.22 Caliber J-frame

[Chewbacca10]

An LGS near me had a S&W 351C in stock a few weeks ago. I tried a J-Frame with .38 Special + P years ago and did not like it (I've shot calibers all the way to .50 Action Express and never felt that sort of stinging pain concentrated in the web of my hand like I did with the .38 Special).

However, I am kind of thinking that the 351C would make a nice companion for some fishing trips that I take. I'm not concerned about wildlife, more about people that I am encountering in remote areas. However, from what I can tell on the forum, people who own them have had some issues with binding and ejecting.

Is that a fair statement to make? Or should I go back and buy that one?

[MolonLabe416]

QC is lacking at S&W. My 351c ran like a top out of the box. My 317 spit lead so bad out of the box that it was u usable. I sent it to Smith and they corrected the problem. Lick of the draw.

[GJM]

My 351 had an extremely heavy trigger -- my wife used it as a hand strength trainer!

[PNWTO]

My, relatively-new, 351PD has a heavier trigger than any of my 442s but not to a distracting degree. Windage with most loads is a touch to the 3 o’clock but elevation is good enough.

Timely post:

https://www.facebook.com/100027351922366/posts/pfbid046wYhFtNEtkdcBHTXfb85peCDdf3nERaq3nS4kF8722i XWJxMgV1F1wtxn5xvVgEl/?app=fbl

[DanTheWolfman]

the very hard to find 8-shot 3" .22 LR Taurus 942 just became back in stock somewhere...would make for a fun plinker and better than nothing ...I'll find out where if you are interested

Also, heavier .38s that have a thicker grip, especially w Wadcutters wouldn't hurt ether. Grip, weight, ammo have a ton to do with it

[LtDave]

My 351 had an extremely heavy trigger -- my wife used it as a hand strength trainer!

My 351C has the heaviest trigger of all my J frames. It is usable, but heavy. OTOH, my 43C in 22LR has a very nice trigger.

[JHC]

Over the last year/year and a half I've bought new a 351C, a 43C and a 317. And just before that an M&P Compact .22. They've all been great shooters with no problems. Yeah, the 351C has another level of heavy trigger. 43C is not so heavy, hard to distinguish from my Model 36 .38.

[Chewbacca10]

Hmm. Sounds like the 43C might be slightly better. I already have plenty of .22 Long Rifle, and I do not have .22 Magnum.


QC is lacking at S&W. My 351c ran like a top out of the box. My 317 spit lead so bad out of the box that it was u usable. I sent it to Smith and they corrected the problem. Lick of the draw.

Yeah, I’m not going to lie, I’ve had some canted barrels on some S&W revolvers. The QC there is basically the customer.


My, relatively-new, 351PD has a heavier trigger than any of my 442s but not to a distracting degree. Windage with most loads is a touch to the 3 o’clock but elevation is good enough.

Timely post:

https://www.facebook.com/100027351922366/posts/pfbid046wYhFtNEtkdcBHTXfb85peCDdf3nERaq3nS4kF8722i XWJxMgV1F1wtxn5xvVgEl/?app=fbl

What’s the post? I don’t have Facebook.

[JCN]

LCR22 all day every day!

[MolonLabe416]

QC is lacking at S&W. My 351c ran like a top out of the box. My 317 spit lead so bad out of the box that it was u usable. I sent it to Smith and they corrected the problem. Lick of the draw.

Fat fingered…

I have the 43c in 22LR, not the 351c in magnum.

Sorry about that.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Had a 317LS when they came out and it had a horrible trigger. Sold it when I needed a buck. Having a 432, I don't see a need for 22 cal J frame, except for shooting cheap ammo. I have a G44 for that.

[feudist]

I had a 43C in 2016 that had to go back to S&W twice before I could get a cylinder full through it.
Then it was picky and sticky and never shot to point of aim.
Ditched.
Finally bought another one a couple of months back and it has been perfect, with a good trigger.
Hopefully S&W is getting its mojo back.

[Gun Mutt]

LCR22 all day every day!

Gawd, but I love mine!

Wife wanted something she could carry in yoga pants after she got pregnant, got her a 351C w/ClipDraw and she hasn't carried her G42 since. If I'd known what a lovely revolver I was buying, I'd have gotten 2 and probably never tried an LCR...(shiver!).

[BN]

I have a 43c that works. The trigger isn't bad but I'm used to double action revolvers. I had a little problem with extraction with a few brands of ammo when I first got it. I clean the chambers very well every time I shoot it and it has been fine.

I have a LCR22 also. It had to go back to Ruger once because it wouldn't extract anything out of the first 200 rounds I shot in it. It still had a little problem after I got it back and I reamed the chambers and it has been fine since.

I like the 43c the best. The trigger is better and it's lighter.

I have laser grips on both of them.

[LJP]

What’s the post? I don’t have Facebook.

The post is DB’s Shooting Adventures (Darryl Bolke) discussing lightweight revolvers. Fortunately, you don’t have to have FB to view the post.

[TheNewbie]

Hmm. Sounds like the 43C might be slightly better. I already have plenty of .22 Long Rifle, and I do not have .22 Magnum.



Yeah, I’m not going to lie, I’ve had some canted barrels on some S&W revolvers. The QC there is basically the customer.



What’s the post? I don’t have Facebook.


I don't have FB, but I can see the post if I click the link.

[JHC]

I have a 43c that works. The trigger isn't bad but I'm used to double action revolvers. I had a little problem with extraction with a few brands of ammo when I first got it. I clean the chambers very well every time I shoot it and it has been fine.

I have a LCR22 also. It had to go back to Ruger once because it wouldn't extract anything out of the first 200 rounds I shot in it. It still had a little problem after I got it back and I reamed the chambers and it has been fine since.

I like the 43c the best. The trigger is better and it's lighter.

I have laser grips on both of them.

I've felt good LCR triggers but the copy in .22 LR that I handled side by side with the 43C I chose to buy was pretty nasty. About similar in weight but gritty rough vs the smooth pull of that 43C.

[Coal Train]

Based on the advice in this thread I installed an Apex kit in my 43C. It really improved the shootability of the gun. I have not noticed a decrease in reliability thus far.

It is definitely a fun gun to shoot. I am debating on laser grips for it. The thing that is holding me back (other than cost) is not wanting to increase weight.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?55052-Revolver-while-running

[Up1911Fan]

Based on the advice in this thread I installed an Apex kit in my 43C. It really improved the shootability of the gun. I have not noticed a decrease in reliability thus far.

