired through it, imo. I bet it would crack just sitting in your gun safe
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Posted: 2/6/2022 11:03:01 AM EDT
[#14]
Thanks for the heads up. I have two 617 no dash models in the safe I’ll be checking today.
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Posted: 2/7/2022 2:21:25 AM EDT
[#15]
I work at a gun shop in the last year we have sent back two new smith revolvers 617 and a 686 both had barrels not lined up also had lots of QC issues with the new Shield plus so far
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Posted: 2/12/2022 10:10:04 PM EDT
[#16]
I wouldn't have thought a 22 would do that. I have a model 66 do that.
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Posted: 2/13/2022 8:16:12 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I wouldn't have thought a 22 would do that. I have a model 66 do that. Obviously, it has nothing to do with it being chambered for .22 LR. |
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Posted: 2/13/2022 8:44:39 AM EDT
[#18]
How old is this 617?
I’ll have to dig mine out of the safe and check it. |
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Posted: 2/13/2022 9:14:20 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: How old is this 617? I’ll have to dig mine out of the safe and check it. It was manufactured in Q1 of 2021... |
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Posted: 2/14/2022 4:28:33 AM EDT
[#20]
Honestly the real WTF here is that frame gas cutting from low pressure lead .22 rounds, holy shit. Looks like a M19 that shot 125gr 357 its whole life.
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Posted: 2/14/2022 10:23:10 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Honestly the real WTF here is that frame gas cutting from low pressure lead .22 rounds, holy shit. Looks like a M19 that shot 125gr 357 its whole life. |
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Posted: 2/14/2022 10:26:28 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That is fouling. Look closer. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Honestly the real WTF here is that frame gas cutting from low pressure lead .22 rounds, holy shit. Looks like a M19 that shot 125gr 357 its whole life. Correct...carbon and lead buildup |
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Posted: 2/14/2022 1:53:59 PM EDT
[#23]
I found it funny with the "lets see if there is a lot less smoke"... "I guess not."
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Posted: 2/14/2022 2:20:17 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I found it funny with the "lets see if there is a lot less smoke"... "I guess not." I'm not sure what you're referring to... |
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Posted: 2/14/2022 4:43:10 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm not sure what you're referring to... In the Video you posted above. The guys 617 was smoking like it was a blackpowder Brown Bess. He changed ammunition thinking that may be the culprit and not expanding gasses every which way but Sunday and determined that the ammunition wasn't the cause. |
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Posted: 2/14/2022 5:08:49 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: In the Video you posted above. The guys 617 was smoking like it was a blackpowder Brown Bess. He changed ammunition thinking that may be the culprit and not expanding gasses every which way but Sunday and determined that the ammunition wasn't the cause. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I'm not sure what you're referring to... In the Video you posted above. The guys 617 was smoking like it was a blackpowder Brown Bess. He changed ammunition thinking that may be the culprit and not expanding gasses every which way but Sunday and determined that the ammunition wasn't the cause. Gotcha... |
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Posted: 3/17/2022 2:12:05 AM EDT
[#27]
Back around 2013 I purchased a new 617. After shooting it I quickly learned that it shaved/spit lead back at the shooter. Further investigation showed a barrel to cylinder gap that was out of spec and uneven from top to bottom. I returned the gun to S&W for repair.
Two weeks later I got a call from S&W explaining that the barrel needed to be removed so that the forcing cone could be recut and the barrel to cylinder gap set correctly, BUT that they were unable to do the work on my gun without the frame cracking due to an unspecified defect. I was given the option of either a full refund or a replacement gun the next production run of 617's. I took the refund. |
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Posted: 4/1/2022 4:30:50 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
How old is this 617? I’ll have to dig mine out of the safe and check it. |
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Posted: 4/1/2022 4:32:55 PM EDT
[#29]
The replacement 617-6 took 3 1/2 months to arrive.
