On or off roster transparency

[Thebastard]

[OCArmory]

They would need to look under the top strap of the revolver and see if there is an "A" stamped on it

[Thebastard]

[BONECUTTER]

Generally speaking, when you call a company with 2000+ employees, the first person who answers the phone is not going to know more than how to transfer you.

[Robotron2k84]

To the point, what differences are there in the A and B models, except the likelihood one was drop tested per CA regs. and the other wasn't?

When you go on to S&W's site and select CA compliant guns, the model numbers are not "A and B," they are just the model number.

So do only the proper ones make it to CA and are on roster, and other states get random batches, or just the other variant?

Seems strange that they do this at all. Why not one model for both since roster addition for wheel guns isn't a huge issue, currently?

I've been looking for a 4" 500 Mag. for a little while and, for example, Sportsman's Warehouse lists that model as restricted to other states and doesn't sell it in CA, yet the model number is the same as on S&W's CA compliant page. Does the store only purchase the non-rostered version?

It makes so little sense.

[alland]

My understanding is that the S&W California roster versions have a shorter firing pin to reliably pass the drop test. This can cause reliability problems with harder primers. A standard firing pin can be installed to correct any problems.

Adding revolvers to the roster is easy, but not cheap. So not all models will be added.

[Robotron2k84]

That still doesn't answer why S&W makes two models with the exact same model number, without any other ways to differentiate if it's compliant or not, except to open the box and look.

Most other manufacturers have parts that are for all 50 states, or separate part numbers for California, or stick -CA on the end of the part to make sure people know what they are buying.

Why is S&W explicitly hiding this information?

[Barbarosa]

There's a reason that the average Joe in CA doesn't just buy guns on the internet; it usually ends up in an error and costs you far more than if you had just purchased locally in the first place. Try searching gun genie and see who will order it for you at the best price.

[Tyke8319]

My understanding is that the S&W California roster versions have a shorter firing pin to reliably pass the drop test. This can cause reliability problems with harder primers. A standard firing pin can be installed to correct any problems.

Adding revolvers to the roster is easy, but not cheap. So not all models will be added.

No offense, but I doubt your correct. It is highly unlikely that S&W would shorten firing pins knowing they would cause potential reliability problems. That would open them up to some dramatic law suits.
I think what your hearing is a cyber rumor with no basis in fact.

[Barbarosa]

No offense, but I doubt your correct. It is highly unlikely that S&W would shorten firing pins knowing they would cause potential reliability problems. That would open them up to some dramatic law suits.
I think what your hearing is a cyber rumor with no basis in fact.

If only that were true...

CA "short" firing pins are .486; the rest of the free world gets a firing pin that is .495.

Fortunately, a whole bunch of folks make excellent aftermarket firing pins that aren't too expensive.

[alland]

No offense, but I doubt your correct. It is highly unlikely that S&W would shorten firing pins knowing they would cause potential reliability problems. That would open them up to some dramatic law suits.
I think what your hearing is a cyber rumor with no basis in fact.

The S&W short firing pin problem is a well known, well documented, and often discussed FACT.

[Tyke8319]

if that's the case, I stand corrected. Sure would like to hear that from a S&W rep, though.

[Tyke8319]

My understanding is that the S&W California roster versions have a shorter firing pin to reliably pass the drop test. This can cause reliability problems with harder primers. A standard firing pin can be installed to correct any problems.

Adding revolvers to the roster is easy, but not cheap. So not all models will be added.

Just so I'm perfectly clear on this, you're asserting that S&W deliberately installs shorter than normal firing pins on the revolvers that are built for the California market so they can pass the "drop test". Is that correct?

[TRICKSTER]

Is this the one that you want? Davidson's has it as CA legal.

https://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=170245

[DEPUTYBILL]

If only that were true...

CA "short" firing pins are .486; the rest of the free world gets a firing pin that is .495.

Fortunately, a whole bunch of folks make excellent aftermarket firing pins that aren't too expensive.

Do you have any documatation regarding this?