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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 01-30-2012, 09:43 PM
afultz075 afultz075 is offline
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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Default Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame

Ugh, this gun is turning into a nightmare. Bought this 617 awhile back and found tooling marks all through the bore and an off-center crown. Called S&W and sent it back in for repair. Got it back tonight and was delighted to see that they replaced the barrel with one that has an immaculate bore and a perfect crown. My joy was short-lived when I discovered a crack in the frame below the barrel. The frame is trashed. Guess I get to call S&W tomorrow and wait a few more weeks.

You can see the outline of the crack in the picture. It looks faint in the pic but it's definitely a crack.
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Old 01-30-2012, 10:03 PM
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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Man, that's some tough luck.

They should send you a new revolver... and quickly too.

Let us know how this turns out.

GF
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Old 01-30-2012, 10:25 PM
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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Well, now that really stinks.

My guess is that the frame cracked after it left the factory. The new barrel stressed the metal, then the cold temperatures encountered in transit opened the stress crack. S&W will have to replace the gun, as the frame is the actual 'firearm' and there is no repairing a crack in that area.

Email them your photos and I'm sure they will step-up to the plate.
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Old 01-30-2012, 10:33 PM
phubai8 phubai8 is offline
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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This is amazing. You have confirmed my belief that I should only buy the old ones. Please keep us posted.
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Old 01-30-2012, 10:49 PM
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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That SUCKS,
Please keep the forum updated on your progress .
Hopefully your gun already has an IL.... If it doesnt it probably will soon.
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  #6  
Old 01-30-2012, 10:59 PM
afultz075 afultz075 is offline
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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Yes, it does have an IL already. This is the second brand new S&W revolver i've had to send back for quality issues in the past year. I am going to make sure to clearly state in my letter I send with the revolver to thoroughly inspect the replacement to make sure it doesn't exhibit the same defects that I originally sent this one in for.

I admit i'm starting to like the used Ruger GP100 I picked up locally for cheap more and more after all this BS I have to go through with every newer S&W revolver that passes through my hands. Interestingly enough, all 3 of my M&Ps have been immaculate, but I guess there's a lot less to be screwed up on a polymer framed semi.
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Old 01-30-2012, 11:11 PM
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Sorry you are having to deal with all this. This won't help but.. the last 2 new Ruger's I bought had issues too. The SR9C had to be sent back to have trigger reset replaced and extractor fixed. Then a MarkIII had a magazine that came bent up and had to be returned.
So QC on new guns in general is not what it used to be.
But used!
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Old 01-30-2012, 11:52 PM
packheat packheat is offline
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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Default Similar luck here

I'm still a Smith fan, but out of my most recently purchased 5 S&W's, 4 were duds. In order of purchase from 2009 to 2011:

M&P15 MOE - perfect, great gun, sub MOA all day long. Runs like a top. Very impressed.

M&P15-22 - jam-o-matic, FTF, FTE etc. Needs to go back.

1911 108282 - constant FTF issues (at least 2 jams per full mag) and poor accuracy. sent back and the slide to frame fit was adjusted as well as the barrel bushing. Now its a shooter but I still have a FTF about every other magazine full, usually first or last round of the mag. Going back for round 2 soon.

625PC - Barrel canted...a lot. Obvious to the naked eye and even untrained eye from any angle. A disgrace to any quality control dept. Rough bore, poor accuracy and poor grip fit too. Sent it back and got a new barrel & grips. I'm happy with it now.

617 4" - Barrel canted a little. I want to send it back because it bugs the **** out of me. I haven't yet because its a great shooter. Still on the fence.

Needless to say my faith in Smith is eroding away due to QC issues.
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  #9  
Old 01-31-2012, 12:05 AM
afultz075 afultz075 is offline
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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Well I already typed my letter and packed the gun up to be sent back as it makes me sick every time I look at that crack. Just need to get a shipping label to slap on the box and send it back to S&W where it belongs. It took me two hours from the time I opened the original package until I packed it up again to be sent back. Unbelievable.


I can't say S&W is the only company i've had QC issues with. I had to send the Ruger LCP I used to own back for a deep tooling mark in the chamber and I had a Single Six with an off-center crown. Actually, thinking about all the different makes of handguns I own, about the only two manufacturers i've never had trouble with have been CZ and the 3 Springfield 1911's I own are perfect as well.

