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...