It is definitely a fun gun to shoot. I am debating on laser grips for it. The thing that is holding me back (other than cost) is not wanting to increase weight.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?55052-Revolver-while-running

I wasn't aware Apex made a rimfire kit.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

As an aside, years ago I bought a Taurus Pt-22 for a pocket 22 LR. It was a pretty gun,chrome, nice wood grips. It was a horrific jammer. Could get through a mag - and I tried several and different ammo brands. It would eject a live round rather than chambering one. It also slammed the slide shut on a live round bending it in half. Sold it back to a dealer at minimal loss. Saw a recent review of a new polymer (I think version) and it was a terrible jammer also. That being said, I once shot Dave Kopel's Beretta 21 - jammer!

Also, my G42 - one of the first ones out there matched the Pt-22 in horrific behavior, such as firing out of battery, shooting flames and crap out of the ejection port. Back to Glock and it seems to work now.

Small 22s are evil at times. My nice Buckmark is reliable as is the G44. Had a very nice Ruger SS Bearcat. Sold it. Should have kept it - oh well.

[willie]

I've had more issues with Smith .22 revolvers than with any other group. Yes, I like them and yes, I've carried mouse guns in the past but always knew that I was not adequately armed. A snub length 22 barrel makes an anemic round even weaker. Looking back, I carried these handguns because they were light and nifty, and I admired their workmanship and felt good about shooting them well. Hence, Logic was absent. If I were concerned about size and weight, I would select a J frame 38 or a pistol similar to the Glock 42 or 43 or 43x. As most know, using a quality holster matched with an appropriate belt will contribute to ease of carry. Some of us are way past being able to grapple with an opponent. Thus, we might select a cartridge that has more authority than a 22. Once I could have made head shots with a 22 snub. That was long ago. This comment might apply to others.

[mmc45414]

Based on the advice in this thread I installed an Apex kit in my 43C.
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?55052-Revolver-while-running

I wasn't aware Apex made a rimfire kit.

They do not, but in the referenced thread jetfire advised us that the centerfire Apex kit works great, and is reliable as long as you use the Apex firing pin, but that it is imperative to never dryfire on an empty chamber (extended firing pin/aluminum cylinder).

[Up1911Fan]

They do not, but in the referenced thread jetfire advised us that the centerfire Apex kit works great, and is reliable as long as you use the Apex firing pin, but that it is imperative to never dryfire on an empty chamber (extended firing pin/aluminum cylinder).


I wonder if the .22 Mag uses the same spring weights? I have a reduced power mainspring in my 351C, which has been 100% with CCI solids, but fails to fire atleast one Gold Dot per cylinder.

[mmc45414]

I wonder if the .22 Mag uses the same spring weights? I have a reduced power mainspring in my 351C, which has been 100% with CCI solids, but fails to fire at least one Gold Dot per cylinder.
The linked thread indicated the Apex firing pin was the Secret Sauce, but ya better not dry fire. :cool:

[Chewbacca10]

I've had more issues with Smith .22 revolvers than with any other group. Yes, I like them and yes, I've carried mouse guns in the past but always knew that I was not adequately armed. A snub length 22 barrel makes an anemic round even weaker. Looking back, I carried these handguns because they were light and nifty, and I admired their workmanship and felt good about shooting them well. Hence, Logic was absent. If I were concerned about size and weight, I would select a J frame 38 or a pistol similar to the Glock 42 or 43 or 43x. As most know, using a quality holster matched with an appropriate belt will contribute to ease of carry. Some of us are way past being able to grapple with an opponent. Thus, we might select a cartridge that has more authority than a 22. Once I could have made head shots with a 22 snub. That was long ago. This comment might apply to others.

That's a valid point, but I had such a terrible experience with the .38 that I'm hesitant to try it again. There's no way that I would practice with it enough to make me confident in it. If there's a good way to mitigate the recoil on the .38 (perhaps thicker grips), I'd consider it again.

[Chewbacca10]

The post is DB’s Shooting Adventures (Darryl Bolke) discussing lightweight revolvers. Fortunately, you don’t have to have FB to view the post.

Ah, you are right. My phone was showing an error page, but my laptop worked fine. I have a lot of respect for Bolke and thought that was a good post. :D

[Half Moon]

That's a valid point, but I had such a terrible experience with the .38 that I'm hesitant to try it again. There's no way that I would practice with it enough to make me confident in it. If there's a good way to mitigate the recoil on the .38 (perhaps thicker grips), I'd consider it again.

Per an earlier post, I think your experience was with .38 +P in a J though. Really the best way to mitigate recoil is to step down in power. .38 Mid-Range wadcutters will cut the recoil substantially while retaining good penetration. Which, out of a snub length barrel, penetration is what you want. Expansion is going to be iffy and where it occurs is likely to cut penetration to unacceptable levels. Generally the higher power levels in a J snub are costing you controllability with no substantial improvement in performance.

Other things that can help are stepping up the weight. Recoil between a 16 Oz Airweight and a 22 Oz Steel J is very different. The problem being that extra weight makes carry less convenient.

You are absolutely right about grips making a difference too. Different grips change the dynamics dramatically. On the plus side revolvers are able to wear a wide array of grips. It's finding the right compromise that's the hard part. The best grips for shooting tend to be the worst for concealing. The best median I've found are the 'old' Taurus boot grips (which fit a J with some minor adaptation). The covered back strap and palm swells on them work really well for my hands. Unfortunately, it looks like Taurus discontinued them around the time the pandemic hit. In any case, .38 is likely to serve you better if needed for self-defense than .22 LR.

[1Rangemaster]

To the OP: if you think you have a use for it, get it-it's the American way. Any gunpowder cartridge imho is better than yelling. I am pretty much past grappling, knifing, etc. I'd prefer a stand off ballistic option, even if a .22 rimfire.
My 317 I used this summer due to eye surgery/recovery. Went though Werner's snub dry practice program and was pleasantly surprised at how the trigger improved. Heavy, but smooth now.
Pocketed in my sweatpants with "Punch" ammo as I recuperated.
And the dry practice helped my grouping w/Glocks later(!)

[mmc45414]

You are absolutely right about grips making a difference too. Different grips change the dynamics dramatically. On the plus side revolvers are able to wear a wide array of grips. It's finding the right compromise that's the hard part. The best grips for shooting tend to be the worst for concealing.

I think the increased concealability of boot grips is a poor comfort and shooting tradeoff unless you are actually putting it in a pocket or a boot. These Hogues (https://www.amazon.com/Hogue-60000-Frame-Rubber-Monogrip/dp/B000KOVCFI/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2TCXOXOTGY9RB&keywords=hogue+j+frame+grips&qid=1672152485&sprefix=hogue+J%2Caps%2C380&sr=8-2) are cheap and very nice, I use the Altamont BATELEUR (https://www.altamontco.com/pistol-grips/smith-and-wesson/j-round):

99113

[jandbj]

I wonder if the .22 Mag uses the same spring weights? I have a reduced power mainspring in my 351C, which has been 100% with CCI solids, but fails to fire atleast one Gold Dot per cylinder.