Last edited by afultz075; 01-31-2012 at 12:14 AM.
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  #10  
Old 01-31-2012, 12:38 AM
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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I'm really sorry to hear about this. I was looking to get a 617 but all I have heard about them lately is bad
I'd like to think this wouldn't have been an issue if they still pinned the barrels instead of crush fitting them.
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Old 01-31-2012, 09:16 AM
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When you call S&W ask to speak to the manager of the CS area. Tell them you want an action job done on the new 617 they send you for free for your trouble. Do they have any nice grips on their website that you like? ask for a pair of those as well. You have had a lot of time and aggrevation from a very expensive new gun.
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Old 01-31-2012, 09:31 AM
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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A friend that I was teaching to shoot bought a pre-IL 617 back about 2000 or so. Totally inaccurate and spitting lead. Trigger pull was the worst of any S&W I have ever shot...

I wrote the return letter...."My student Attorney Chris R*** purchased this 617...." They destroyed the gun and I swear the gun they sent him had to have gone through the Performance center it was that nice...

You wonder where S&W QC Inspectors are...at lunch?

Bob
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Old 01-31-2012, 10:00 AM
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperMan View Post
A friend that I was teaching to shoot bought a pre-IL 617 back about 2000 or so. Totally inaccurate and spitting lead. Trigger pull was the worst of any S&W I have ever shot...

I wrote the return letter...."My student Attorney Chris R*** purchased this 617...." They destroyed the gun and I swear the gun they sent him had to have gone through the Performance center it was that nice...

You wonder where S&W QC Inspectors are...at lunch?

Bob
Is there really such a job at S&W? QC Inspector? I honestly don't think so,believe it's up to the assembler to deem it ok,then it gets a few rounds down the bore,and into a box,out the door. I love my Smiths,but the percentage that I've returned in the last 14 years, is really too high.
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Old 01-31-2012, 10:31 AM
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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I hope they replace your 617 with no problems.They really don't have much choice.
We are seeing more poor or non existant QC right now than we have ever seen.It seems to be ALL gun manufacturers,and most especially with handguns. The best guns I have ever bought have been used older ones. It's not a good state of affairs,but I don't think it will ever be what it once was.
However S&W's CS is pretty good right now,all things considered.I remember the Bangor Punta days when it simply did not exist. Best of luck with that problem revolver.
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Old 01-31-2012, 11:05 AM
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My newest S&W is from late 1982. I'm thinking right now that I won't buy anything newer and not because I'm a collector; I'm an accumulator.

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Old 01-31-2012, 11:14 AM
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terrible news. keep us updated
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  #17  
Old 01-31-2012, 11:57 AM
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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The thing is, is that all handgun sales have skyrocketed and I'm pretty sure most gun manufacturers have cranked up production and become somewhat lenient on QC to get more guns out the door as quickly as possible. If they were just a little more patient I bet a lot of these problems would be corrected before they ever left the factory. Might lose a little money at the beginning but, you might also gain a customer for a lifetime.
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Old 01-31-2012, 06:38 PM
longranger longranger is offline
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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S&W has been competing with Taurus for years.
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Old 01-31-2012, 07:41 PM
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every time i read a story such as this, it further reinforces my decision to not buy new smith guns.until they get rid of the idiot lock and go back to pinning barrels, i am not a customer. think they put all the qc people on production and did away with qc.
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Old 01-31-2012, 08:41 PM
afultz075 afultz075 is offline
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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Called them tonight. The man I spoke to was very apologetic and is emailing me a label to ship it back.
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  #21  
Old 01-31-2012, 09:24 PM
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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I hope this is resolved quickly and finally for you. The tales of multiple problems with multiple purchases from guys on this thread is quite disheartening, especially from a company that I have respected since I was old enough to know what a revolver was. It'll be strictly double digit model no. Smith's for me, from here on out.
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Old 01-31-2012, 09:27 PM
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Wait till they send you a brand new one. Take it to a gun show and sell it as brand spankin' new. Take the money and buy a 1940s 6 shot all steel gun. The one you've got now is under 10 years old and has already failed. The one made in the 1940s is over 60 and you can check it out before buying. Chances are it will go another 60 without any problems. No, its not stainless steel, its the old fashioned carbon steel that holds up really well over time.
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Old 01-31-2012, 10:39 PM
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me too... I just bought a new SIG. I shot it one time and had to send it back and then had to immediately return it a second time to get them to fix stuff they either didn't fix the first time or new problems that 'appeared' while in their care. This is ridiculous.
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Old 01-31-2012, 11:25 PM
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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I have a different take, S&W will make it right, I see that as a given, especially on a new gun. If something is faulty, they have a whole lot of incentive to provide a remedy satisfactory to you. I'd be calm, matter of fact, and insistent. I'm sure that's your intent, Please keep us posted.
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Old 01-31-2012, 11:49 PM
afultz075 afultz075 is offline
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 5Wire View Post
I have a different take, S&W will make it right, I see that as a given, especially on a new gun. If something is faulty, they have a whole lot of incentive to provide a remedy satisfactory to you. I'f be calm, matter of fact, and insistent. I'm sure that's your intent, Please keep us posted.
Will do. I'm not expecting them to give me anything extra. I just want a new gun free of defects. I asked them in my letter to inspect the replacement thoroughly for defects before they send it out.
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Old 02-01-2012, 12:17 AM
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Was this a pre-lock 617? If not, and they give you a new frame, I bet it will now have the accursed device...
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Old 02-01-2012, 12:20 AM
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Yours is indeed a cautionary tale. Almost makes me glad I'm too broke right now to buy any guns, new or used.
As for checking guns before you buy them, I recall a few years back looking at a new USFA Flat top on a local dealers shelf. When I then asked to see the Colt SAA a little down from it, the counter guy gave me a look like I asked for his sister's phone number and got kinda huffy when I explained that I wanted to compare their fit/finish.
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Old 02-01-2012, 12:42 AM
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Bought "awhile back," I'm guessing it had the IL. Not a functional problem IMO for a range gun with some self-defense potential. Appearance-wise, there's always the plug.
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Old 02-01-2012, 12:51 AM
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Anything man makes will occasionally be poorly crafted. Sometimes it will get past QC and on into the consumer pipeline. We harken back to the "good old days" when they actually weren't always good. The few bad and really bad S&W products of years ago are generally out of circulation; we see only the many good ones most times.

