TexasCHLforum.com

similar to pistol reliability polls, but this one is strictly for small Smith & Wesson revolvers - J-frames 3-inch barrel or less. will also run identical polls for Taurus and Ruger small revolvers.

S&W 638 Airweight J-frame .38 +P "Bodyguard" style - owned since new, two years, goes bang every time (but rattles the hand bones when it does).

The 'old' mod. 36 Chief's Special air weight was my dad's. Never a problem. I traded it off years ago.
I bought another one to replace it, never a problem until I had a gunsmith do a 'trigger job' on it. Now it has a light strike problem. I need to get it fixed!!!!
I recently bought a 442 just because 'everybody has one'. No problems after several hundred rounds. Just hard to find ammo. Little bitty grip, lots of recoil.

Regards, OE

Model 442 SAF Commemorative: No issues of any kind.
Pre-Lock stainless 5 shot .38 special, model forgotten: no issue of any kind.

Bought a 442-1 airweight brand new; didn't notice until after range visit that the front sight was slightly canted to the right. I called Smith and they sent label to ship; got back in about a 7-10 days, much quicker than I anticipated and with no out of pocket. I was impressed with their service.
Dave

642 and sp101. Don't know why but I like the Ruger better but no problems with either.

I own a 642 and a Pro Series model 60. Two of my favorite guns. Two of my best guns. No problems, ever. In my experince, S&W makes the best revolvers and all metal pistols too. They employ industry leading quality control, and make them with a combination of time proven and modern techniques. I love my Austrian 'squares' for their functionally, but S&W is proof that form and function can on occasion peacefully coexist. I just wish they'd stop putting in those blasted locks.