S&W Dilemma...

[kris]

So here it is.

Ive been the happy owner of a "no dash" 442 for over 15 years. I recently sent it back to S&W for warranty work (cracked frame). They have to replace the frame, they have them in stock, and that is not a problem to me. The problem is that "no dash" 442's are not on the DOJ list (-1 and -2 are).

They cannot ship a replacment "no dash" frame to me to replace my old frame as the serial number will be different. They are being very good about this and have come just short of offering me anything in the catalog of equal value.

My problem is that I do not want a new style "lock" frame. Its of no use to me, I dont trust it, I wont own one. Dont care how many people havnt had problems, a few have and thats enough for me.


So.
I see my options as being...

1. Take a new 442-2 and put it away as a conversation piece.

2. Sell it and use the $ to get something else for personal duty

3. Forget about a J-frame altogether, and use the credit get something else Ive been thinking about (but will still have the lock problem though).

4. Have them build the no dash and ship it to a family member out of state as a gift...

5. Something else that hasnt occured to me yet.

Thoughts ?

kris.

[homerm14]

Ask them if they will restamp the new frame with the old serial number, and destroy the old frame. Other wise if you must get something new from them, the new J frame lemon squeezer does not have the stupid lock.

[Quiet]

The problem is that "no dash" 442's are not on the DOJ list (-1 and -2 are).

You should be extempt.
Sending out and recieving a non-listed handgun through a CA 01-FFL dealer for the purpose of repair is exempt from the approved list.


CA Penal Code 12132
This chapter shall not apply to any of the following:
(d) The delivery of a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person to a person licensed pursuant to Section 12071 for the purposes of the service or repair of that firearm.
(e) The return of a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person by a person licensed pursuant to Section 12071 to its owner where that firearm was initially delivered in the circumstance set forth in subdivision (d).

[kris]

Yep. The 40 was the first one he offered me once I brought up the lock.
It is steel so its a good 10oz heavier, but more of an issue is the longer grip. Cant put a two finger grip on it...
Id have to hold/shoot one before I thought about going that route.

kris.

[kris]

You should be extempt.
Sending out and recieving a non-listed handgun through a CA 01-FFL dealer for the purpose of repair is exempt from the approved list.


CA Penal Code 12132
This chapter shall not apply to any of the following:
(d) The delivery of a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person to a person licensed pursuant to Section 12071 for the purposes of the service or repair of that firearm.
(e) The return of a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person by a person licensed pursuant to Section 12071 to its owner where that firearm was initially delivered in the circumstance set forth in subdivision (d).

You'd think ?
From what they (he) said, since it will have a new serial number it must be DROS'd just like a new firearm thru an FFL. They will not re-use my serial number. I asked, they wont do it.

If there has been any clarification from the AG, or a case that someone can show where it was legal, Id like to know.
I will forward that to them though...

kris.

[Knifemaker]

Well me and you are different, if it was me I would just take the new gun with the lock and grind/mod that one little tab and be done with it. Not a single person would ever know except you unless attention was brought to it and the gun was taken apart, etc...

I think you should take the credit and get something cool from them, then find a used J frame your comfortable with here in Cali that does not have the lock. It sucks but what can you do, at least they are willing to do something for you.Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

[kris]

Well me and you are different, if it was me I would just take the new gun with the lock and grind/mod that one little tab and be done with it. Not a single person would ever know except you unless attention was brought to it and the gun was taken apart, etc...

I think you should take the credit and get something cool from them, then find a used J frame your comfortable with here in Cali that does not have the lock. It sucks but what can you do, at least they are willing to do something for you.Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

Thanks.
Yes, their customer service has been great. There are two people that Ive been dealing with and its been a pleasure. They get very high marks in my book.
Taking the lock out is something Ive thought about too. I am capable. Im worried about liability though. Not that there are any cases (dont know), but having a modification used against me if I did have a need could be not good.

kris.

[rgs1975]

I say go for the 40 in case color. These 40's are selling like hotcakes because of the lack of lock. The case color is the most expensive of the 3 variations. Once you get it, sell it and buy yourself a replacement 442-nuthin' from the BST or dealer consignments. You'll end up with your old gun back and some cash in the pocket.

[Californio]

Go with the Model 40

[HowardW56]

I say go for the 40 in case color. These 40's are selling like hotcakes because of the lack of lock. The case color is the most expensive of the 3 variations. Once you get it, sell it and buy yourself a replacement 442-nuthin' from the BST or dealer consignments. You'll end up with your old gun back and some cash in the pocket.

Get the model 40 and keep it. It's a nice gun!

[rivviepop]

It's also possible you'll find a old 442 on consignment some day and be able to re-acquire your lost love. Not too long ago I spotted one on a consignment shelf, knew of a Calgunner looking for one and helped hook him and the 442-1 up and he's a happy pre-lock 442 owner. So, it can happen...

[Mickey D]

I like your option of accepting the -2, sell it and find a nice 442 or 642 no dash.

Mike

[rkt88edmo]

Have him send back the 442 to you and ask him to include a nice freebie convex ground screwdriver to take the sideplate off and get rid of the tab.

[rgs1975]

Get the model 40 and keep it. It's a nice gun!

Ok good idea I pick up my Model 40 on Thursday

[smittty]

Have you asked them to alter the safety for you from the factory? I seem to remember reading a post on glocktalk that S&W removed the locking feature for a customer. It's worth asking.

If you try to do it youself, you will for sure bugger up the screws or scratch the gun.

They have awsome customer service imo.