I had to keep stock springs in my 351c. Had the action done by my favorite J frame gunsmith, Mike LaRocca.

My 43c runs great with the Apex firing pin & the stock spring out of a 442. That one has only been smoothed by dry & live fire. Hat tip to Claude Werner on the spring for the 43c.

[willie]

That's a valid point, but I had such a terrible experience with the .38 that I'm hesitant to try it again. There's no way that I would practice with it enough to make me confident in it. If there's a good way to mitigate the recoil on the .38 (perhaps thicker grips), I'd consider it again.

Most likely some here can recommend a suitable J frame grip. I'm out of date on the subject but suggest looking at Hogue offerings as one source. Our valued member Lost River sells 38 Short and 38 Long ammo based on shorter cases from the past. This ammo might be a suitable alternative to the regular .38 Spl round. If you purchase another J frame, consider getting an all steel model and not an air weight aluminum version. The extra heft will slightly reduce felt recoil.

[Half Moon]

I think the increased concealability of boot grips is a poor comfort and shooting tradeoff unless you are actually putting it in a pocket or a boot.

True enough but, for me anyways, if you aren't putting it in a pocket (or maybe ankle carry), it's leaving the natural niche of the small frame revolver. Once you get to belt carry and such there are other options, revolver or semi-auto, that are almost as easy to carry and conceal, while adding capacity, power, control, reloadability, etc. That being said, those are beautiful grips and I do understand:

99141

:-)

[BillSWPA]

Pachmayr Compaq grips are also worth a look. They cover the backstrap with rubber. They are longer than a typical boot grip, but not quite as long as a typical 3 finger grip. They provide a place for the pinky to engage the grip, partially curled under the grip, but still contributing to the overall grip on the gun.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chewbacca10]

Per an earlier post, I think your experience was with .38 +P in a J though. Really the best way to mitigate recoil is to step down in power. .38 Mid-Range wadcutters will cut the recoil substantially while retaining good penetration. Which, out of a snub length barrel, penetration is what you want. Expansion is going to be iffy and where it occurs is likely to cut penetration to unacceptable levels. Generally the higher power levels in a J snub are costing you controllability with no substantial improvement in performance.

Other things that can help are stepping up the weight. Recoil between a 16 Oz Airweight and a 22 Oz Steel J is very different. The problem being that extra weight makes carry less convenient.

You are absolutely right about grips making a difference too. Different grips change the dynamics dramatically. On the plus side revolvers are able to wear a wide array of grips. It's finding the right compromise that's the hard part. The best grips for shooting tend to be the worst for concealing. The best median I've found are the 'old' Taurus boot grips (which fit a J with some minor adaptation). The covered back strap and palm swells on them work really well for my hands. Unfortunately, it looks like Taurus discontinued them around the time the pandemic hit. In any case, .38 is likely to serve you better if needed for self-defense than .22 LR.

Half Moon

I must thank you for this suggestion to try the .38 again with different ammunition.

I borrowed a friend's 642 over the weekend, and it was not nearly as bad as I recalled it. This time around, I was shooting 158-grain copper-plated handloads (4.2 grains of Bullseye if I recall correctly). I fired over 50 of them without having any of the pain that I experienced previously. Either those previous loads were too hot or my technique has improved. Or perhaps some of both.

At any rate, I am going to buy a .38 for now since I already load for that round and would prefer a centerfire. Thanks again for the suggestion.

[Gater]

Bumping to add the latest chapter from DB:

https://m.facebook.com/100027351922366/km

[Polecat]

I love my latest 43c. Spot on point of aim. No difficulties ejecting. Traded into a 351PD a few weeks ago, amd love it, though it does seem to heavier trigger pull. I am waiting on a prelock 317 kit gun to arrive, and can’t wait to try it.

I wish they would try like a 10 shot cylinder, even if it is bit bigger.

I would try a Taurus UL if I could find one.

Lastly, I think I would stick to .22LR, at least in 2” barrel, from a bunch of gel test vids I watched, seems neck and neck?

You can’t beat the weight to capacity to ease of shooting with these little things. I take mine to the range every time I go, and practice regularly.

[SCCY Marshal]

...Lastly, I think I would stick to .22LR, at least in 2” barrel, from a bunch of gel test vids I watched, seems neck and neck?

In gel, perhaps usually.

If you shoot other things and look at other factors? Maybe not.

22 WMR will push a same-weight bullet faster out of the same tube. Seems to be around 100+fps usually. The magnum also gives you a true copper-jacketed bullet versus very soft plain lead or copper washed soft lead.

In my experience on small game, the extra velocity kills better as stumpy rimfires go. The faster jacketed magnum also tends to go through some stuff that would stop a 22LR. While 22WMR is spendier than 22LR, it has less bottom shelf junk ammo in the ranks.

The muzzle blast also sounds like a real gun going off with more flash and may get people's attention for a possible increase in psychological stops. This is mere theory, undependable even if true, and far from a primary consideration. But I just get "that a rimfire?" from others while at the range with my 22 LR snub. When running a buddy's 22WMR snubs or my own, "what the hell is that thing?!" is a more common reaction.

[willie]

I've owned a couple 4 inch J frame 22's. Both shot better after having the forcing cone slightly modified with a Ron Power reamer. Lightweight and a heavy double action pull convinced me to shoot them single action. My only concern was plinking and field shooting and not defense. Larger grips helped tremendously. My two were ammo sensitive, and I soon learned that standard velocity ammo performed best. One of these revolvers excelled with shorts which were much quieter. Then I shot most snakes and aquatic turtles that I saw. 22 shorts did the job. Today I don't kill snakes unless they are poisonous ones in my yard. I no longer shoot turtles with one exception. In recent years I have been asked to reduce turtle populations in ponds stocked with fish. In return for fishing privileges I soon accomplished this goal using a shotgun. I reduced but did not exterminate turtle populations. Was this necessary? I doubt it.

[Polecat]

In gel, perhaps usually.

If you shoot other things and look at other factors? Maybe not.

22 WMR will push a same-weight bullet faster out of the same tube. Seems to be around 100+fps usually. The magnum also gives you a true copper-jacketed bullet versus very soft plain lead or copper washed soft lead.

In my experience on small game, the extra velocity kills better as stumpy rimfires go. The faster jacketed magnum also tends to go through some stuff that would stop a 22LR. While 22WMR is spendier than 22LR, it has less bottom shelf junk ammo in the ranks.

The muzzle blast also sounds like a real gun going off with more flash and may get people's attention for a possible increase in psychological stops. This is mere theory, undependable even if true, and far from a primary consideration. But I just get "that a rimfire?" from others while at the range with my 22 LR snub. When running a buddy's 22WMR snubs or my own, "what the hell is that thing?!" is a more common reaction.


Those are some good points I haven’t thought about!

[feudist]

In gel, perhaps usually.

