Glad you got it back safe and sound. I'm afraid we're stuck with these kinds of scenarios and reports until the company commits to fully funding and professionally staffing their repair/service facilities. My fear is that if this current situation prevails, shooters will begin to look elsewhere when considering a new firearm.
The good news about stainless steel is that it is a piece of cake to re-hab without the risk of shipping. and without all the aggravation and expense. Disassembly, soaking, cleaning and re-finishing is not a chore, and can be done without expensive tools and equipment.
Here's an old 5906 that was born March 6, 1992. A victim of an abusive PD and it's environment, it looked horrible when I got it. Heavy oxidation on the sights and under the grip, covered in horrible scratches and dings, full of gummy lubricants and shooting debris.
A couple of hours of hand labor, a silica shower, and approx $50 in replacement parts, including new grips, and voila, it's good as new.
Carter