I've run into a couple S&W's, from the 70's and 80's that were defective from the day they left the factory. QC had kicked 'em out the door and onto the loading dock for shipment. These guns simply would not run at anything approaching factory standards.

Where did the bad guns go? Probably into a safe, with the clear intention to return to S&W for repair. The return never happened, but the gun wasn't in circulation either, until the back dark recesses of the safe finally were emptied.

All the good guns from previous times were out on the range or going to the gun show for swapping. Those are the ones that we see as our usual basis for quality assessment.

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Old 03-19-2012, 11:33 PM
afultz075 afultz075 is offline
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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Thought i'd dig this thread back up and give some closure. I got the gun back the other day. They opted to replace the frame versus replacing the whole gun. Which is fine by me as they reused the perfect replacement barrel from when I originally sent it in for bore/crown problems.

I looked it over VERY thoroughly after I got it, I even removed the sideplate to inspect the internals (and to oil as well, the insides were bone dry). My discerning eye can find no flaws and the gun is now as it should have been from the get-go. After 3 months I should finally be able to shoot this gun at the range this coming weekend. If it functions as it should, I will consider this a success story.

That being said, I think I will remain hesitant to ever buy a new production S&W revolver again after going through this 3 month long ordeal, but then again about the only other S&W revolver I still need for my collection is a 686, which is easy enough to find an older example. I probably would have opted to buy an older pre-lock 10-shot 617 if they weren't so insanely difficult to find.

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Old 03-20-2012, 10:12 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by afultz075 View Post
Well I already typed my letter and packed the gun up to be sent back as it makes me sick every time I look at that crack. Just need to get a shipping label to slap on the box and send it back to S&W where it belongs. It took me two hours from the time I opened the original package until I packed it up again to be sent back. Unbelievable.


I can't say S&W is the only company i've had QC issues with. I had to send the Ruger LCP I used to own back for a deep tooling mark in the chamber and I had a Single Six with an off-center crown. Actually, thinking about all the different makes of handguns I own, about the only two manufacturers i've never had trouble with have been CZ and the 3 Springfield 1911's I own are perfect as well.
Sorry for your luck. But you make a good point. Quality control on S&W and Ruger handguns has gotten bad. Also, S&W is not the only gun company that can't fix a gun right the first time. I bought a brand new Ruger GP100 about two years ago and the revolver would lockup firing at the range. The revolver was ok dry firing. Two trips to Ruger and they say "there is nothing wrong with the revolver". I have had others say there is a problem including a gunsmith.
Bottom line. With todays quality control issues and sometimes poor customer service, I prefer to buy the older S&W revolvers and Ruger revolvers.
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Howard
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  #32  
Old 03-20-2012, 10:36 AM
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Invictus357 Invictus357 is offline
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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I'm glad they fixed it for you.

Don't be too hard on S&W. I went off them because of the quality of a 686 snub I had and went to Rugers. The two I bought (an SR9C and GP100) had issues that needed correcting.