If you shoot other things and look at other factors? Maybe not.

22 WMR will push a same-weight bullet faster out of the same tube. Seems to be around 100+fps usually. The magnum also gives you a true copper-jacketed bullet versus very soft plain lead or copper washed soft lead.

In my experience on small game, the extra velocity kills better as stumpy rimfires go. The faster jacketed magnum also tends to go through some stuff that would stop a 22LR. While 22WMR is spendier than 22LR, it has less bottom shelf junk ammo in the ranks.

The muzzle blast also sounds like a real gun going off with more flash and may get people's attention for a possible increase in psychological stops. This is mere theory, undependable even if true, and far from a primary consideration. But I just get "that a rimfire?" from others while at the range with my 22 LR snub. When running a buddy's 22WMR snubs or my own, "what the hell is that thing?!" is a more common reaction.

IIRC, quite a few people have posited that as the reason for the outsized effect of the 125 grain .357, including Fackler. Didn't DB call it a "flashbang on a .38" or something to that effect?
Re: the characterizing of "Timers and switches" in stopping attacks. A wound causing even the most grievous blood loss requires several seconds to take effect, but we routinely see videos of nearly instantaneous effect with handgun bullets that aren't CNS hits.
Back in the Paleolithic, the Army taught me that 40% of men stop fighting when they're hit anywhere by anything, even if it doesn't cause a wound. My platoon sergeant got a Bronze Star in Vietnam for pulling a downed man to safety under fire. The guy had been hit in the canteen and thought the sun heated water was blood. Audie Murphy did the same thing to a guy who had a can of beans in his pocket get hit.
Vasovagal syncope?
Personal opinion, I think it's enough of a potential advantage to warrant returning to non flash suppressed powders in defense rounds, since position concealment is a moot issue in handgun fights, as is any effect on night vision adaptation.
Set his hair on fire.:cool:

[Gater]

Too late to edit, but fixing bad link above to DB's latest:

https://www.facebook.com/people/DBs-Shooting-Adventures/100027351922366/

Flagging one comment of his in light of above:

"The caliber is interesting. It is a rifle cartridge coming out of a barrel less than two inches. As a small light bullet, recoil is minimal and it is super easy to shoot, but it barks like a bigger gun. All that blast and noise is a benefit for near contact shooting."

[JJN]

Anyone aware of contact ballistic testing of the .22mag and/or .22lr? .22mag is blasty, and would probably do some quality work as a contact shot.

[mmc45414]

Wonder if the WMR cylinder could swap over into the 3" 317?...

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

[Borderland]

I just carried a model 36 (38 spl.) when I back packed in the Cascades and Olympics. Never saw that many people on the trail. Saw more bears than people. Women were actually hiking alone and in pairs in there.

The farther you go into the wilderness the less you have to worry about people. Mostly the assholes are in the city looking for an easy score.

.22 in any configuration would work as long as it functions 99.9% of the time. Better than a stick or a sharp knife..

Lots of combatants were issued 38's during WW2. Ballistics hasn't changed much since.

9mm something would be my choice these days.

[feudist]

I just carried a model 36 (38 spl.) when I back packed in the Cascades and Olympics. Never saw that many people on the trail. Saw more bears than people. Women were actually hiking alone and in pairs in there.

The farther you go into the wilderness the less you have to worry about people. Mostly the assholes are in the city looking for an easy score.

.22 in any configuration would work as long as it functions 99.9% of the time. Better than a stick or a sharp knife..

Lots of combatants were issued 38's during WW2. Ballistics hasn't changed much since.

9mm something would be my choice these days.

If you're hiking with a partner the .22 makes an excellent bear gun.

[Polecat]

Wonder if the WMR cylinder could swap over into the 3" 317?...

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

This is an awesome idea, don’t know if it is safe, but awesome idea. Smith could stand to look at this. Imagine a 3” kit . 22wmr, 10 rounds though, no lock, diff front sight options, concealed hammer DAO.

Then of course they need to offer the little 2” with adjustable sight to balance things out.

[Borderland]

If you're hiking with a partner the .22 makes an excellent bear gun.

Leg shot.

[mmc45414]

This is an awesome idea, don’t know if it is safe, but awesome idea. Smith could stand to look at this.
I did look to see that the WMR guns also have the aluminum cylinder.
But doesn't the WMR have a different bore size? I remember something about there being a reason the convertible Rugers didn't shoot as well as a 22LR gun?

[Borderland]

Lots of people used to carry 22's in the back country. I knew an old timer, older than me, that said they all carried a .22 revolver when they hunted elk. The .22 was for Blue and Spruce grouse to be eaten in camp. I think that may be illegal now.

When I started working as a surveyor in AZ I worked with guys who carried a .22 for snakes. I didn't have one but wished I did a few times.

[Wooosh]

Can you dry fire any of the current .22 snubbies on the market? That's one of the advantages of the High Standard Sentinel.

[Joe Mac]

IIRC, quite a few people have posited that as the reason for the outsized effect of the 125 grain .357, including Fackler. Didn't DB call it a "flashbang on a .38" or something to that effect?


In the revolver era at our PD, those of us qualifying with .357/125 were sometimes put on the far end of the line, away from the folks who might be startled and disconcerted by such...

[Polecat]

So I am NO expert😳 But, if I recall I think the mag is ever so slightly bigger, so I think all the convertible ones have a Mag barrel with LR cylinder. The other thing to consider is timing Imwould think as one cylinder is 7 rounds and one is 8.

I love that Taurus was able to get 9 in their little snub, I think the 941 if I recall. What is also confusing is why 1 less round in .22 Mag if it is seemingly pretty close size wise?

[Joe S]

Can you dry fire any of the current .22 snubbies on the market? That's one of the advantages of the High Standard Sentinel.

Ruger says it's ok to dry fire the LCR: https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?22420-Ruger-LCR&p=1298414&viewfull=1#post1298414

[1Rangemaster]

I dry fired my early production 317 over 2,000 times last summer in a snub practice program and it still sets .22lr off. That amount of cycling the trigger really smoothed out the pull.
YMMV

[Willard]

My just becoming adult daughter is recoil averse. Wanted a gun, but not a real gun. Managed to find a 2" pinned S&W 34 and pre-34 (have two daughter so both have to get one - they can sort it out). I'm hoping I can get her interested in the 22 enough to shoot a lot and maybe get her on a pinned S&W 60 I also picked up for her. There are a lot of choices here, but she seems fixated on the Ruger MK II and has always been averse to recoil. This is the heavy shorter barrel version and probably not ideal for concealed, thus the 34. Hopefully with Federal Punch this is better than a sharp stick. Never managed to get them interested in shooting or firearms growing up, but world events seem to have a way of changing that.

