My one gripe with S&W

[tylerlayne]

My one problem with Smith & Wesson is I bought a .22 cal target pistol new from a authorized dealer. The pistol worked great for 6 months but then the firing pin started striking the casing so far on the edge of the rim that it would cause a misfire and bend the casing to where it would not eject. If I fired 10 rounds it would happen on at least 2. I tried 5 different brands of ammo and it still happened with all brands. I sent the pistol to S&W to be repaired under warranty. After about a month they returned the firearm stating they had fixed the problem. I took the pistol to the range and the same thing happened. So I contacted S&W and they said to send the firearm back and they would check and repair the problem. I asked them to put some rounds through it and they would see the problem I was having. About a month later they contacted me and said they had repaired the problem and they were sending it back to me. Again I take it to the range and same problem. Again I tried several different brands of ammo and same problem. I again contacted S&W and told them i was still having the same issue and again ask them to please fire some rounds and they would see the problem. I even sent some of the misfired bent rounds that I had to pry out of the chamber that had been jammed. Again about a month later they contacted me saying they fixed the problem and were returning the pistol to me. Well you guessed it I took it to the range and the same problem. I contacted S&W for the 4th time and they refused to work on it again. So for the past 4 years I have not even taken it out of the blue plastic case. From what I remember I paid over $400. for it and was only able to use it for maybe 6 months. I have other S&W pistols that I never had a problem with. The way they handled the one problem I had is the gripe I have about them . They could not have fired the pistol any of the 3 times I sent it to be repaired. I don't know, maybe they don't have a facility to fire the weapon but it seem like they should.

 

[Jakerin]

I’ve only had one issue that caused me to send back a new gun for warranty work and it was returned fixed within two weeks along with two targets they’d used firing it. The distance to the targets wasn’t listed though. If I had your gun (and liked i) I’d take it to a smithy and get it fixed.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I had a 2206 I bought new and couldn’t get through a magazine without multiple stovepipes and or failures to eject. I sent it in several times and finally stuck it in the back of my safe and eventually traded it. I’ve had one or two other issues with a couple of other guns but they’ve taken care of the problem in a timely manner.

You might contact your consumer protection agency in your state. Many states have lemon laws. I’m in Tennessee and got a car replaced under the lemon law back in the 80’s.

 

[4T5GUY]

My one problem with Smith & Wesson is I bought a .22 cal target pistol new from an authorized dealer. From what I remember I paid over $400. for it and was only able to use it for maybe 6 months.

Just wondering exactly what new S&W target pistol you got for over $400.00. (?)

Jim

 

[tylerlayne]

Its a 22A-1

 

[glenwolde]

I have one of those and, of course, mine's been great. As accurate as my High Standard and it's favorite ammo is Remington Golden Bullets.

The slide is very easy to disassemble. Could you post a picture of a fired case? They quit making that some years ago and I don't think S&W has parts anymore.

I wonder if I put your slide on my gun if the problem would repeat.

 

[glenwolde]

I found this interesting....I would have used duct tape....

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXQRG1GqS7k[/ame]

 

[IAM Rand]

I have 2 22A's but, not that kind. They have the bull barrel. I have some issues with the feed ramp but, not with light strikes. Odd, I would think that they would at least give you credit toward another gun.

 

[tylerlayne]

I have one of those and, of course, mine's been great. As accurate as my High Standard and it's favorite ammo is Remington Golden Bullets.

The slide is very easy to disassemble. Could you post a picture of a fired case? They quit making that some years ago and I don't think S&W has parts anymore.

I wonder if I put your slide on my gun if the problem would repeat.

I will look in the box and see if I still have one of the casings. It has been several years since I have had the gun out. Its in it box in my gun safe.

 

[tylerlayne]

I found this interesting....I would have used duct tape....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXQRG1GqS7k

I will try that on mine and take it to the range next time I go. I really liked shooting it until the problems started.

 

[wproct]

That's a really good video that glenwolde posted! I briefly owned one of this model of Smith & Wesson pistols. After shooting it and disassembling it for cleaning I will just say that I was not impressed with the design and materials. It became trading stock rather quickly. I now own a newer model, the Victory, and like the design and materials much better.

 

[glenwolde]

That's a really good video that glenwolde posted! I briefly owned one of this model of Smith & Wesson pistols. After shooting it and disassembling it for cleaning I will just say that I was not impressed with the design and materials. It became trading stock rather quickly. I now own a newer model, the Victory, and like the design and materials much better.

I don't disagree, but mine has so far proven reliable over the past ten years and thousands of rounds. When I bought it I did not expect all that much out of it. A whole lot of aluminum in these guns.

 

[tylerlayne]

I don't disagree, but mine has so far proven reliable over the past ten years and thousands of rounds. When I bought it I did not expect all that much out of it. A whole lot of aluminum in these guns.

I believe your last sentence says it all. Aluminum wears much faster than steel. I forgot to mention that mine also jammed alot. When it would fire the next round would jam between the chamber and the slide. Sometimes with the round halfway in the chamber. It was way more aggravating than fun to shoot. I did not shoot it that much before I started having problems with it either. I doubt I put 500 rounds through it.

 

[chief38]

I would call them and ask to speak with a SENIOR SUPERVISOR or the GENERAL MANAGER. Explain your problem and make sure to send them clear and close up pictures of your pistol's misfirings and of the bullets that did not fire. Send them as many photos as necessary to make it crystal clear you are having a distinct, real and recurring issue that they have never fixed.

Be polite and request that if they are incapable of fixing the issue just please refund your money in FULL! At this point I would not even want a new gun of the same or similar model! If you do get your money back, go get a Ruger Mark 4 and a Volquartsen trigger kit.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I have the 22S and it has honestly done yeoman service for 20 years. I am surprised that you had this problem. At first, I assumed that you were talking about a 22 Victory. I hope you find a work around.

 

[McChemist]

I’ve only had one issue that caused me to send back a new gun for warranty work and it was returned fixed within two weeks along with two targets they’d used firing it. The distance to the targets wasn’t listed though. If I had your gun (and liked i) I’d take it to a smithy and get it fixed.

I have owned a Shield Plus for 4-5 yrs. No problems. As to sights, based on my experience with a M&P9C 2.0, I replaced the white dot stock sights with Truglo Pro sights. Nice and bright for my 75 yo eyes. Did that for my M&P45 LE.

Given the S&W obvious and severe Customer Service/Warranty Repair issues, I reccomend going to a reputable gun smith for repair and resolution. I would then write a registered respectful letter to the S&W CEO, President, and Chairman of the Board detailing the problems you have had without successful resolution. I would also include a copy of the gun smith's invoice and respectfully request reimbursement. Bigwugs hate to hear about and deal with problems that should have been resolved at some level below their exalted position. You might also cc the Governor of TN and the TN consumer affairs department. I am sure that they will "enjoy" hearing about consumer abuse by a company that tax dollars attracted to TN.

Good luck.