I sold it... |
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Posted: 4/2/2022 9:50:29 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The replacement 617-6 took 3 1/2 months to arrive. I sold it... Just curious, but you didn't mention why you sold it. A 617 is an excellent revolver. Every company sends out a lemon now and then and S&W seems to have had your back on it. It makes a great addition if you're into the 6XX's series as much as a M17 does if you're into the "classics" like the M27 and M29. I like both series. Here's some of my 6XX's. The 617 (bottom) fits right in with it's bigger brothers:  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/4/2022 7:02:52 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Just curious, but you didn't mention why you sold it. Due to lack of confidence and because I'm old and bitter... |
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Posted: 5/2/2022 10:25:41 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That crack is from the barrel install, had nothing to do with what's fired through it, imo. I bet it would crack just sitting in your gun safe Yup barrel torque load on the thin part of the frame. The aluminum and scandium frames, both, also do it. J and N frames is what I’ve seen it in. Not all do it. Not even a large percentage, a very small percentage actually. But it’s a known thing. Ive only seen J frame 38/357 and N frame 44mag(329s) and 45auto(325s) do it. First time I’ve seen a 22 do it |
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Posted: 5/8/2022 8:50:25 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yup barrel torque load on the thin part of the frame. The aluminum and scandium frames, both, also do it. J and N frames is what I’ve seen it in. Not all do it. Not even a large percentage, a very small percentage actually. But it’s a known thing. Ive only seen J frame 38/357 and N frame 44mag(329s) and 45auto(325s) do it. First time I’ve seen a 22 do it Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: That crack is from the barrel install, had nothing to do with what's fired through it, imo. I bet it would crack just sitting in your gun safe Yup barrel torque load on the thin part of the frame. The aluminum and scandium frames, both, also do it. J and N frames is what I’ve seen it in. Not all do it. Not even a large percentage, a very small percentage actually. But it’s a known thing. Ive only seen J frame 38/357 and N frame 44mag(329s) and 45auto(325s) do it. First time I’ve seen a 22 do it Great, now where's that 642? I gotta say, I love the option for pocket carry and as a backup but not impressed with the insides, and now the frame might crack? I like to carry some Underwood in it for a good hard first hit but now.... |
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Posted: 5/8/2022 9:50:12 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Great, now where's that 642? I gotta say, I love the option for pocket carry and as a backup but not impressed with the insides, and now the frame might crack? I like to carry some Underwood in it for a good hard first hit but now.... Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: That crack is from the barrel install, had nothing to do with what's fired through it, imo. I bet it would crack just sitting in your gun safe Yup barrel torque load on the thin part of the frame. The aluminum and scandium frames, both, also do it. J and N frames is what I’ve seen it in. Not all do it. Not even a large percentage, a very small percentage actually. But it’s a known thing. Ive only seen J frame 38/357 and N frame 44mag(329s) and 45auto(325s) do it. First time I’ve seen a 22 do it Great, now where's that 642? I gotta say, I love the option for pocket carry and as a backup but not impressed with the insides, and now the frame might crack? I like to carry some Underwood in it for a good hard first hit but now.... And this is where still pinning the barrel would have been very helpful because it negates the need to over-tighten the barrel to the frame to keep it from loosening. [along with proper threading methods and measurements] |
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Posted: 5/8/2022 11:30:03 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Great, now where's that 642? I gotta say, I love the option for pocket carry and as a backup but not impressed with the insides, and now the frame might crack? I like to carry some Underwood in it for a good hard first hit but now.... Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: That crack is from the barrel install, had nothing to do with what's fired through it, imo. I bet it would crack just sitting in your gun safe Yup barrel torque load on the thin part of the frame. The aluminum and scandium frames, both, also do it. J and N frames is what I’ve seen it in. Not all do it. Not even a large percentage, a very small percentage actually. But it’s a known thing. Ive only seen J frame 38/357 and N frame 44mag(329s) and 45auto(325s) do it. First time I’ve seen a 22 do it Great, now where's that 642? I gotta say, I love the option for pocket carry and as a backup but not impressed with the insides, and now the frame might crack? I like to carry some Underwood in it for a good hard first hit but now.... I know. My bug is a 438. I’ve never thought twice about anything going wrong with it but I only run plain ol winchester white box 38s in it. Then again I train for head shots so a plain ol bullet is all I need in that one Which along with my plain ol bullet theory is why I don’t convert Smith 38 j frames to 9mm. The 38 smith frame isn’t made to take the pressure of 9mm. 9mm is basically the same pressure as 357. Smith 357 frames are scandium or stainless or steel so they can handle the additional pressures of the 357. Both the 9mm and 357 have the same maximum pressure of 35,000 psi as defined by SAAMI. If the aluminum frame would handle 357 then smith would surely make an aluminum 357 which would be the same retail price as the 38 only models. The only difference is cylinder reamed for 357 or 38, aside from frame material. Would be a win win sell more guns for smith. I have an extra cylinder for my 438. Bought a titanium one just cause I like titanium. Buts it’s chambered for 357 which I’d never use 357 in my 438 cause I know better. At my place it’s not a big deal since I don’t have any 357 at all. Only other wheel gun cartridge round here is 44mag. I don’t loan that gun out either for that reason. Sorry for the ramble. I like smith revolvers and talking about em if y’all can’t tell Back to the crack thing Not all crack. Not even close. And there’s really no rhym or reason when they do crack. As mentioned by myself and others the suspected culprit is overtorqueing the barrel. It’s the only thing that can really make sense in that area. But if a consistent over torque was the only factor all would do it. |