[Polecat]

Can you guys confirm the apex firing pin works well with .22? Is the firing pin basically just longer? I assume it is the cylinder that aligns differently to allow the FP to hit the rim? We need a universal formula! For example, when I used a Galloway kit on my Taurus , the hammerspring was an absolute fail, however, the light trigger return spring changed it for the better.

[Coal Train]

Can you guys confirm the apex firing pin works well with .22? Is the firing pin basically just longer? I assume it is the cylinder that aligns differently to allow the FP to hit the rim? We need a universal formula! For example, when I used a Galloway kit on my Taurus , the hammerspring was an absolute fail, however, the light trigger return spring changed it for the better.
The thread below describes my experience with the Apex kit in a S&W 43C. I am up to close to 1,000 rounds through it with no problems thus far.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?55052-Revolver-while-running

[jandbj]

104558104559
Finally got my 43c/63 cylinder pinto properly timed by LaRocca gun works.

This one will be my high volume shooter with the other 43c seeing less range time. Old one is over 10k rounds.

[SteveThePirate]

104558104559
Finally got my 43c/63 cylinder pinto properly timed by LaRocca gun works.

This one will be my high volume shooter with the other 43c seeing less range time. Old one is over 10k rounds.

That's an interesting project. How much weight does it add to the gun? I'm assuming that's a steel cylinder, right?

[jandbj]

That's an interesting project. How much weight does it add to the gun? I'm assuming that's a steel cylinder, right?

104699
Cylinder & crane from a model 63. 15.3oz as it sits. Shoots great!

[SteveThePirate]

Looks good! A bit of a weight gain, but not all that bad.

[Evil_Ed]

So...before I box this thing back up and send it back to Smith...figured I'd ask here.

I have a Colt Night Cobra that I can't hit crap with, at all, slow fire or not. I figured a 22lr trainer in a similar size would help diagnose if it was me, the gun, or "yes". So I bought a new Smith 43c as training wheels.

I got it home and dry-fired it some and every 6th to 15th squeeze, it would get really crunchy and the hammer (or trigger) would hang at the end of it's travel...crunch it a little more and it would eventually fire. I popped off the grips and the side panel, didn't see anything obviously "wrong", put a couple drops of Lucas fine baby tears gun oil in various friction points and buttoned it back up. Got it to the range this morning figuring the lube would make life better...newp. Same random hangup at the end of the trigger pull, a sudden stop, and then you could power through it to actually drop the hammer. Also got some lead spitting out at me from the sides a couple times (or jacket, depending on what I was shooting)...

Oh and light strikes. I even had light strikes shooting CCI Mini Mags, Standard Velocity...and Eley Club. The CCI Standard Velocity, ok I could see a dud...but 3 duds in 8 rounds, when I just ran through 100 rounds from the same lot through my 10-22 without a single hiccup? And Mini Mags...as I remember they have an incredibly high standard for manufacturing - something about special people doing special things in far away places needing 22lr that is guaranteed to work through pistols with integral cans and ported barrels to ensure subsonic. Won't even get into the standards Eley is made to...so this is just a long way of saying "what the fuck, that's not normal".

Anyway - that hangup/crunch at the end of the trigger pull, randomly (doesn't matter if it's upside down, pointing down, pointing up, on left or right side, etc...does it in any orientation near as I can tell), is that a "thing" with j-frames and does it have a known cure?

I can take the side plate off again and do a further disassembly? I've got youtube and a dremel; there's nothing I can't disassemble.

It's just if it's one of those "but if it would be better off going back to Smith for remediation" things, I'd rather not make it worse...

[Duelist]

So...before I box this thing back up and send it back to Smith...figured I'd ask here.

I have a Colt Night Cobra that I can't hit crap with, at all, slow fire or not. I figured a 22lr trainer in a similar size would help diagnose if it was me, the gun, or "yes". So I bought a new Smith 43c as training wheels.

I got it home and dry-fired it some and every 6th to 15th squeeze, it would get really crunchy and the hammer (or trigger) would hang at the end of it's travel...crunch it a little more and it would eventually fire. I popped off the grips and the side panel, didn't see anything obviously "wrong", put a couple drops of Lucas fine baby tears gun oil in various friction points and buttoned it back up. Got it to the range this morning figuring the lube would make life better...newp. Same random hangup at the end of the trigger pull, a sudden stop, and then you could power through it to actually drop the hammer. Also got some lead spitting out at me from the sides a couple times (or jacket, depending on what I was shooting)...

Oh and light strikes. I even had light strikes shooting CCI Mini Mags, Standard Velocity...and Eley Club. The CCI Standard Velocity, ok I could see a dud...but 3 duds in 8 rounds, when I just ran through 100 rounds from the same lot through my 10-22 without a single hiccup? And Mini Mags...as I remember they have an incredibly high standard for manufacturing - something about special people doing special things in far away places needing 22lr that is guaranteed to work through pistols with integral cans and ported barrels to ensure subsonic. Won't even get into the standards Eley is made to...so this is just a long way of saying "what the fuck, that's not normal".

Anyway - that hangup/crunch at the end of the trigger pull, randomly (doesn't matter if it's upside down, pointing down, pointing up, on left or right side, etc...does it in any orientation near as I can tell), is that a "thing" with j-frames and does it have a known cure?

I can take the side plate off again and do a further disassembly? I've got youtube and a dremel; there's nothing I can't disassemble.

It's just if it's one of those "but if it would be better off going back to Smith for remediation" things, I'd rather not make it worse...

Never seen such a thing, but my J frames are all centerfire, so that may not be germane. Hope you get it fixed - I’ve been interested in a 43c for a while.

[jandbj]

So...before I box this thing back up and send it back to Smith...figured I'd ask here.

I have a Colt Night Cobra that I can't hit crap with, at all, slow fire or not. I figured a 22lr trainer in a similar size would help diagnose if it was me, the gun, or "yes". So I bought a new Smith 43c as training wheels.

I got it home and dry-fired it some and every 6th to 15th squeeze, it would get really crunchy and the hammer (or trigger) would hang at the end of it's travel...crunch it a little more and it would eventually fire. I popped off the grips and the side panel, didn't see anything obviously "wrong", put a couple drops of Lucas fine baby tears gun oil in various friction points and buttoned it back up. Got it to the range this morning figuring the lube would make life better...newp. Same random hangup at the end of the trigger pull, a sudden stop, and then you could power through it to actually drop the hammer. Also got some lead spitting out at me from the sides a couple times (or jacket, depending on what I was shooting)...

Oh and light strikes. I even had light strikes shooting CCI Mini Mags, Standard Velocity...and Eley Club. The CCI Standard Velocity, ok I could see a dud...but 3 duds in 8 rounds, when I just ran through 100 rounds from the same lot through my 10-22 without a single hiccup? And Mini Mags...as I remember they have an incredibly high standard for manufacturing - something about special people doing special things in far away places needing 22lr that is guaranteed to work through pistols with integral cans and ported barrels to ensure subsonic. Won't even get into the standards Eley is made to...so this is just a long way of saying "what the fuck, that's not normal".

