J frame 637 clearcoat problems

[rjg]

I have a 637 Airweight that the clear is peeling off. The gun is about 5 years old and has about 250 rds through it. It has been carried a lot in a Nemesis Pocket Holster.

Has anyone shipped their gun back to Smith and Wesson for a refinish? Just wondering how long of a turnaround time they may have.

As far as cleaning, I've only used CLP on it - nothing harsh.

Thanks for any info.

[Ronin]

Clear coat peeling is a common problem with S&W's Airweights. Do a Google search for "j frame clear coat peeling" and you'll find plenty of others with the same issue. S&W will usually accept the gun as a warranty repair and recoat the gun, but it will peel again. There's just no way around it as far as I can tell. The clear coat is on there for aesthetics it in no way affects the performance or durability of the gun. Some folks strip the clear coat off altogether using a harsh cleaner while others have had theirs re-coated with something like Dura-Coat.

Turn around time depends on how busy S&W is. Figure two weeks minimum.

[Nic]

The clear coat on my 642 wore off on the back strap. S&W paid for it to be shipped both ways, refinished the entire gun for no charge, and the turn around was a week and a half. Looked brand new.

[rjg]

Thanks for the information.

I just got off the phone with S&W Customer Service. The gentleman advised me that they need an FFL to ship the gun back to. He stated they will send a NEW gun (with a different serial number) back to me. Interesting. He took my information to send me a Fed Ex postage paid label.

[1911shooter]

The label is for the old gun to be sent to them.

[rjg]

Originally Posted by 1911shooter

The label is for the old gun to be sent to them.

Yes. I need to include the FFL in the old gun's package and send it to S&W.

[sttaffy]

hat's a pretty sweet deal - finish peels off after five years and you get a brand new gun!

[Smalls]

Originally Posted by sttaffy

hat's a pretty sweet deal - finish peels off after five years and you get a brand new gun!

No doubt.

Is it brand new? Or do they kinda do this like alternators. They take the core, refinish it, and resell it? Or in this case I guess it would be redistribute.

[rjg]

Originally Posted by sttaffy

hat's a pretty sweet deal - finish peels off after five years and you get a brand new gun!

Yes it is sweet. I'm now debating whether to send it or not. I feel kind of guilty doing it since the gun works properly. I could see sending it back for a reliability problem. I have to give S&W a lot of credit for standing behind their product.

[Nic]

Originally Posted by rjg

Thanks for the information.

I just got off the phone with S&W Customer Service. The gentleman advised me that they need an FFL to ship the gun back to. He stated they will send a NEW gun (with a different serial number) back to me. Interesting. He took my information to send me a Fed Ex postage paid label.

Good for you. I am wondering why they just didn't refinish the gun like they did mine. Worked out well for you though... brand new gun for your 5 year old gun. Extremely positive S&W CS experience.