To be fair to Ruger, they fixed the problems very speedily and their CS was beyond polite and helpful.

I have been eyeing a spanky new 686 for myself and have been fondling several in the gun shops. All of them had perfect barrels and fit and finish was excellent.

If I do get a dud, I am confident S&W will fix it.
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Old 03-20-2012, 11:19 AM
ladder13 ladder13 is offline
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I didn't realize Rugers had problems too since I don't own any. Does anyone belong to the Ruger forum and are their QC issues talked about?
Admittedly, another company having QC issues is no excuse for S&W having them.
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Old 03-20-2012, 12:12 PM
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I can't believe that they think that a good QC dept. is more expensive than a full time repair dept. Just the word of mouth is more damaging to their reputation, than having a QC crew, manned by 'qualified' gunsmiths, to catch these things before they get out the door.

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Old 03-21-2012, 05:27 PM
dgludwig dgludwig is offline
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"Appearance-wise, there's always the plug." QUOTE

Forgive my ignorance, but where can you get this "plug"? Other than cosmetically covering up the hole, I presume, does the plug render the lock to be inoperative-so that a failure of same won't tie the gun up at the worst possible moment? Thanks.
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Old 03-21-2012, 05:39 PM
ladder13 ladder13 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dgludwig View Post
"Appearance-wise, there's always the plug." QUOTE

Forgive my ignorance, but where can you get this "plug"? Other than cosmetically covering up the hole, I presume, does the plug render the lock to be inoperative-so that a failure of same won't tie the gun up at the worst possible moment? Thanks.
Here:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/accesso...9-fs-plug.html
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Old 03-21-2012, 06:39 PM
dgludwig dgludwig is offline
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Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame Got my 617 back from warranty work, S&W destroyed the frame  
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Thanks, ladder13.
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  #38  
Old 03-21-2012, 06:52 PM
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I hate to say this, but until things change, the only new S&W i'd buy is a J frame...the only new Colt i'd buy is a 1911...we are/were spoiled with the finer old quality.
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Old 03-21-2012, 07:51 PM
Old cop Old cop is offline
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I feel everyone's pain. Here's my list: New 340 M&P back; new Ruger LCP back twice (they replaced the gun); and new Springfield 1911 MilSpec back twice.

I'm considering a new gun but may have to go the used route. What is going on out there?
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  #40  
Old 03-21-2012, 09:08 PM
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The current company ain't your daddy's S&W!!

AND, Bill Ruger is known as PinWheel Bill where ever he is!!!
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  #41  
Old 03-21-2012, 10:49 PM
allglock allglock is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Old cop View Post
I feel everyone's pain. Here's my list: New 340 M&P back; new Ruger LCP back twice (they replaced the gun); and new Springfield 1911 MilSpec back twice.

I'm considering a new gun but may have to go the used route. What is going on out there?
It's pretty much, the "I don't give a **** attitude, and hurry up and give me my paycheck on Friday".....
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  #42  
Old 03-21-2012, 11:29 PM
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m657 m657 is offline
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Not to speak ill of 'any mfg' in the US.....I had a KelTec that had many fine qualities and several foul treacherous faults that took THREE trips back to repair...and the final trip back to me resulted in selling it to my gunsmith as that's what he was looking for.

And I don't want to get into some other issues with a rifle that had so many issues the dealer took it back and returned my purchase price.

Over the years I've had plenty go back to the factory....from most of the makers still in business, and many of those were 20 or 30 years ago when I bought 'em new and had to return them.
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  #43  
Old 03-21-2012, 11:49 PM
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Nemo288 Nemo288 is offline
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Occasional bad guns from Smith are nothing new. I sent my
Mountain Revolver (1990) right back within a week. It had numerous
problems to the extent they replaced the frame. They overstamped
the serial. It looks kinda funky. I hope the law never has to look at it
What I got back was the tightest S&W I own and one of my
favorites to this day.

Recently bought a Charter Bulldog that had so much endplay
and headspace that the firing pin didn't reach the primer. The
cylinder was loosy-goosy. Just got it back and they replaced the
barrel and crane, setting the cylinder back where it belongs. So far so
good. I have not fired it yet but it functions properly with the
Triple-K snap caps.

What I don't get, as an engineer myself, is why don't these businesses
realize that getting it right the first time might take a little longer
and cost a little more but would save them money in the long
run. Maintenance costs mucho bux.

