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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 01-28-2017, 12:19 AM
686357 686357 is offline
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Default First S&W - surprised

After more than 20 years of being a Ruger man, I bought my first S&W - a 629 Classic. I've flirted with a few S&W models in the past but never pulled the trigger. Bought the 629 from Grabagun and had it transferred to a local FFL.

It has the worst swirl marks I have ever seen on a revolver new or used. It seriously looks like someone took a Brillo pad to it. The factory polishing completely missed the end of the barrel and lug, on the left side and the white outline on the rear sight has a very obvious diagonal slant - Looks like my five-year-old drew it on there.

How this got out of the factory, I'll never know. I'll call customer service on Monday and see if they will fix the finish and the rear sight. Don't get me wrong,I wasn't expecting a the ultimate rear sight or a fine bead-blast finish - just a standard finish and a usable rear sight. I can get both from a $400 Taurus. For a gun that retails for nearly $1000 this should be more than right, it should be a step up.



Note the end of the barrel is not completely polished and is a different shade than the rest of the revolver. Can't buff this out with a cloth.







1/30 - Called S&W customer service got return label and shipped back for inspection and repair.

Last edited by 686357; 01-30-2017 at 10:27 PM.
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Old 01-28-2017, 12:34 AM
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Yeah, that looks awful, and I'm not picky. Too bad. S&W CS should make it right. Good luck.

Have to wonder though, why you didn't refuse the purchase and have the FFL return it?
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Old 01-28-2017, 12:36 AM
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I just bought a 686-6 and it was the same way except for the sights. I called them on the way home from the gun store, they said the guns are fired for functionality, not cleaned and offered for sale. Mine was filthy and had rust where the crane closes. I spent almost 3 hours cleaning and polishing and boy were the efforts worth it. The gun is awesome, I'm over the shock of how it came and have a beautiful piece of art in my opinion. I'd be interested to see if they will polish it up for you, this is my first S&W but not my last!
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Old 01-28-2017, 12:41 AM
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WOW! Are you sure that is a NEW gun? Wasn't there any way you could have rejected it at the FFL and refused to accept the transfer? That is seriously messed up!
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Old 01-28-2017, 01:17 AM
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Yep I would have said nope before transfer.
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Old 01-28-2017, 01:45 AM
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Apart from the rear sight I would just polish it to even out the finish bit and shoot the fire out of it! But that's just me.

But yeah, the finish does seem a little rough.

If you ask them they might give you a discount on doing a proper polishing job. They'll have to fix it anyway might as well apply that labor towards an upgraded finish while it's there.

A trigger job would be nice too, if you have never tried a revolver with one your in for a treat!

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Last edited by John Rus; 01-28-2017 at 01:47 AM.
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Old 01-28-2017, 01:48 AM
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Quote:
Bought the 629 from Grabagun and had it transferred to a local FFL.
Didn't you get pictures PRIOR to the sale/transfer?
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Old 01-28-2017, 03:29 AM
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I bought this new through Guns for Sale | Online Gun Store | Grab A Gun. I've bought a few guns through them over the past couple years and always had great results.

While I don't expect them to intricately inspect every firearm - if they took two seconds to open the box and just look at it they could have caught this.

The action, bore, and even the trigger are good to go.

I was afraid if I rejected it that Grabagun might say I had to take it up with the manufacturer - and I'd have a bigger headache. I will send them an email letting them know my disappointment.

I've heard great things about S&W customer service and I'm anticipating they will make this right.

Last edited by 686357; 01-28-2017 at 03:31 AM.
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Old 01-28-2017, 03:33 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John Rus View Post
Apart from the rear sight I would just polish it to even out the finish bit and shoot the fire out of it! But that's just me.

But yeah, the finish does seem a little rough.

If you ask them they might give you a discount on doing a proper polishing job. They'll have to fix it anyway might as well apply that labor towards an upgraded finish while it's there.

A trigger job would be nice too, if you have never tried a revolver with one your in for a treat!

