Shipping back to S&W

I have the return label to ship my pistol back to S&W, and my question is how is the best way to pack the pistol?

Do you use one box, box in a box? In a pistol bag in a box? I know I am probably over thinking this.

Just looking for some advice from someone who has done it.

Thanks,
Ed

Bubble wrap, taped securely so it cannot open, then in a box with extra padding so it cannot move within. A soft case or the factory box and a cushioned outer box would also work, but you may not get them back.

Shipping and mailing

If you are not sure how to do this, go to a local mailing and shipping service. They will properly pack it or give you instructions on how to pack it.... if its not done correctly the company may not accept it or worse refuse to honor a claim in event of a lost or stolen shipment. They can also advise you as to the best way to send it, so that the shipment may be tracked and insured for loss. The post office has no way to track and if lost its not thier responsibilty. There are a lot of rules you have to know about and you don't want to mess up and lose a valuble gun in shipment. Make very sure it is NOT LOADED... that's like a Federal no-no. After this first time you will know how to do it yourself. Good luck....gary
Also don't forget to send it so that someone at S & W has to sign for it thus proving the shipment was recieved

murphydog said:

Bubble wrap, taped securely so it cannot open, then in a box with extra padding so it cannot move within. A soft case or the factory box and a cushioned outer box would also work, but you may not get them back.

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I just returned and subsequently had returned after repair a S&W revolver.
At their website regarding returns it says to pack in original box if available - otherwise the info above is valid.
Also, they did return in my original box - FWIW.

Have sent back to them a couple times, and used the factory case the last few times. I package that in another box with padding around it to cushion it. Received back in the factory box each time so far. Be sure to remove everything else from the factory case, except for the styrofoam. For semi-auto don't include a mag. either, unless you are having troubles possibly related to magazines.

Keep in mind you cannot ship it via the US Postal Service. In fact possession of a handgun in a Post Office is a crime in most (all?) states.

Fedex or UPS will take it, but they make you ship it the highest priority overnight, which is lame and expensive. But it is what it is...

EJFRANZ said:

I have the return label to ship my pistol back to S&W, and my question is how is the best way to pack the pistol?

Do you use one box, box in a box? In a pistol bag in a box? I know I am probably over thinking this.

Just looking for some advice from someone who has done it.

Thanks,
Ed

Click to expand...

This was in your email - just follow it and you won't end up in jail - call S&W with questions.

*** Please note your pre-paid label can be found at the bottom of this email. ***

1) Prepare your firearm for shipment:
Put your firearm in the factory box or a sturdy cardboard box with cushioning. Remove all other items & accessories from the box that are not needed for repair. (Do not send wood presentation boxes or metal cases) Include all magazines if it is a misfire, extraction, ejection, or feeding issue.

Include your name, physical shipping address (No P.O. Boxes), daytime phone number, and the reason why you are returning the firearm on a piece of paper inside of the factory box.

For Express handgun shipments, use a FedEx Box (free of charge from a FedEx Customer Center) or a sturdy shipping box. Do not reuse cartons that bear an ORM-D marking or old address labeling.

Please note: do not ship any ammunition with a firearm!
Securely seal your shipping box and apply the return shipping label.

Important: Write down the tracking number and save it as a reference. Smith & Wesson insures authorized returns, and will process claims for replacement in the unlikely event the package should become lost.

2) FedEx Shipping: Firearms may be shipped from:
FedEx Daily Pickup Accounts

FedEx World Service Centers Go to fedex.com or call (800) 463-3339 for locations.

Call for a Pickup (800)-463-3339 … between 7:30am and 9:30pm EST.

* When the recorded greeting starts, Press 9 to access the Premier Customer Service Program.
* At the prompt, key in acct 999 999 944
* Record your pickup number … it will serve as a receipt.

Firearms may not be shipped at FedEx Office, KINKOS or FedEx Drop Boxes

FedEx requires that you verbally inform the receiving FedEx employee that a package contains a firearm.

If package is dropped off at a FedEx World Service Center, be sure to ask for a receipt.

3) Return Shipment to You: Requires an Adult Signature. Federal regulations prohibit a driver from leaving a firearm unless an adult receives it, so you must not sign the “Driver Release” section of the Delivery Notice that FedEx uses to notify you of an attempted delivery.
That’s all you have to do - Smith & Wesson will pay the shipping cost for you!
It’s another feature and benefit of the Smith & Wesson Advantage™!

505Gibbs said:

I just returned and subsequently had returned after repair a S&W revolver.
At their website regarding returns it says to pack in original box if available - otherwise the info above is valid.
Also, they did return in my original box - FWIW.

Click to expand...

Good info. I'd worry about an older gun, with a cardboard box and vapor paper only, and all the rubbing and such during shipment, but the newer boxes with foam padding look pretty protective.

Call S&W and they will send you a FED-X shipping label.Put the gun in the factory box or a padded box and call FED-X;they will come to your house and pick it up,all FREE! It's so easy even a caveman can do it.

Depends on were you live. I have to take firearms to the UPS warehouse or FEDEX direct. You do have to send it overnight but smith and Wesson pays and bill.

On it's way back to S&W via FedEx. It seems the FedEx small laptop shipping box is just the right size for a Plano single pistol case. Now I wait....

Ed

BTW - whats wrong with the weapon in question?

The tritium insert came out of the front sight. S&W wanted me to send it back in to be fixed. From what I understand, not an unusual problem with SD's..

Ed

A quick question for you guys. Does S&W let you know when they are shipping the weapon back to you? E-mail notice or something?

Ed

EJFRANZ said:

A quick question for you guys. Does S&W let you know when they are shipping the weapon back to you? E-mail notice or something?

Ed

Click to expand...

Not unless you call them.Usually they just say it's being fixed.Or,they give you a tracking number and you will see when it left S&W.

murphydog said:

Bubble wrap, taped securely so it cannot open, then in a box with extra padding so it cannot move within. A soft case or the factory box and a cushioned outer box would also work, but you may not get them back.

Click to expand...

DITTO ! ! DON'T SEND A ZIPPERED CASE......

They DID NOT notify me. I called a couple days after I know it was received, they told me it was repaired, and that it would be 2 day FedEx the next day. I had to call back to get the tracking #.

In this day of technology, it wouldn't be hard to automate this process for excellence customer service verses guessing

I just received an e-mail telling me my pistol is on the way back with a tracking FedEx tracking number. Looks like they are getting better at keeping the customer updated on repairs and return shipping. Way to go S&W!

Ed