I loved my brand new 329pd for the entire 14rnds it ignited primers.

But the FTF's started. Onto the net I went and learned about mainspring strain screws, headspace and S&W's short firing pins. The primer was hardly indented on the evidence fired case they included, and the firing pin hardly protrudes from the breach face with the hammer down. So I need a longer firing pin. Seems like that is a $10 part.

When I broke a part on my Kimber, Kimber would mail it to me. S&W is paying to ship my pistol round trip. Seems like a lot of money for a $10 part. And I can't believe changing a firing pin is nuclear rocket science.

I appreciate S&W's customer support - certainly no hassle, but it seems a little expensive for them.

I think it is a case of customer service wanting to do the job correctly.Better to have them give the entire pistol a once over,fix the items @ issue and have them ship it back to you.This way you have the full force of the factory warrantee when it comes home to you.I had my Colt Detective Special reblued and light hits+timing issue addressed.The Bluing came out great but the mechanical issues weren't addressed.I had to pay to ship it back and the gun was fixed on thier dime.Thank God I saved the original work order because they were ready to go to denial mode......Mike

Makes sense.

Two thoughts. Depending on the part, a 1911-style pistol is meant to be field-stripped by the user to the point when the part can be replaced. I don't think this is the case with your 329 PD - I don't recall if it has the frame- or hammer-mounted firing pin, but either type would require some gunsmithing to replace.

I would also guess there is a potential product liability concern; if they just sent you the new firing pin, and for whatever reason it was not installed correctly, then something bad happened from the firing pin not working properly...better for the factory to set things right when they find out there is a problem, and avoid the lawsuit later.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

i had the same problem with a thunder ranch model 22 in 45 acp. longer firing pin did not cure the problem. i removed the strain screw as i saw it was not screwing in far enough, and removed a few thousands from under the head of the screw. replaced the screw in the gun and never had another ftf.

re: "removed a few thousands from under the head of the screw. replaced the screw in the gun and never had another ftf."

nice cure....what do those of us without such tools/skills do? Are you marketing these parts? [hint mode ON]

__________________
Dum vivimus Vivamas

Longer screws are available at Home Depot in stainless. Ideal for "custom" fitting.

S&W wants to be sure they are in control of the replacement process for liability and also for your own safety. They want to be certain the part is installed and working correctly. They have no way to know your skills as a gunsmith.

Just out of curiousity, why doesn't S&W try installing the proper length firing pin to begin with????? Too simple a solution????

With what they save on shipping costs, maybe they could lower their ridiculous prices..........so people who want those revolvers could buy more. Regards 18DAI.

With the shipment of 15-22 back and forth do you think shipping matters to them?

What does "15-22" mean? $15 to S&W and $22 back?

It means all the returns regarding the 15-22 (the .22 lr version of the M&P15) that S&W have had to endure (check the Long gun section-but BE CAREFUL over there-them boys are a bit thin skined )

__________________
Forum consigliere

OMG
S&W has'nt been taken over by Toyota have they

__________________
NATIVE TEXAN
USMC '67 - '70

If your revolver is screwed up, S&W don't want that info getting out. So they call it a minor part problem. Then fix whatever is wrong when they get it in their hands.

You may be a little miffed that you don't have use of your gun for a while but you really can't complain if they pay all the shipping.

Check the work order when it comes back. It should say, "Replaced part, adjusted".

__________________
A real sucker for the J-frames

I sent them some nice pictures of light strike cases and other stuff - we'll see what they do. BTW, I measured the firing pin protrusion and it seemed about 0.030" - which seemed a little short. I'm so used to my massive 1911 firing pins that S&W revolver firing pins seem wimpy.

This is the 1st frame-mounted firing pin revolver I've owned. My last S&W was hammer mounted.

Now see, there's your problem. You had to go and buy one of them new fangled models with a frame mounted firing pin like that Horse Company in Conn. used to make. If you had just gone and found a gun with a proper hammer mounted pin you wouldn't have had this little problem. Glad to hear the company's doing right by you though.

Yea, it is one of them new-fangled thangs.

i would have been sure the strain screw was completly tight....fired it again and then maybe sent it back if not firing correctly

__________________
SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

I did check it and I was able to tighten it about 1/2 turn. But if 1/2 turn kills it then the firing pin is too short or it has some other issue - it shouldn't be that marginal.

I didn't send it back because I can't figure out how to install a firing pin. I sent it back because (a) I'm waiting for my reloading supplies anyway, (b) my 500 Xframe hogue grip hasn't arrived yet either and (c) I wanted to see what sort of customer service S&W really has.

I wanted a trail gun with 250gr@1200fps power level and I've heard nothing but bad about Taurus. So I spent an extra $350 for the S&W. I'll find out what I got for the money.

I had to send my 617 back for an over tourqued barrel they had to replace the frame.I do not know why they would let something like that leave the factory.they only had the gun nine days when it came back I noticed the charge holes were champhered and the trigger is smooth as silk.I am very happy with their service but do not understand why they let guns that are not right out of the factory. ps To cajunlawyer I also have a 15 22 love it but I am a little sensitive about it.

I would love it if they slicked up the action a bit, but I'll be happy if they just simply fix the primer issue quickly.

If the firing pin is frame mounted, you can buy new ones that are .015 longer from Brownells. $10. As for service, I've had outstanding luck with Smith and Wesson. My old model 64 firing pin broke (hammer mounted), so I wrote S&W and they sent me a new hammer free of charge. S&W has always treated me well on parts and problems.