John.
I'm lovin' this idea.
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Old 01-28-2017, 11:28 AM
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Why don't you send it back to grab a gun for a refund?

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Old 01-28-2017, 11:37 AM
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Except for the canted rear sight, it looks pretty much like most S&Ws I've seen.
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Old 01-28-2017, 11:39 AM
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This sort of thing explains the preference of older guns so many of us have.
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Old 01-28-2017, 11:48 AM
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I haven't bought a S&W stainless in a while but I can't believe that's how they leave the factory now I love my S&W but thats just sad.
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Old 01-28-2017, 01:02 PM
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+1 on: yea, that's what the stainless guns usually look like.

I have an older white outline rear sight that, while not crooked, is missing part of one side and looks like a kid painted it on. So, I'd say that's the new 'normal' from S&W and has been for 10+ years. That's probably why they don't put white outline rear sights on many guns because they just aren't capable of doing a decent job on them - compared to say, Glock, who can somehow do it perfectly every time.
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Old 01-28-2017, 01:02 PM
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Sure seems to have a pretty defined turn line for a new gun! Might be the picture but the brush lines look to cut through the ampersand on the left side. My newest (686 from 2013) the laser etching for the ampersand was obviously done after the brush finish.
To me it looks like somebody bought a new 629, abused or damaged it, did a refinish and returned it to Grabagun who put it back in stock and resold it.
Keep us informed what both say about this.
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Old 01-28-2017, 01:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BC38 View Post
WOW! Are you sure that is a NEW gun? Wasn't there any way you could have rejected it at the FFL and refused to accept the transfer? That is seriously messed up!
agreed. Could just be the light but it almost looks like there's some corrosion/rust happening in the emblem etching too.
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Old 01-28-2017, 01:25 PM
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And most definitely a turn line. I have a hard time believing that just left the factory. I wouldn't buy a gun I could t closely inspect first, but my 629-6 Classic was and is perfect off the shelf. NOT even a little bit like that. I'd be pissed too, but then I wouldn't have taken it home.
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Old 01-28-2017, 03:00 PM
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It's really hard to believe that your revolver slipped through Smith QC like that, it must have been on a Monday or Friday! Having dealt with Smith for a long time, I'm sure they're make it right.
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Old 01-28-2017, 07:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 686357 View Post

I was afraid if I rejected it that Grabagun might say I had to take it up with the manufacturer - and I'd have a bigger headache. I will send them an email letting them know my disappointment.

I've heard great things about S&W customer service and I'm anticipating they will make this right.

By not refusing the transfer, you ensured that sending back to S&W was your only remedy. The GrabAGun terms address this situation specifically.


"Returns on firearms that have been transferred to you are not allowed. Once a new firearm is transferred, it is considered used, even if unfired. It is the customer’s responsibility to fully inspect the firearm at their FFL prior to accepting it into their possession. We do understand that some manufacturer defects may not be identifiable upon initial inspection, however by purchasing a firearm from us, you agree that upon discovering a defect in your transferred firearm that you will work with the manufacturer for replacement or repair (in accordance with their warranty policy). "
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Old 01-28-2017, 09:27 PM
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I hate to throw gasoline on a fire, but that turn line sure seems too pronounced for a brand new gun. Have you fired it or dry fired it enough to do that? How do/did the recoil shield, top strap and front of cylinder look?
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Old 01-29-2017, 02:31 AM
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Yep, turn-line too pronounced, finish is a complete mess.
Nothing about that revolver appears factory-fresh to me.

No way would I be a happy camper if that was sold to me as factory-new.
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Old 01-29-2017, 02:48 AM
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Agreed, I wouldn't have accepted transfer on that. Normally, I find that a lot of buyers who complain about fit/finish have set their expectations a little too high, but there are too many problems on this one.

--The turn line looks very pronounced.
--The polish job on the barrel is abysmal/unfinished.
--The rear sight is garbage.

The swirl marks aren't ideal, but not a killer. I doubt they'd fix the turn line, but the barrel and the rear sight are unacceptable and clearly aren't the result of after-the-factory wear.