...Nemo...
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  #44  
Old 03-22-2012, 11:32 AM
gunguy56 gunguy56 is offline
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I had a friend that bought a new 629 back in the 80's-when he went to shoot it for the first time the firing pin would hit in- between the cartridge chamber holes-there was no way that his 629 was even test-fired at the factory. S&W lost a customer that day-when S&W sent the 629 back to him properly timed, he quickly sold it. He never bought another S&W again.
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  #45  
Old 03-22-2012, 11:52 AM
J-FRAME J-FRAME is offline
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Change subject a bit but same topic- bought a TS .22 conversion for my GLOCK 2nd gen G17 -Back to company twice and still would not work on my gun or any other 1st- 2nd- 3rd- 4 th gen we have tried it on but the company swears it works when they have it. Same ammo etc. It must transform in-transit to me ?? Baloney
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  #46  
Old 03-22-2012, 03:47 PM
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M3Stuart M3Stuart is offline
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I don't own a 617, but, after buying my 1981 vintage 34-1 last year (and after owning a taurus 94 that we'll just forget about), I started paying a lot of attention to any thread that talked about .22 revolvers. Whether they are 617's, 34's, colts, taurus, rugers or whatever. Am I missing something, or are .22 revolvers generally problematic? The 34 only holds 6 rounds, but after a bit of shooting, ejection becomes problematic - you have to clean the cylinders after every few shots). The rugers go to 8 rounds, the taurii to 9 - I know for a fact that the taurii 9 shooters are virtually impossible to extract with the extractor rod, you have to do them one-at-a-time. I imagine the new SP101 isn't shipping anymore (they only shipped one batch) because they all went back with bent extractor rods. I now understand why Ruger stuck with the Single Six's for 100 years - because you really have to use a ramrod to extract the casings - one at a time.

Are .22 revo's typically that problematic? Or am I 'attention focusing' on the problems?
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Old 03-22-2012, 04:16 PM
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Sorry to hear of your troubles, but Smith & Wesson will make it right. They are one of the few companies that do stand behind their product, even if their current QC seems to be non-existent. I am sure it is a company decision to spend less on in-house QC and just repair the (relatively) few that get sent back.....Sucks to be the one that has to do that, though. In the long run they will lose customer loyalty. But no companies focus on the long run anymore, just next quarter's profits.
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Old 03-22-2012, 04:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M3Stuart View Post
I don't own a 617, but, after buying my 1981 vintage 34-1 last year (and after owning a taurus 94 that we'll just forget about), I started paying a lot of attention to any thread that talked about .22 revolvers. Whether they are 617's, 34's, colts, taurus, rugers or whatever. Am I missing something, or are .22 revolvers generally problematic? The 34 only holds 6 rounds, but after a bit of shooting, ejection becomes problematic - you have to clean the cylinders after every few shots). The rugers go to 8 rounds, the taurii to 9 - I know for a fact that the taurii 9 shooters are virtually impossible to extract with the extractor rod, you have to do them one-at-a-time. I imagine the new SP101 isn't shipping anymore (they only shipped one batch) because they all went back with bent extractor rods. I now understand why Ruger stuck with the Single Six's for 100 years - because you really have to use a ramrod to extract the casings - one at a time.

Are .22 revo's typically that problematic? Or am I 'attention focusing' on the problems?
Maybe modern ones, but my twenty-five year old Mod. 63 has been flawless...for 25 years.....
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Old 03-22-2012, 04:41 PM
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All the bad old guns have been trashed already. Time filter. I have a an IL 617P which has been flawless and heavily used. Better to work with S&W than to drop them. That practice in general could eventually eliminate all manufacturers.
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Old 03-22-2012, 05:08 PM
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There are a few of us still around who have never bought a defective new S&W revolver. I have a used one from '96 and '99, but the rest are from '01 or later. Other than two poorly fitted Eagle boot grips on my two PC627 UDRs, they have been perfect. I've also owned Bangor Punta-era S&W's (80's) - ANIB, even. One had more QC issues than the worst Ruger I've ever owned - and that's saying a lot. Thirty years ago, S&W was Brazilian owned - then the British had it. Now it's American owned. Thank God it's not the same company it once was! There would never have been an M&P series - or .500 Magnums. And, the IL is an ugly wart - I'll agree to that - but it's really innocuous. They've built IL-equipped revolver for ten years now - and have yet to spend a dime defending themselves from a lawsuit over it's inclusion or use.

I am sorry for the comedy of errors the OP had with his new 617. You shouldn't have gotten a bad example to begin with - and certainly, that crack should have been found before it left the repair department. But... I feel villified that he had a good final outcome. Sadly, we never hear from the happy owners - just those folks who have had the poor QC examples. Maybe it's time for a 'happy' thread?

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