Greetings from Colorful Colorado Springs

jjshumaker · #1 05-08-2017, 11:03 PM

Greetings all, this is the first brand new pistol that I have purchased. I had selected SW as my father carried SW on the force for close to 30 years. He had always been very happy and satisfied with both his duty weapon and the pistols that he purchased for his personal collection. This was a huge factor in my decision to purchase a SW firearm combined with the price of the pistol that I purchased.
Regrettably, I let my father's admiration and positive words about SW and the long standing positive reputation that SW has in my local community and reference from the dealer. These factors combined with my enthusiasm about making the purchase of my first new firearm clouded my critical thinking skills and I didn't perform any research about the pistol that I wanted to buy. I ended up purchasing a SW 380 Bodyguard. As soon as I got the pistol home I began to have issues.
Having gone the previous 5 years without a handgun I figured that I was just not familiar with the gun and my issues would diminish as I became more accustomed to the gun. Over the last 3 days I have been online researching the reported issues that others are/have had, they are almost identical to the issues that I am having.
I spoke with SW tech support and tried to explain the situation but as soon as I mentioned the takedown lever he stated that he would send me a new takedown lever and it seems as though he stopped listening to the rest of my complaint.
I am taking the gun back to the dealer tomorrow and I am going to insist that he listen to the entirety of my issues or I will not leave. I don't want to be a pain but I want someone to either listen to all of my issues and instruct me on how to not make the same mistake or advocate for me with SW.
Does anyone think that this is a reasonable plan of action or would another strategy be less confrontational?
Best,
James Shumaker

snuffy51 · #2 05-08-2017, 11:12 PM

Welcome from Tennessee and good luck.

coachray · #3 05-09-2017, 06:48 AM

Welcome from Cincinnati. I don't think your plan is unreasonable. I work at a FFL and gun range and if you came in anyone working there would listen and try to solve your problem.

MSG Glenn · #4 05-09-2017, 06:50 AM

Welcome from Wisconsin, James!

I've always had good luck with S&W CS the very few times I've had to call them.

bigwheelzip · #5 05-09-2017, 07:19 AM

Howdy from South Carolina, and welcome to the forum.

Some people have had good luck with their LGS as liaison. Good luck.

OLDSTER · #6 05-09-2017, 07:24 AM

Welcome from North Dakota . I have a Bodyguard with over 500 rounds through it. My only issues were early on, experiencing some "light strikes" with Fiocchi hardball ammo. Since switching to Hornady, Federal, and Winchester, I've gone nearly 400 rounds trouble free. BTW, nearly all pocket sized pistols are ammo sensitive. You didn't state what your issues are ( except the take-down pin), but I hope you get your concerns addressed satisfactorily

Targets Guy · #7 05-09-2017, 09:05 AM

Welcome to the forum.

very reasonable approach you are taking IMHO

rwt1405 · #8 05-09-2017, 09:15 AM

Welcome from Delaware!

Good luck with your problem.

MCorps0311 · #9 05-09-2017, 09:50 AM

Hi from Kentucky!

radar1972 · #10 05-09-2017, 11:50 AM

Welcome from Georgia. Love the colorful Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

As mentioned already, you don't state all your issues but I would take it back where I bought it for their assistance in resolving the issues with S&W. It's the least they could do.

I have owned one of the early model BG380s for years and fired probably 2000+ rounds through it. It's reliable and accurate and when I use a pocket gun, it's the one that goes with me.... every time.

fyimo · #11 05-09-2017, 12:28 PM

Welcome to the forum from Arkansas

S&W Oldtimer · #12 05-09-2017, 01:10 PM

Welcome from Va.

tekarra · #13 05-09-2017, 03:20 PM

Welcome aboard James.

mcoe74 · #14 05-09-2017, 06:52 PM

Welcome to the forum.

mrsig · #15 05-09-2017, 07:13 PM

Welcome from Tampa.

rwsmith · #16 05-09-2017, 07:14 PM

And a Hound Dawg Howdy to you from SC!

Yeah, some outfits are like that. Get one thing fixed and go to the back of the line. Only one problem allowed at a time.

If you don't get satisfaction soon, I"d call the factory for a return label. Write it all down. (And I still think they don't pay any attention to it)