I don't know a bunch about how Smith does the printing on these new revolvers--never had one--but I do know that some methods can't be polished without removing or wearing the print.
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Old 01-29-2017, 03:15 AM
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After 7 Rugers, I also bought my first S&W a few months ago, a 686 Plus 3" with the unfluted cylinder. I heard so many things about canted barrels, etc, when I got the gun at my FFL, I was so happy the barrel wasn't canted, I missed a nice size gouge on the lower barrel. I noticed it when I got home, and called S&W right away. They were polite, and sent me an address label (free shipping) to send the gun back. A few weeks later the gun came back, and everything look great! I could tell they went over the whole gun. Its my favorite gun!

I have to admit your turn line looks pronounced as mod29 pointed out. Bottom line, you paid for a NEW gun, and that thing looks really sad. Call and give S&W a chance to make it right.
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Old 01-29-2017, 05:24 AM
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I have to agree with the folks who are saying that is not a new gun. (Some of this is reiterations)

- Someone has clearly tried to polish that gun after it left the factory since S&W does the logo stamp after they polish and you can see your gun was "polished" after the stamp was applied. The logo on my M69 is stamped also and I can tell it was done after the bead blasting (M69s are bead blasted).
- The turn line is worse than my M69 and I have about 300 dry-fires and like 100 rounds through it. (The dry-firing with snap caps helped smooth the DA pull significantly and helped me get familiar with the action before hitting the range, worth the effort.)
- My original rear sight (dropped the gun upside down and broke off) and the replacement are nowhere near as bad. Not perfect, but still good. All the white lines on S&W revolvers I have seen are thinner so my though it someone removed the original line and tried their own hand at making that.
- I can't quit tell but it looks like you have some trigger wear also. Could be the picture though.

When I was searching for a big bore revolver a few month ago I went to many shops and had my hands on many NEW S&W revolvers and they all were mostly picture perfect finish. Not one I saw was less that 99%. Ended up with a M69 and have been happy since. The M69 is bead blasted which I prefer because of less glare.

Last edited by GunnerMichael; 01-29-2017 at 05:28 AM.
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Old 01-29-2017, 08:22 AM
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To the OP, I'm sure S&W will do their best to make this right. Their customer service section is generally fair in warranty repairs and replacements.

They have a stack of FedEx shipping labels and aren't afraid to use them. Unfortunately, I've had to use my fair share of their labels in the last 3-4 years to correct similar issues.

Ignore the suggestions that you are somehow at fault for not catching these problems at the time of transfer... It happens. Regardless of your level of inspection, IMHO this revolver should not have left Springfield in this condition.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

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Old 01-29-2017, 08:44 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlHunt View Post
I hate to throw gasoline on a fire, but that turn line sure seems too pronounced for a brand new gun. Have you fired it or dry fired it enough to do that? How do/did the recoil shield, top strap and front of cylinder look?
All else looks good to me - don't know about the turn line or what it should look like. Done a little dry firing, but all with snap caps.

Yes, I should have inspected better at the FFL - lesson learned. I've heard good things about S&W customer service and hope they will make this right.







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Old 01-29-2017, 09:42 AM
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Good luck to you 686357. I sincerely hope that all that is wrong is made right.

Your experience has reaffirmed my long standing gun purchase policy. SHOP LOCAL AND SHOP FTF. I only buy used and I know this puts severe limitations on what I can buy, but my mistakes and disappointments will be on me. However, I'm fortunate to live in an area with numerous LGSs and pawn shops. If they don't have what I want right now, they will later.
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Old 01-29-2017, 12:24 PM
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This is an interesting thread. The gun obiously looks like it has been re-polished, but the end of the barrel and the rear sight makes it look like someone assembled that gun from a variety of factory returns and put in in a box.
I am very curious how S&W handles this. The unfinished barrel polish and rear sight tells me they will work on it at no cost. In my opinion, I would hope they flat out replace that gun and re-hire for the position of the inspector that they should have fired for letting this thing out of the shop in the first place. Now the swirls are another thing.
Please keep us informed. We are seeing far too many factory returns from a company that at one time made fine firearms for years. I am tired of reading that a new owner was happy he/she did not get one with a clocked barrel. The entire top management team at S&W needs a overhaul but then the board members and stockholders are the only ones to fix that issue.