Anyway - that hangup/crunch at the end of the trigger pull, randomly (doesn't matter if it's upside down, pointing down, pointing up, on left or right side, etc...does it in any orientation near as I can tell), is that a "thing" with j-frames and does it have a known cure?

I can take the side plate off again and do a further disassembly? I've got youtube and a dremel; there's nothing I can't disassemble.

It's just if it's one of those "but if it would be better off going back to Smith for remediation" things, I'd rather not make it worse...
I broke the trigger stud in mine around 10k rounds and it exhibited similar issues.

[Evil_Ed]

I broke the trigger stud in mine around 10k rounds and it exhibited similar issues.

Hmm, this one is new...I'm just going to send it back in that case. I don't know if that pin is pressed in or milled in, but it's not looking like a user serviceable part, either way. Midwest Gun Works doesn't even seem to sell them...

[Norville]

Hmm, this one is new...I'm just going to send it back in that case. I don't know if that pin is pressed in or milled in, but it's not looking like a user serviceable part, either way. Midwest Gun Works doesn't even seem to sell them...


Quoting your shorter post, but my 43C will not light off CCI Mini Mags, I get 2 or 3 failures in 8. Everything else I tried runs fine including Russian steel cased that takes a block of wood to eject.

[Rotundra]

So...before I box this thing back up and send it back to Smith...figured I'd ask here.

I have a Colt Night Cobra that I can't hit crap with, at all, slow fire or not. I figured a 22lr trainer in a similar size would help diagnose if it was me, the gun, or "yes". So I bought a new Smith 43c as training wheels.

I got it home and dry-fired it some and every 6th to 15th squeeze, it would get really crunchy and the hammer (or trigger) would hang at the end of it's travel...crunch it a little more and it would eventually fire. I popped off the grips and the side panel, didn't see anything obviously "wrong", put a couple drops of Lucas fine baby tears gun oil in various friction points and buttoned it back up. Got it to the range this morning figuring the lube would make life better...newp. Same random hangup at the end of the trigger pull, a sudden stop, and then you could power through it to actually drop the hammer. Also got some lead spitting out at me from the sides a couple times (or jacket, depending on what I was shooting)...

Oh and light strikes. I even had light strikes shooting CCI Mini Mags, Standard Velocity...and Eley Club. The CCI Standard Velocity, ok I could see a dud...but 3 duds in 8 rounds, when I just ran through 100 rounds from the same lot through my 10-22 without a single hiccup? And Mini Mags...as I remember they have an incredibly high standard for manufacturing - something about special people doing special things in far away places needing 22lr that is guaranteed to work through pistols with integral cans and ported barrels to ensure subsonic. Won't even get into the standards Eley is made to...so this is just a long way of saying "what the fuck, that's not normal".

Anyway - that hangup/crunch at the end of the trigger pull, randomly (doesn't matter if it's upside down, pointing down, pointing up, on left or right side, etc...does it in any orientation near as I can tell), is that a "thing" with j-frames and does it have a known cure?

I can take the side plate off again and do a further disassembly? I've got youtube and a dremel; there's nothing I can't disassemble.

It's just if it's one of those "but if it would be better off going back to Smith for remediation" things, I'd rather not make it worse...

Mine was doing the same thing when I bought new. The only rounds I didn’t have the issue with were federal punch.

It was also spitting lead on left side. Sent it back, and they received it on 4/19. I was quoted 6-8 week turn around.

The times it did work, it was great…

[jandbj]

Hmm, this one is new...I'm just going to send it back in that case. I don't know if that pin is pressed in or milled in, but it's not looking like a user serviceable part, either way. Midwest Gun Works doesn't even seem to sell them...

They replaced the stud on mine… left an ugly booger on the side where it was originally. But it’s working great once again.

[Evil_Ed]

Got an emailed receipt from Smith that they got it on May 5th, radio silence since...hopefully it's in the pile to be worked on soon!

[Evil_Ed]

Got it back today, a handful of dry fires and it feels muuuuuuuuuuuch nicer. I'll get it to the range this weekend hopefully and shoot it some.

[CCT125US]

This Saturday will mark 6 weeks my 43c has been at Smith.

[Evil_Ed]

Got an emailed receipt from Smith that they got it on May 5th, radio silence since...hopefully it's in the pile to be worked on soon!


This Saturday will mark 6 weeks my 43c has been at Smith.

Erk my quote above was wrong; it went out on May 30 and they acknowledged receipt on June 5. I got an email from FedEx on July 18 that S&W had created a label and shipped me something, and it showed up yesterday...so they had it for 43 days-ish?

Maybe mine was easy to fix? :confused:

[jandbj]

Erk my quote above was wrong; it went out on May 30 and they acknowledged receipt on June 5. I got an email from FedEx on July 18 that S&W had created a label and shipped me something, and it showed up yesterday...so they had it for 43 days-ish?

Maybe mine was easy to fix? :confused:

What’s the paperwork say they did?

[Evil_Ed]

What’s the paperwork say they did?

"Repair"

No, literally -



Comments:
Cylinder Open/Close timing issues I told them I was getting some lead spit at me from the sides
Trigger Recovery trigger issues the randomly really crunchy and very blocked full pull

Requested service: 103043 M43C 22LR 1 7/8" WH FS IL
Customer Material: CSRVLR CS Repairs - Revolvers

Performed service: Evaluate / Repair
Passed Range Testing


The italicized comments are mine, but the rest is verbatim from the sheet. Everything else is an address, barcode, and signoffs of receipt.

[D-der]

What I've been reading here and else where on recent (last few years) S&W QC and customer service issues is pretty disappointing. I recently picked up a used 642 Pro and have really taken a liking to it, enough so that it's in my right front pocket daily. A 43C and 640 Pro are on my radar but, no way I'm I going to order a new one, I'll keep looking on shelf's locally or for used from a known seller. My favorite local shop told me talked a good customer out of ordering a new 43C due the odds of having an unhappy customer. Hopefully your issues have been solved, it would be nice to know what repairs were done though.

[Shawn Dodson]

I couldn't find a 43C locally, so I purchased a new one from an east coast gunshop and had it shipped to a local FFL for transfer. I received it at the beginning of June.

Because it was rimfire I didn't dryfire it. I ran a patch thru the bore and cylinders and took it to the range to chronograph Velocitor ammo. I fired 6 rounds. Every shot resulted in the trigger being stuck to the rear, requiring me to pull it forward to reset it.

When I got home I contacted S&W via their website and requested warranty service. S&W provided a prepaid Fedex shipping label and I sent it a couple of days later. They received it on June 8th. I just got it back this week on July 18th. While I haven't shot it yet, dryfiring it reveals it seems they fixed the problem. We'll see.