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Posted: 5/8/2022 11:55:20 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I know. My bug is a 438. I’ve never thought twice about anything going wrong with it but I only run plain ol winchester white box 38s in it. Then again I train for head shots so a plain ol bullet is all I need in that one Which along with my plain ol bullet theory is why I don’t convert Smith 38 j frames to 9mm. The 38 smith frame isn’t made to take the pressure of 9mm. 9mm is basically the same pressure as 357. Smith 357 frames are scandium or stainless or steel so they can handle the additional pressures of the 357. Both the 9mm and 357 have the same maximum pressure of 35,000 psi as defined by SAAMI. If the aluminum frame would handle 357 then smith would surely make an aluminum 357 which would be the same retail price as the 38 only models. The only difference is cylinder reamed for 357 or 38, aside from frame material. Would be a win win sell more guns for smith. I have an extra cylinder for my 438. Bought a titanium one just cause I like titanium. Buts it’s chambered for 357 which I’d never use 357 in my 438 cause I know better. At my place it’s not a big deal since I don’t have any 357 at all. Only other wheel gun cartridge round here is 44mag. I don’t loan that gun out either for that reason. Sorry for the ramble. I like smith revolvers and talking about em if y’all can’t tell Back to the crack thing Not all crack. Not even close. And there’s really no rhym or reason when they do crack. As mentioned by myself and others the suspected culprit is overtorqueing the barrel. It’s the only thing that can really make sense in that area. But if a consistent over torque was the only factor all would do it. Unless just the ones that do it had to get torqued so far to be able to close the BC gap far enough to be in spec that it has created a problem in just those individual guns. Since I’m pretty sure based on the new manufacturing of smiths vs the old hand fit smiths they are not facing the forcing cone after barrel install to set the BC gap. Where did you get the titanium cylinder? I want a brace of 3" bbl 9mms, 649 and Centennial frames, w/ titanium short cylinders to improve the DA pull. |
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Posted: 5/8/2022 2:56:18 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Where did you get the titanium cylinder? I want a brace of 3" bbl 9mms, 649 and Centennial frames, w/ titanium short cylinders to improve the DA pull. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I know. My bug is a 438. I’ve never thought twice about anything going wrong with it but I only run plain ol winchester white box 38s in it. Then again I train for head shots so a plain ol bullet is all I need in that one Which along with my plain ol bullet theory is why I don’t convert Smith 38 j frames to 9mm. The 38 smith frame isn’t made to take the pressure of 9mm. 9mm is basically the same pressure as 357. Smith 357 frames are scandium or stainless or steel so they can handle the additional pressures of the 357. Both the 9mm and 357 have the same maximum pressure of 35,000 psi as defined by SAAMI. If the aluminum frame would handle 357 then smith would surely make an aluminum 357 which would be the same retail price as the 38 only models. The only difference is cylinder reamed for 357 or 38, aside from frame material. Would be a win win sell more guns for smith. I have an extra cylinder for my 438. Bought a titanium one just cause I like titanium. Buts it’s chambered for 357 which I’d never use 357 in my 438 cause I know better. At my place it’s not a big deal since I don’t have any 357 at all. Only other wheel gun cartridge round here is 44mag. I don’t loan that gun out either for that reason. Sorry for the ramble. I like smith revolvers and talking about em if y’all can’t tell Back to the crack thing Not all crack. Not even close. And there’s really no rhym or reason when they do crack. As mentioned by myself and others the suspected culprit is overtorqueing the barrel. It’s the only thing that can really make sense in that area. But if a consistent over torque was the only factor all would do it. Unless just the ones that do it had to get torqued so far to be able to close the BC gap far enough to be in spec that it has created a problem in just those individual guns. Since I’m pretty sure based on the new manufacturing of smiths vs the old hand fit smiths they are not facing the forcing cone after barrel install to set the BC gap. Where did you get the titanium cylinder? I want a brace of 3" bbl 9mms, 649 and Centennial frames, w/ titanium short cylinders to improve the DA pull. I ordered it from midway a few years ago. Think Midwest Gunworks may also have them |
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Posted: 5/8/2022 4:24:40 PM EDT
[#38]
I checked mine when the last post about this popped up(Might have been on the S&W forums?). Both of mine are no dash guns and solid.
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Posted: 5/13/2022 6:58:58 PM EDT
[#39]
What year was it manufactured?
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Posted: 5/14/2022 10:05:07 PM EDT
[#40]
Thanks for the PSA! I checked my 617-6 and there's no crack, however, it does get a lot of lead build up above the forcing cone. I'll call S&W to see what they can do about that. I always just assumed the lead build up was how that gun rolled with lead ammo.
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