M41 Performance Centre, QC issues ?

[leinster lad]

Hi Guys, just after your opinion on these couple of photos of my M14 PC.
Irregular wear on the breech block, where it slides over the hammer.
Poor machining on the inside surface of the slide.

Should I be concerned ? Or am I just being fussy ?

 

[Tom S.]

Tough call. I'm sure S&W would say it's normal but it would make me upset. Now I have to go look at mine.

 

[leinster lad]

Once I get the barrel replaced, I might do a bit of "blue-printing" "tuning" and "Polishing" myself.

 

[Barrie]

I would be upset with my 41 also if it was displaying marks like that especially for what they cost nowadays. Yes I would also call S&W to speak to them about replacing it for sure.

 

[Camster]

My 1998 M41 doesn't show that wear pattern on the inner slide/frame side wear.

 

[BUFF]

If you are unhappy, call them and send it back. If it functions, they may do nothing. They aren't too concerned with the cosmetic finish of the non-visible internals if the gun works.

They sure don't make 'em like they used to, but I am afraid, if they did, few of us could afford them!

 

[leinster lad]

That "mark" on the inside of the slide is actually a raised area of metal, like that face was not finished off properly from machining.
The pistol works very very well ( if you don't count the bullet tumbling issue)
I've put at least a 1000 rounds ( CCI standard ) thru it and would have had a max of 6 FTF, FTE.
So it is a very reliable firearm.
My concerns are that for a "premium grade" pistol, the finish in some areas is down right amature.
I also have a Sig P226 x5 L1 and the fit and finish on it is amazing.
Just what I would expect from a premium grade pistol.

It's like comparing a new S class Mercedes Benz with a 1976 Pinto ..........

How is it that a premium grade S&W pistol can have these issues ??
Living in Australia does not help as the distributor does not even have stock.
I have been waiting for a replacement barrel ( tumbling issue ) for nearly 8 months now..... still waiting.
So the thought of sending it back "state side" sort of worries me time frame wise.

When the replacement barrel arrives, I will be sending the complete pistol to the distributor ( Grycol ) for assessment.
Pretty sure I know what the will say.......

 

[BUFF]

I think that with the aging and retiring and dying of S&W's old fitters and finishers, just about nothing they make now is guaranteed to be right when they ship it. The Performance Center isn't what is used to be, either. It used to build guns way above normal production standards but now, it seems they just make unusual variants of their standard products with non-standard features and call it good.

I know it's aggravating when an expensive product arrives in less-than-expected condition, especially in your case, where returning it to the factory is so difficult. I hope you find a solution.

Are you aware that when you type, you don't have an Australian accent?

 

[leinster lad]

"Are you aware that when you type, you don't have an Australian accent? "

And your American accent is quite subdued as well !

 

[leinster lad]

But I hear what you are saying.
I guess it would be easier to buy a new slide and breech ( and barrel while I am at it )
Then completely strip the frame, de-burr and polish.
Reassemble and at least know that it is now a lovely gun.

 

[leinster lad]

Shouldn't have too though........

I would expect it on a colt......... but I didn't buy a colt.....

 

[leinster lad]

Dons flame proof suit and grabs pop-corn

 

[Tom S.]

OK, I finally remembered to take mine out of the safe and look at it and it is showing no wear at all. To be honest I haven't shot it much, maybe 100 rounds, because I've been tied up on other projects, plus like many other parts of the nation it's been hot and sticky here. That stuff aside, your pistol definitely has issues.

 

[kidcom]

Hi Guys, just after your opinion on these couple of photos of my M14 PC.
Irregular wear on the breech block, where it slides over the hammer.
Poor machining on the inside surface of the slide.

Should I be concerned ? Or am I just being fussy ?


After reading your comments I decided to have a quick look at mine. It certainly doesn't look as worn as your slide is. I agree with everyone else that you should get S&W on the phone about this issue.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

leinster lad
Sorry to read/see your 41 problems. Poorer work than I have seen in a while, especially out of the "Performance Center", but S&W 41 quality problems have been reported here and RFC on production for the last several years. Basically a lack of consistency as it appears to be a random problem - not piece after piece when the basic process fails. problems with barrels, slides, extractors, ejectors and mags tend to pop upon a routine basis. Apparently a whole batch of mags were run out of spec one time. As noted elsewhere, doubtful that cosmetic items will get attention, but failures should be corrected by the factory. Good luck!!!!

 

[leinster lad]

***** UPDATE ****

So it looks like my replacement barrel has arrived in Aus ( only took 14 months )
Sent my M41 PC to the Aussie distributor yesterday.
Hopefully the new barrel is 100% and they can sort out the other QC issues that I have.

I'll keep you posted

 

[Tom S.]

***** UPDATE ****

So it looks like my replacement barrel has arrived in Aus ( only took 14 months )
Sent my M41 PC to the Aussie distributor yesterday.
Hopefully the new barrel is 100% and they can sort out the other QC issues that I have.

I'll keep you posted

14 months? Must have sent it by canoe!

 

[TheoW]

Army ignores S&W......

In today's news.....S&W was NOT asked by the US military to submit design for a new sidearm. Those that were selected were all foreign arms concerns. Quality being questioned?

 

[Tom S.]

In today's news.....S&W was NOT asked by the US military to submit design for a new sidearm. Those that were selected were all foreign arms concerns. Quality being questioned?

Naw, probably the Military wasn't interested in Model 41's. If they still made the Model 46, it might be a different story.

 

[leinster lad]

***** UPDATE ****

So it looks like my replacement barrel has arrived in Aus ( only took 14 months )
Sent my M41 PC to the Aussie distributor yesterday.
Hopefully the new barrel is 100% and they can sort out the other QC issues that I have.

I'll keep you posted

Contacted the Aussie distributor yesterday asking about my M41 PC.

He must have skipped the "communication classes" at management school ........

Anyways, after some gentle prodding it appears that they have....

replaced the barrel ( didn't say what they found wrong with the original )

replaced the bolt ( didn't say why )

repaired the slide ( didn't say what or why )

Hopefully I can get some more detailed info, maybe a copy of the work sheet ??

Will be test fired next week and returned to my LGS.

Fingers crossed she will now shoot like she is meant to