If you would have shipped the revolver directly to Smith and Wesson on their dime (calling their 1-800 service number) you would not have to pay the 30 bucks or fill out the 4473. I would also have some reservations about a dealer charging a customer for a revolver replacement.

Smith and Wesson service is great, and I have used it a few times these last couple of years. For all of those out there reading, if you have a problem with your Smith and Wesson firearm contact Smith directly. Smith will email you a shipping label (so you do not have to pay shipping) and you just box it up and drop it off at the parcel carrier. If the frame is replaced (which means a new firearm) no transfer is needed as manufacturers are allowed to do this. This would cost the customer zero dollars compared to the 30 bucks the OP will have to part with.