I also have a Ruger LCR in .22LR. I found it doesn't serve well as an understudy gun to a centerfire S&W snubby because it takes 3 clicks to reset the trigger on an LCR whereas S&W revolvers takes 1 click, therefore the motor programs (muscle memory) to work the triggers are different.

[CCT125US]

So why is it that Smith QC took a nosedive off a cliff? At some point I would think the warranty department would get fed up. Perhaps a combination of apathy and turnover, mixed with the bright idea fairy.

I have an H&R999 that has countless thousands of rounds through it, and appears brand new. Different era and all.

[feudist]

So why is it that Smith QC took a nosedive off a cliff? At some point I would think the warranty department would get fed up. Perhaps a combination of apathy and turnover, mixed with the bright idea fairy.

I have an H&R999 that has countless thousands of rounds through it, and appears brand new. Different era and all.

The gun industry as a whole assesses that most gun owners fire less than a box of ammo through the gun across its lifetime. Add to that, that if the owner can get it to function at all through the plinking session, most will be completely satisfied with that. Few people avail themselves of warranty service and most of those that do are satisfied by the assertion that it's "fixed" by the company.
Combine that with the natural tendency of bean counters to advocate cutting quality by 50% to increase yearly profits by .001 cents, and a pattern of business emerges.
You are the beta tester and the QC/QA department of the company. If you're patient and insistent and nasty enough, they will-eventually-provide you with a very reliable and durable pistol.

[Shawn Dodson]

I finally got out to shoot my 43C after S&W performed warranty service on it. I described the problems in an earlier post.

The trigger still sticks to the rear, about every 3rd to 5th shot. Also, I experienced several light strikes while firing about 100 rds of CCI Mini Mag LRN. I was struck several times by lead that was shaved off the bullet.

This 43C is going back to S&W again for warranty service. I'll request they test fire it several times before they return it to me.

I have a 3" S&W 317 that I bought about 20 years ago. I've never had a problem with it.

I advise anyone that may be considering buying a 43C not to buy one, as it appears many folks are having problems with them and S&W warranty service on the 43C sucks.

I'll follow up when I get it back from S&W.

[Borderland]

The gun industry as a whole assesses that most gun owners fire less than a box of ammo through the gun across its lifetime. Add to that, that if the owner can get it to function at all through the plinking session, most will be completely satisfied with that. Few people avail themselves of warranty service and most of those that do are satisfied by the assertion that it's "fixed" by the company.
Combine that with the natural tendency of bean counters to advocate cutting quality by 50% to increase yearly profits by .001 cents, and a pattern of business emerges.
You are the beta tester and the QC/QA department of the company. If you're patient and insistent and nasty enough, they will-eventually-provide you with a very reliable and durable pistol.

S&W quality left the building around 1990 as nearly as I can tell having examples from 2010, 1990, 70's and 60's. I wouldn't buy a new one for love nor money.

When I compare a 28-2 (1968) to a 625-8 (2010) I almost want to cry.

[Polecat]

I am giving Taurus a try. Waiting on my 942 UL to show up! Can’t wait.

[CCT125US]

I am giving Taurus a try. Waiting on my 942 UL to show up! Can’t wait.

Depending upon how Smith handles the issues with my 43c, I could likely pick up 3 for the price. The results would likely be better.

ETA: Will the 942 accept Crimson Trace LG-405 grips?
jetfire have you done a write up on the 942 anywhere?

[jetfire]

Depending upon how Smith handles the issues with my 43c, I could likely pick up 3 for the price. The results would likely be better.

ETA: Will the 942 accept Crimson Trace LG-405 grips?
jetfire have you done a write up on the 942 anywhere?

The 942 will accept any grip that fits the Taurus small frame revolvers

[feudist]

The 942 will accept any grip that fits the Taurus small frame revolvers

I've casually searched the internet over the last year and never seem to find a selection of these. Are they run in low number batches?

[BN]

I've casually searched the internet over the last year and never seem to find a selection of these. Are they run in low number batches?

The 3" models show up on GunBroker sometimes. I'm waiting for a 2" Ultra Lite.

[jetfire]

I've casually searched the internet over the last year and never seem to find a selection of these. Are they run in low number batches?

Super low numbers, however there are a few on Gunbroker right now

[Polecat]

Jetfire, please try to sell the powers that be for an UL CH .32! Give us the adjustable rear, mayne a package of like square notch, u notch and v express notch! Ameriglo front.

[jandbj]

Jetfire, please try to sell the powers that be for an UL CH .32! Give us the adjustable rear, mayne a package of like square notch, u notch and v express notch! Ameriglo front.

That… but in the centennial pattern knockoff they briefly made.

Think of it as a product improvement on the much lamented S&W 432.

And since this is a wishlist… bring out a high horn set of grips!

[Evil_Ed]

I finally got out to shoot my 43C after S&W performed warranty service on it. I described the problems in an earlier post.

The trigger still sticks to the rear, about every 3rd to 5th shot. Also, I experienced several light strikes while firing about 100 rds of CCI Mini Mag LRN. I was struck several times by lead that was shaved off the bullet.

This 43C is going back to S&W again for warranty service. I'll request they test fire it several times before they return it to me.

I have a 3" S&W 317 that I bought about 20 years ago. I've never had a problem with it.

I advise anyone that may be considering buying a 43C not to buy one, as it appears many folks are having problems with them and S&W warranty service on the 43C sucks.

I'll follow up when I get it back from S&W.

FWIW - I got mine to the range and it was %100 with Mini-Mags, Stingers, CCI SV, and even Rem Golden Bullets (though those had at least one light strike every cylinder...that's an ammo problem, not a gun problem IMO)

I sent the gun to S&W clean and it came back dirty so they did definitely test fire it, and they did fix all the issues I was having with it, so huzzah!

Having said that - there's definitely a high (or low) spot somewhere in the cylinder/crane interface...I can spin the cylinder and it'll rotate on it's own until a certain point, then it slooooooooows right on down. Rotating it by hand and you can feel where it rubs with something and it impairs the movement a bit.

Annoying, yes...but if that means everything else works as it should, I'll take that one wart and live with it.

[Flamingo]

Well... I just won a local online auction for a M34-1. It should be pre-1982 (based on the fact that it has a pinned barrel). I got it for a song as there was no shipping for the guns in this auction.

108218

I don't have any 22LR revolvers. I have to say I am not a fan of how the stocks look (which is an easy fix), and according to the date range it is likely a round butt gun, but we shall see.

[jandbj]

Well... I just won a local online auction for a M34-1. It should be pre-1982 (based on the fact that it has a pinned barrel). I got it for a song as there was no shipping for the guns in this auction.

