I bought this model 66-8 recently from Buds. It is supposed to be NIB, and I'm going to give Buds the benefit of the doubt. This is my second S&W firearm (first being a Shield), and my second revolver.
I didn't really expect a show gun, but I was hoping for a range toy that would be more pleasant to shoot than my LCR while still looking good when cleaned up.
That being said, the finish and QC on this gun seems terrible and I'm debating contacting S&W and seeing what, if anything, can be done. Unfortunately it was already transferred so there's no chance Buds will refund or exchange. Are any of these issues common on the newer S&W guns, particularly the 66-8? I own quite a few guns and this is the worst shape I've ever seen a NIB gun come in. Here's what I'm seeing:
-It has the satin finish, and there are spots on the gun where the finish is worn down and looks more reflective. Again, this gun is supposed to be NIB, so it shouldn't have any use wear.
-There is powder residue along 3 of the cylinders, probably from test firing, that I haven't been able to get off yet.
-There are small gouges on the outside of two of the cylinder openings (one of the dirty ones, and one of the clean ones).
-The "C" of "Combat" is too deeply engraved (almost gouged), while the "num" in "Magnum" is very faint, with the "u" being all but invisible.
-The satin finish is blotchy and uneven around the barrel.
-On the side of the gun (don't know the terminology) without the cylinder release, there is some kind of dent or gouge in the seam that runs down between the back of the cylinder and the grip.
I haven't shot it yet, and I'm sure it shoots fine, but I wanted to get input from people with experience with S&W firearms before exploring options. Thanks.
I didn't really expect a show gun, but I was hoping for a range toy that would be more pleasant to shoot than my LCR while still looking good when cleaned up.
That being said, the finish and QC on this gun seems terrible and I'm debating contacting S&W and seeing what, if anything, can be done. Unfortunately it was already transferred so there's no chance Buds will refund or exchange. Are any of these issues common on the newer S&W guns, particularly the 66-8? I own quite a few guns and this is the worst shape I've ever seen a NIB gun come in. Here's what I'm seeing:
-It has the satin finish, and there are spots on the gun where the finish is worn down and looks more reflective. Again, this gun is supposed to be NIB, so it shouldn't have any use wear.
-There is powder residue along 3 of the cylinders, probably from test firing, that I haven't been able to get off yet.
-There are small gouges on the outside of two of the cylinder openings (one of the dirty ones, and one of the clean ones).
-The "C" of "Combat" is too deeply engraved (almost gouged), while the "num" in "Magnum" is very faint, with the "u" being all but invisible.
-The satin finish is blotchy and uneven around the barrel.
-On the side of the gun (don't know the terminology) without the cylinder release, there is some kind of dent or gouge in the seam that runs down between the back of the cylinder and the grip.
I haven't shot it yet, and I'm sure it shoots fine, but I wanted to get input from people with experience with S&W firearms before exploring options. Thanks.
