Unfortunately, Smith has delegated QC to the end user instead of keeping it in house.

Next time you're at a gun show take a look at every pre 1980 Smith: check for flaws. Then look at the current manufacture examples. Do the math.

You'll find a significantly higher percentage of current Smiths with obvious problems than older Smiths. Understand that these problems are only those that can be detected by visual inspection and doesn't include functional issues only discoverable at the range.

There is a reason newer Smiths don't maintain value or appreciate.

I wouldn't dream of buying a 'new' Smith