108218

I don't have any 22LR revolvers. I have to say I am not a fan of how the stocks look (which is an easy fix), and according to the date range it is likely a round butt gun, but we shall see.

Great kit gun!

If it’s a square butt, find a set of the Herrett grips out there.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/204302598407?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=8A0BNWvfQb2&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=u6CIUqDiR6S&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
If it’s round, the world is your oyster.

[BN]

108218
I have to say I am not a fan of how the stocks look

I'll bet they really soak up the recoil though. :)

[1slow]

I'll bet they really soak up the recoil though. :)

They do I have had those on many big bore revolvers, .44 Mag and up.

[Flamingo]

Well... I just won a local online auction for a M34-1. It should be pre-1982 (based on the fact that it has a pinned barrel). I got it for a song as there was no shipping for the guns in this auction.

108218

I don't have any 22LR revolvers. I have to say I am not a fan of how the stocks look (which is an easy fix), and according to the date range it is likely a round butt gun, but we shall see.

I went to do the paper work on this and it looks almost like it is unfired. When it get out of WA state jail I will post some better pictures. It is a square butt.

[jellydonut]

I have a model 34 kit gun, it's fun, or could be fun.. but it only fires in single action. when firing double action, almost every trigger pull is a light strike.

any ideas?

[1slow]

Assuming known good ammo.

Possibly, hammer spring or firing pin a hair short, might only show up in the shorter DA hammer fall.

Also check for build up of debris around hammer / firing pin.

[CCT125US]

Recap:

10 weeks ago, purchased new 43c, attempted to put 80rds through it at the shop range. Most of them went off, CCISV, Blazer, Aguila Super Extra, Stingers. Variable trigger pull weight, anywhere from 12-20lbs, shaved lead badly. Sent back to S&W.

Over the weekend it was received after "repair", immediately took it to the shop range, put 100rds through it. Same types of ammo, no shaved lead this time, same variable trigger pull and light strikes, difficult extraction. Slide it back across counter and asked for full refund. Stated I would never, ever trust it.

Shop smith verified / duplicated, agreed with issues. Full refund issued.

FUS&W

ETA: After the repair
108710

[D-der]

Recap:

10 weeks ago, purchased new 43c, attempted to put 80rds through it at the shop range. Most of them went off, CCISV, Blazer, Aguila Super Extra, Stingers. Variable trigger pull weight, anywhere from 12-20lbs, shaved lead badly. Sent back to S&W.

Over the weekend it was received after "repair", immediately took it to the shop range, put 100rds through it. Same types of ammo, no shaved lead this time, same variable trigger pull and light strikes, difficult extraction. Slide it back across counter and asked for full refund. Stated I would never, ever trust it.

Shop smith verified / duplicated, agreed with issues. Full refund issued.

FUS&W

ETA: After the repair
108710

God, that sucks... confirm's what my favorite lgs said, he talked a customer out of ordering a new 43C knowing that he'd be dealing with a similar issue, the gun smith said, he wouldn't chance ordering a new S&W revolver under any circumstances after what he's seen over the last few years...i'd order one in a minute if the odds were good to meet expectations, what a shame.

[D-der]

I just got an RMA for my 642 Pro sent in for a broken hammer stud, Jeez... I hope I get a different repair tech.

[BobM]

Recap:

10 weeks ago, purchased new 43c, attempted to put 80rds through it at the shop range. Most of them went off, CCISV, Blazer, Aguila Super Extra, Stingers. Variable trigger pull weight, anywhere from 12-20lbs, shaved lead badly. Sent back to S&W.

Over the weekend it was received after "repair", immediately took it to the shop range, put 100rds through it. Same types of ammo, no shaved lead this time, same variable trigger pull and light strikes, difficult extraction. Slide it back across counter and asked for full refund. Stated I would never, ever trust it.

Shop smith verified / duplicated, agreed with issues. Full refund issued.

FUS&W

ETA: After the repair
108710

That’s very unfortunate. I’ve bought two this year, one used and one new, that have been working fine so far.

[CCT125US]

That’s very unfortunate. I’ve bought two this year, one used and one new, that have been working fine so far.

Went in knowing I had a 50/50 chance of getting a decent one. Really wanted it to work out. It has an almost identical sight picture as my carry P2000sk, tight U-notch paired with a nice white dot.

108717

[BobM]

Went in knowing I had a 50/50 chance of getting a decent one. Really wanted it to work out. It has an almost identical sight picture as my carry P2000sk, tight U-notch paired with a nice white dot.

108717

Yeah, I knew other owners had problems so I knew I was taking chances, especially with the used one.

[EMC]

Has Taurus really turned a new leaf with their recent revolver offerings such as the 942 22lr? Or is Ruger LCR still king of the small 22 revolvers?

[PTSDog]

I have had five SW rimfire since the last three years and only one has to go back to SW, 351c with a trigger that wouldn’t reset from the start. Returned to me fixed. I’m feeling pretty lucky right now!

I gave up on my LCRs, I know lots of people like them but only my 327mag didn’t need to go to Ruger to work right. All were purchased this year.

Like others, awaiting for a 22lr offering from Taurus to show up in the wild. Hell I would grab a Charter Arms 22lr if I could find one.

Jerry

[JHC]

I have had five SW rimfire since the last three years and only one has to go back to SW, 351c with a trigger that wouldn’t reset from the start. Returned to me fixed. I’m feeling pretty lucky right now!

I gave up on my LCRs, I know lots of people like them but only my 327mag didn’t need to go to Ruger to work right. All were purchased this year.

Like others, awaiting for a 22lr offering from Taurus to show up in the wild. Hell I would grab a Charter Arms 22lr if I could find one.

Jerry

I’m 3 for 3 in picking shooting winners in the last ~3 years or so.
317
351C
43C

[Polecat]

Has Taurus really turned a new leaf with their recent revolver offerings such as the 942 22lr? Or is Ruger LCR still king of the small 22 revolvers?

Uh no, see my separate Taurus .22 thread for details. In short bought 3 recently as they have been a bit more available. 1 went back and is fixed. It was not igniting primers on 2-3 rounds per cylinder irrespective of ammo. They replaced firing pin and firing pin spring.

My second is going back as it is a 2” with same light strike issues, cylinder is hard to open, and empties need a whack on ejector rod to get out.

Third works, but gritty, crunchy ejector. Empties hard to eject, occassional keyholing.

They need to quit making so many different one, concentrate on making a few great ones. They should at a minimum work when they leave the factory.

Positive: love the adjustable sight, and customer service at least picks up the phone🙂

[D-der]

My 3" LCRX run's really well, trigger's really stiff as expected, it's accurate, no misfires in 6-800 rd's, I just brush the cylinder and forcing cone after shooting and everything ejects as it should. I just still short stroke LCR trigger's once in a while and would like a .22 J frame