New 617 cosmetic defect - Is this OK?

[andyo5]

Personally I would want a new gun that did not have manufacturing defects as obvious as this. I'm becoming convinced that manufacturers now figure that if it isn't something that could result in a lawsuit, "ship it" is the rule. They will hope that nobody complains, but will replace it if they do.
Can you imagine the fallout that would result if you posted this photo with a note saying that they refused to replace it? Their reputation would be damaged, and they know it.
But if you feel that it is a 'rare' gun because of this, then by all means keep it.

 

[PMRet]

I would ask two questions: (1) Is the gun smooth and accurate? If not, send it back. If so, at least consider keeping it, because the replacement you get may not shoot as well. (2) Does the double stamp bother you to the point where you have to rationalize keeping it? If so, send it back, because you'll eventually wish you had. If not, base your decision on the answer to question #1.

 

[jughed440]

looks as though they have moved every inspection dept. employee to the production line to meet the new demand on handguns.

 

[Camster]

Has anyone seen a full time inspector at any stage of the manufacturing process?or are the line workers supposed to catch problems?
I'm thinking that guns go from work station to work station,get a quick test fire,then straight into a box.
I've been buying new Smiths since 1998.Too many have had to go back for an obvious reason.Sure,they're happy to address the problem,but is it that cost effective to ship guns and have them bounce back?

 

[Dave from Pa]

Send it back,double stamp adds no value in my opinion.Local shop had a mis marked 686,same mis mark.Tried to sell it with no takers.Be advised they will probably send a new gun and ser.#,you will have to go through the transfer process again.

 

[campfire]

By accepting the gun the way it is you are sending a message to Smith & Wesson that it is ok to produce workmanship of lesser quality and the customer’s wont mind.
I remember the sickening feeling I had when my new 617-6 arrived with a canted barrel. Had to get my local gunsmith to centre it straight away
I wouldn’t accept the double stamp but thats just me.
Campfire

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

You may wish to get that one factory lettered-if that was from the factory rather than aftermarket it could be quite valuable

 

[InTheWoods]

There will never be a high-dollar market in defective Smith and Wessons. From reading the posts on this forum, there are WAY too many defective Smiths to consider them remotely rare! lol!

BTW, I must just be lucky because all mine look great. If that were my revolver, I would send it back.

 

[gwalchmai]

If a double stamp adds collector value why doesn't S&W just double stamp a bunch of them and sell them at a premium?

 

[wproct]

It's your revolver and your choice. I bought a new Ruger GP100 a year ago, and the serial number stamp on it runs uphill, but otherwise, the revolver was perfect. I kept it.

However, when and if I sell it, I don't think it will add value, if anything it will probably detract from it. Please let us know what you decide to do.

 

[brucev]

I would be very pleased to have such a oddity.

 

[O2Guy]

If it shot tight groups ,I would keep it.If not ,back it goes.

Problem solved.

 

[Smokin' Iron]

By accepting the gun the way it is you are sending a message to Smith & Wesson that it is ok to produce workmanship of lesser quality and the customer’s wont mind.
I remember the sickening feeling I had when my new 617-6 arrived with a canted barrel. Had to get my local gunsmith to centre it straight away
I wouldn’t accept the double stamp but thats just me.
Campfire

Your not the only one, I would send it back. These stories are getting far too common.

 

[Dragon88]

I don't mean to be a jerk, but is your picture a Photoshop? The second stamp does not have the same lighting characteristics as the first stamp, and seems to be a layer superimposed over the real roll mark. If I Photoshopped a "double stamp" and didn't carefully combine the lighting and shadows of the two, it would look exactly like that.

???

 

[fishcreekrim]

It looks like a double stamp to me, I have never seen one on a firearm but I have on a wrench, and the wrench will look photo shopped when you are holding it in your hand.

 

[markush]

I probably shouldn't be replying right now cause I'm a little grumpy...First let me say if you don't like it sent it back! You won't find anyone on this forum (a Smith & Wesson enthusiasts forum at that) that will pay you extra for that mess up. If they do, take the money pocket the extra and buy another new one.

Second and this is the grumpiness coming out...I have missed a gouge running down the rifling inside the barrel of a new Smith (who would have thought you'd have to bring a bore light when picking up a brand new gun) but, to miss that billboard of a mess up...really?

 

[Tyrod]

I have a brand new M60 with the same roll marks running slightly up hill. I've seen pics here from another member with a new M60 with the same problem.

[/IMG]

 

[BlueOvalBandit]

I'm in the photochop camp as well, it just looks off.....

 

[Camster]

If you found yours in a gun shop,and a perfect one sitting next to it,would there be any question which one you would buy?

 

[Pote]

I don't mean to be a jerk, but is your picture a Photoshop? The second stamp does not have the same lighting characteristics as the first stamp, and seems to be a layer superimposed over the real roll mark. If I Photoshopped a "double stamp" and didn't carefully combine the lighting and shadows of the two, it would look exactly like that.

???

THIS!! I agree 100%...I do PS retouches for a living and that one is highly suspect...shadows, highlights and the areas where the roll actually intersect..DO NOT intersect as if it would being double stamped. I'm still calling bluff!!!