As for your longstanding love for Ruger revolvers, I just picked up a replacement for a gifted 3" K frame. It is a 3" SP101 and I have never owned a more rock solid revolver in my life. It will definitely not be the last Ruger revolver I will ever own.

Last edited by gnystrom; 01-29-2017 at 12:27 PM.
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Old 01-29-2017, 12:32 PM
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I recently purchased a new 586 and the rear sight looked exactly like the OP's.
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Old 01-29-2017, 12:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DanEHunter View Post
I recently purchased a new 586 and the rear sight looked exactly like the OP's.
Dan, numerous people have shared the same with me over the last two days - how has one of America's oldest and most respected firearm manufacturers put out a vast lot of of rear sight blades that my five-year-old would reject?
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Old 01-29-2017, 01:01 PM
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Lessons to be learned concerning inspections and internet purchases.

That said, when you do get your gun back, expect it to be a shooter. Don't forget these things are tools and made to shoot. After firing the first couple of cylinders full of ammo will you will forgotten this entire thread was ever written.
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Old 01-29-2017, 01:07 PM
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The 640-1 used gun I just bought on that big sale had the swirl marks on the sides like yours. I polished them out with 1500 grit paper. The SS looks good now. I am guessing after seeing your gun that maybe my gun came with the swirls also. The gun appears to not have been shot much if any. It really didn't even have a turn line on the cylinder.
The discolored muzzle on your gun is puzzling to me. I agree a thousand dollar gun should be perfect not a reject.

I have to say the SS finish on the new Ruger GP100 Match Champion I had makes your gun look like absolute poor quality workmanship.

After seeing your gun finish I am now glad my 627-5 didn't come with the polished SS finish. I would have really had a disgusted fit over it if it came looking like yours.

Last edited by gman51; 02-09-2017 at 11:34 PM.
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Old 01-29-2017, 01:27 PM
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It's not a new gun.... it's awfull and understand your disappointment.
A true shame. I prefer the old guns but if this one is new it come maybee from China.......joke..or repolished with a Dremmel.
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Old 01-29-2017, 02:06 PM
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Wow, it's hard to believe that a QC person actually looked at the condition of this firearm and let it leave to be sold.

Hope S&W gets you fixed right up OP and throws in a little langniappe for your trouble. It is a good example of why I don't buy any gun I can't examine personally.
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Old 01-29-2017, 02:32 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M3Stuart View Post
+1 on: yea, that's what the stainless guns usually look like.

I have an older white outline rear sight that, while not crooked, is missing part of one side and looks like a kid painted it on. So, I'd say that's the new 'normal' from S&W and has been for 10+ years. That's probably why they don't put white outline rear sights on many guns because they just aren't capable of doing a decent job on them - compared to say, Glock, who can somehow do it perfectly every time.
Cookie stamping plastic is easy.Like running off a batch of Frisbe's.No real buffing of the slide before the Black Paint is applied either.
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Old 01-29-2017, 02:47 PM
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I have to agree with many here, this doesn't look like a factory finish. Granted, the most recent new S&W that I have at hand is a blued M57, I haven't seen a recent example of what comes out of Springfield. As much as I hope S&W comes to the aid of the OP, I am afraid that he will find that he is not the original owner of this Smith! May the powers that be look out for the OP.
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Old 01-29-2017, 09:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by silentflyer View Post
This sort of thing explains the preference of older guns so many of us have.


It explains why the older guns have doubled in price over the past ten years!
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Old 01-29-2017, 09:28 PM
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To me the gun was tarnished and someone cleaned it up with scotchbrite or fine steel wool. I would get some simi chrome polish and buff it.
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Old 01-29-2017, 10:10 PM
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That is disgraceful to say the least! Send 'er back!
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Old 01-29-2017, 10:32 PM
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Originally Posted by loeman View Post
Good luck to you 686357. I sincerely hope that all that is wrong is made right.

