I look at this like I do when looking at Harley-Davidson motorcycles when I compare back to when AMF owned H-D versus now. No comparison. Two different companies. Same here. I even find it extraordinary that S&W will service any firearm sent in and honor a warranty on it, even if the current owner is not the original owner. Yes, I know it does not go far enough back to cover the OP, but to even honor a warranty for firearms over twenty years old is amazing.

I would say to pay the $83 to get it repaired and then register a formal complaint with S&W and send documentation to support the argument. It may not get repaid, but it will send a message to S&W and the OP will have his firearm in servicable condition. If one purchases an automobile as the second-owner, it does not classify as "new". As soon as this firearm left the store and another person purchased it, it becomes "used", whether fired or not.

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet