Just sent 617 back to S&W Customer Service

barnaby · #1 07-10-2012, 10:53 AM

The cylinders needed some attention.

Any thoughts on how long before I see it again?

Thanks,

NavyFrank · #2 07-10-2012, 11:48 AM

I'm picking up my 4 inch 617 tomorrow I hope I don't have any problems with it. I checked to see if the barrel was canted- it was not. I hope it's OK otherwise. There seems to be a lot of threads on bad 617's.

DeeBee · #3 07-10-2012, 02:25 PM

If they have the cylinder in stock, it should only be about 10 days. I think they go on vacation the last 2 weeks in July? Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Messer · #4 07-10-2012, 03:14 PM

They have had my 4" 617-6 for 5 weeks and counting...

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-rev...ted-617-a.html

I hope they are taking the time to do it right...

Take care,
Bob S.

parabarbarian · #5 07-10-2012, 06:35 PM

I've only had to send two guns to S&W for work and both took about two week to get back.

thezoltar · #6 07-11-2012, 10:49 AM

My 617 was gone just under two weeks. I sent it in because it was shooting left farther than you could compensate for with rear sight adjustment. It shoots straight now and the only comment on the repair form was "aligned barrel". It always shot accurately to the same spot and now it shoots to point of aim.

BTS · #7 07-12-2012, 11:32 AM

My 686-6 went back to the factory June 22nd for a canted barrel and a few small things. Haven't gotten it back but I'm not in a hurry, either. I'm sure they will fix it right, and I'll be glad to wait as long as it takes.

barnaby · #8 07-20-2012, 03:07 PM

617 arrived today. Actually yesterday, but I had to sign for it today.

9 days door to door is outstanding service..

Note says 'replaced cylinder' and 'cut forcing cone'

In the case was three pieces of blank paper labeled L, R, B which I take to be a test for lead spitting?

The new cylinder has chambers that are shiny smooth and polished all the way through.

Off to the range for testing.

Camster · #9 07-20-2012, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macbullet

Receieved a letter from S&W saying they wanted $102.45 to repair the 629-2. Since I bought it in 1989 they say they wouldn't cover any repairs, that it was due to normal wear and tear. I wrote back telling them that, yes, I bought the gun new in 1989 but that it hasn't had more than 300 rounds thru it since then and "So much for the Lifetime Warranty" and told them to send it back and I would fix it myself (hammer push off). Today Fed-X brought the gun and S&W went ahead and repaired the hammer push off..........No Charge! Now ain't that the kind of stuff that makes you a loyal customer? Makes me wanna go out and buy another S&W. Thanks Smith & Wesson!
(Gun was sent to them 5/31/12 and receieved back today, 7/19/12)

You were fortunate,especially since I don't think the "Lifetime Warranty"began until a few years later.

skmarsh77 · #10 07-20-2012, 11:10 PM

has anyone sent one back for a canted barrel? What was the outcome? Mine has the barrel which looks like it was over tightened.

AveragEd · #11 07-21-2012, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macbullet

Receieved a letter from S&W saying they wanted $102.45 to repair the 629-2. Since I bought it in 1989 they say they wouldn't cover any repairs, that it was due to normal wear and tear. I wrote back telling them that, yes, I bought the gun new in 1989 but that it hasn't had more than 300 rounds thru it since then and "So much for the Lifetime Warranty" and told them to send it back and I would fix it myself (hammer push off). Today Fed-X brought the gun and S&W went ahead and repaired the hammer push off..........No Charge! Now ain't that the kind of stuff that makes you a loyal customer? Makes me wanna go out and buy another S&W. Thanks Smith & Wesson!
(Gun was sent to them 5/31/12 and receieved back today, 7/19/12)

Actually, they probably repaired the push-off problem because if they ship a gun back to a customer with a known and documented operational defect, they could be held liable in court for anything bad that happened because of that defect. In today's litigation-happy society, businesses - especially those in the politically-incorrect firearms industry - cannot be too careful.

Ed

NavyFrank · #12 07-21-2012, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NavyFrank

I'm picking up my 4 inch 617 tomorrow I hope I don't have any problems with it. I checked to see if the barrel was canted- it was not. I hope it's OK otherwise. There seems to be a lot of threads on bad 617's.

I too had to send it back. After shooting 100 rds through it barrel canted to the left. Also forcing cone leading up and marking on recoil shield from fired cases off center.

Stregavet · #13 08-18-2012, 10:48 PM

Hey Barnaby! Were you satisfied with the results from the S&W rework on your 617? I just bought one and have the same problems - and have begun the process of shipping it back to S&W. Please let me know how it all went. Hopefull, it went well and you are having the pleasure of shooting the 617.