Smith and Wesson 642 Stamped with "638-3"

[iMoses14]

A buddy of mine just bought a brand new revolver. It's a Smith and Wesson 642. But, it's stamped with "638-3".

Anyone ever hear of that?

[MOUNTAINORACLE]

Yes, in my 50 plus years of amassing a gun collection I have seen several incorrectly stamped firearms.

The incorrect stamps aren't common but they do exist. I own a S&W 629-2E that is stamped wrong.

[renalp]

It happens. There's actually a niche collector's market for mis-marked S&Ws.

[96D]

Being new is the box marked 642 or 638?

[iMoses14]

Box is marked "642". The frame is marked "638-3". But, both serial numbers match. It's definitely a 642 frame though as it is hammerless. I'll see if I can get pics from him to post.

[iMoses14]

So, I just bought this Smith and Wesson 642 from my buddy since he doesn't shoot it. And, I'm gonna be contacting S&W to get more info.

Box is labeled: 638-3
Frame is stamped: 638-3
Test cartridge is stamped: 638-3

However, it is the exact frame of a 642.

[Remington788]

So, I just bought this Smith and Wesson 642 from my buddy since he doesn't shoot it. And, I'm gonna be contacting S&W to get more info.

Box is labeled: 638-3
Frame is stamped: 638-3
Test cartridge is stamped: 638-3

However, it is the exact frame of a 642.

How about a picture, or a description.
638 and 642 are both J-Frames.

What does the hammer look like?

[iMoses14]

Here's a pic...



According to Smith and Wesson, this is a "no no".

[Svickstc]

^^What did S&W have to say about it?

[iMoses14]

^^What did S&W have to say about it?

Told me to send it back ASAP to have the frame corrected. I told them, "No thanks. Have a nice day." Then hung up.