New Model 629 - Disappointing Finish

Handgunner00

Handgunner00

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Just bought a new Model 629 Classic and its stainless steel finish has obvious swirls and blemishes on the right side, especially in the plate between the grip and the cylinder and along the barrel. Recently, I've had major quality control issues with two other S&W handguns that went back to the factory under warranty, but are these cosmetic issues on my 629 today's S&W standard or are they yet another warranty repair obligation? The current 7-week turnaround time for warranty work, espoused by Customer Service, causes me to consider some home remedy for these 629 imperfections. Thoughts/suggestions/comments?
Thanks.
 
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I emphasize with you, but honestly it's the entire industry these days. Sent back a new Python last month and picked up a new Ruger Blackhawk yesterday. Got home and saw the rear sight looked jacked up. Couldn't press it down to the frame either. Took the assembly off, and the rear most spring was kinked outside of the pocket where it should sit. No earthly way that wouldn't have been noticed on assembly. The elevation screw wasn't even started into the frame... buyers are really secondary QC these days.

Called Ruger they are sending parts-

Good luck with the 629. I'm sure S&W will take care of you.
 
If you don't want to wait 2 months to get your gun back, you can try some Flitz (I think it's called). My 629 had some swirly marks on it when I took ownership of it (pre-owned) and I took advice of someone on this Forum and used my finger to work it around the gun and wiped it down with a clean cotton cloth (old tee shirt) and it surprisingly came out with a very smooth and near mirror-like finish. You didn't show any pictures but I would bet I know what you're talking about. Spending a few bucks for a tube and giving the gun a good rub down is worth a try compared to two+ months waiting to get your gun back. Just today I cleaned off some finger smears with a micro-fiber cloth. It shines nice for a stainless gun.
 
S&W Model 629 - Disappointing Finish

Flitz worked well. Thanks for the suggestion. It completely removed the blemishes on the barrel, and it reduced the swirls on the side plate to a few very faint streaks that are only visible under direct and intense lighting. I can live with this outcome. The S&W warranty on new handguns is now only one year and limited to the original owner. Couple this with a seven-week turnaround time for repairs under warranty and it's easy to conclude that S&W quality control is not a company priority.
 
My 626-6 had a lot of fine scratches when bought used. An evening in front of the boob tube with some Mothers and a soft cloth had it looking pretty good.

Larry

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Handgunner00 said:
Flitz worked well. Thanks for the suggestion. It completely removed the blemishes on the barrel, and it reduced the swirls on the side plate to a few very faint streaks that are only visible under direct and intense lighting. I can live with this outcome. The S&W warranty on new handguns is now only one year and limited to the original owner. Couple this with a seven-week turnaround time for repairs under warranty and it's easy to conclude that S&W quality control is not a company priority.
Click to expand...
While the finish is only warrantied for a year, the gun still comes with a life time service policy, meaning if it breaks, they will fix it.
 
S&W Safety and Instruction Manual - Revolvers, page 35, dated 2021, that accompanied the 7-22-2023 purchase of this Model 629: "Smith and Wesson firearms are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Any such defects of which Smith and Wesson receives written notice within one year from date of purchase by the original owner, will be remedied by Smith and Wesson without charge within a reasonable time after notification and delivery of the firearm as provided below."
 
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I have a 629-1 with some light swirls, its a part of its charm. I know it’s tempting to make it look good since its brand new and it would look better in pictures, but “if the truck is going to be used as a truck, swirls in the paint aint no big deal” to me at least.
 
In 1976 when I decided to become a cop my father took me out to buy my first revolver. We ended up kinda splitting the cost. My Dads only handgun was a Colt Scout 22 mag. So, the cost of a new Python , around 330 or so, if I remember right was a shock. Imagine my disappointment when I started elevating the rear sight and discovered the pin was drilled slanted. Very easy to see as it was way higher on one side than the other.
Colt fixed it, I don't remember how exactly. I didn't pay attention in those days. It looked new and they had a Tedford action job done to it for my trouble. Even in those days things slipped by. I have since learned to inspect the guns I buy as much as possible so I wont be surprised.
 
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Handgunner00 said:
S&W Safety and Instruction Manual - Revolvers, page 35, dated 2021, that accompanied the 7-22-2023 purchase of this Model 629: "Smith and Wesson firearms are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Any such defects of which Smith and Wesson receives written notice within one year from date of purchase by the original owner, will be remedied by Smith and Wesson without charge within a reasonable time after notification and delivery of the firearm as provided below."
Click to expand...
From the S&W Website:

Smith & Wesson’s Lifetime Service Policy begins after the warranty period has expired. Smith & Wesson will repair, without charge, for the lifetime of the original owner, any Smith & Wesson handgun purchased on or after February 1, 1989, and any M&P15 series rifle, that is found to have a defect in material or workmanship. Eligibility for this Lifetime Service Policy requires returning the Product Registration Card within 30 days of purchase. The Lifetime Service Policy covers functional defects; it does not include the firearm’s finish, grips, magazines or sights. The Lifetime Service Policy is in addition to and not an extension of the Smith & Wesson Warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights that vary from State to State.
Click to expand...
 
Handgunner00 said:
Just bought a new Model 629 Classic and its stainless steel finish has obvious swirls and blemishes on the right side, especially in the plate between the grip and the cylinder and along the barrel. Recently, I've had major quality control issues with two other S&W handguns that went back to the factory under warranty, but are these cosmetic issues on my 629 today's S&W standard or are they yet another warranty repair obligation? The current 7-week turnaround time for warranty work, espoused by Customer Service, causes me to consider some home remedy for these 629 imperfections. Thoughts/suggestions/comments?
Thanks.
Click to expand...

Pictures?? I would not know how to comment or offer a suggestion without first seeing the problem. :confused:

If you bought this at an LGS, why did you take possession if the gun had finish issues?

I ordered a Colt nickel 1911 once with a pinhead size defect in the nickel. Left it a dealer to send back to distributor
 
I have swirl marks all over my 686+ that I bought new. I got it as my work horse so it never bothered me.

My others smiths are actually pretty darn perfect.
 
At least it is only cosmetic. I am a huge Smith fan and collector of revolvers, but only 1990 or earlier.

On the other hand I bought a new 2023 S&W model 41 22 target model Performance Center semi auto. The only thing that worked was the mag release. Safety was stuck, would not cycle, could not manually rack the slide, could not take down the slide for cleaning. Like I said, the gun would not function at all. One issue ok, but nothing worked on this Performance center. How does a gun like this leave the factory?
 
Regarding the S&W warranty question from threads #9 and #12, the S&W Customer Service agent provided the following clarification: Both the one-year warranty period and the Lifetime Service Policy are cited in the published S&W Warranty statement. He agrees this is very confusing but clarifies that a factory defect in material or workmanship will be repaired if the firearm was purchased on or after Feb 1, 1989, for the lifetime of the original owner. Good news!
 
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