Your experience has reaffirmed my long standing gun purchase policy. SHOP LOCAL AND SHOP FTF. I only buy used and I know this puts severe limitations on what I can buy, but my mistakes and disappointments will be on me. However, I'm fortunate to live in an area with numerous LGSs and pawn shops. If they don't have what I want right now, they will later.
This. There's no way this could sit on a LGS shelf.
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Old 01-29-2017, 10:45 PM
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Looks like Bubba got himself a new job working for Smith & Wesson. Lucky him.
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Old 01-30-2017, 09:46 AM
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Man.

I'm toying with the idea of buying a new 686 from the same website vs buying the exact same thing at my LGS.

Problem is, my LGS wants $160 more than grabagun, not to mention the 7% sales tax for my beloved state. Is it really worth over $200 just to see a "brand new" gun first??
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Old 01-30-2017, 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Mumbly-Peg View Post
Man.

I'm toying with the idea of buying a new 686 from the same website vs buying the exact same thing at my LGS.

Problem is, my LGS wants $160 more than grabagun, not to mention the 7% sales tax for my beloved state. Is it really worth over $200 just to see a "brand new" gun first??
It would be to me. Like someone else said, a gun like the OP's would never make the shelf at an LGS.
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Old 01-30-2017, 12:50 PM
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As time goes on the worst is yet to come. Hey but look at it this way this kind of thing just increases the value of our older S&W guns.
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Old 01-30-2017, 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr.Harry View Post
It would be to me. Like someone else said, a gun like the OP's would never make the shelf at an LGS.
I just wonder if it's worth rolling the dice and leaning on S&W if the gun ends up being a dud. I'm interested in seeing how this turns out.
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Old 01-30-2017, 03:07 PM
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Total sympathy for the OP. Various viable solutions offered - my only recommendation is to press on, don't settle.

I've noticed some uneven finishes on stainless guns but have never had any serious problems. Yes, using Flitz, and gently using gray and white (never green) Scotch-Bright pads, you can bring a finish around to looking "tumbled" and being even all over. But it is a lot of work, and shouldn't be needed. For the record, I do not like a smooth/shiny stainless gun (as happens if you use a lot of Flitz or, heaven forbid, a buffing wheel) and I think that shiny finish detracts from the value of the gun.

Nothing wrong with a Ruger! My old GP-100 SS was about as honest and work-like a gun as you ever did see. Accurate, too.
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Old 01-30-2017, 03:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mumbly-Peg View Post
Man.

I'm toying with the idea of buying a new 686 from the same website vs buying the exact same thing at my LGS.

Problem is, my LGS wants $160 more than grabagun, not to mention the 7% sales tax for my beloved state. Is it really worth over $200 just to see a "brand new" gun first??
Almost every internet dealer says -- paraphrased here -- "refuse delivery if gun damaged. If you accept it from the FFL, it is your (used) gun and your remedy is through the manufacturer."

So the answer is, check grabagun's web page, but you can buy from them (or any of the other bulk dealers) and get a good price, but inspect carefully...
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Old 01-30-2017, 05:59 PM
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I wouldn't be happy with that one either. I'm not even convinced that they function test them before they leave they factory. I bought a 442 pro last May, it would fire 2 or three times then would not function . Sent back and they replaced the hand .
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Old 01-30-2017, 09:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 686357 View Post
Dan, numerous people have shared the same with me over the last two days - how has one of America's oldest and most respected firearm manufacturers put out a vast lot of of rear sight blades that my five-year-old would reject?
Because they had a four year old inspecting them. Just a guess.

Sadly, to often all the worker sees is the time clock and a pay check.
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Old 01-30-2017, 10:39 PM
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I called S&W CS this morning, explained, got shipping label and shipped it to them. I noted the overall finish, unpolished area, rear sight and turn line issue.

Last edited by 686357; 01-30-2017 at 10:41 PM.
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