Crack in dad’s S&W

[Wyseguy]

[71MUSTY]

I have no idea but if the answer turns out to be No, I'll give you $100 for it and turn it into wall art.

[SkyHawk]

Where is the crack - are you talking about the seam at the side plate??

Post the pic at IMGUR.COM so we can see it at full res and full quality

[rplaw]

Best thing I'd say to do it take it to a gunsmith and ask him for his opinion on it.

[Wyseguy]

The crack is in the frame, right next to the trigger, and goes to the cylinder

[rplaw]

The crack is in the frame, right next to the trigger, and goes to the cylinder

On the pic you uploaded, there are 2 screws on the side of the revolver. Those 2 screws hold a plate, called a "sideplate" on to the frame. You can trace the outline of the sideplate from above the trigger, around the forward screw, under the cylinder, behind the cylinder and then back toward the hammer.

IF the "crack" is the edge of the sideplate then it's not a "crack." IF it's not the edge of the sideplate, then you need someone to do a hands-on inspection.

So, again, the best thing to do is take it to a gunsmith and ask him to evaluate whether the revolver is still capable of being fired safely AND what loads it can safely handle. (Some older revolvers can't take the strain of modern +p or +p+ ammo.)

Trying to answer those questions on an internet forum from a picture is impossible.

[71MUSTY]

I think they were made that way

[Sir Toast]

This is the best picture I could take.

1,521 posts and that is the best picture you can take?

[Tractionavant]

Dibs

[sealocan]

I concur with the others. I think the photo you posted is showing the seam in the side plate and not a crack in the frame. But that may be because you didn't assume in and focus on the crack that you think is in the frame.

My advice is go to YouTube and watch Smith & Wesson revolver side plate removal or any Smith & Wesson revolver video that shows them working on the inside of the handgun.

I'm not saying you should work on your gun or open the side plate but once you see any one of those videos you'll see that that gentle curvy line in the metal, from the trigger up to the hammer, is just the seam of the side plate.

And you could also zoom in right where you think the crack is and take a clearer photo as a second option.

If you have still have questions taking it to a gunsmith or gun shop should help determine if it's a crack or just the same in two metals of the side plate and frame.

[pacrat]

Yep, side plate joint.

[P5Ret]

The only thing that looks suspicious, is just below the cylinder back plate. Looks like maybe a chip, but even blowing up the picture I can't tell what it is. I don't see anything that appears to be a crack in the frame.

[denpython]

Title led me to believe you found 'crack' in your dad's a&w root beer!

[SkyHawk]

1,521 posts and that is the best picture you can take?

Potato cam, apparently it's still a thing in 2021

[ar15barrels]

Take that picture and put a red line where you THINK the crack is so we can better understand what you are talking about.