Just thought I'd share my latest experience dealing with the customer service folks at S&W.

I called their 800 number in late August to inquire about getting a new recoil spring guide rod assembly for my S&W Model 469. The original had worn around the edges where it mates with the barrel, and it was becoming difficult to reassemble the weapon.The gentleman at S&W checked, said that yes they had one, and said they would ship it to me no charge, the only caveat being that they had just come off of summer shutdown, and it would be a few weeks until I received it. I called them today to check on the progress, and the customer service rep quickly checked the order, and was able to tell me that it had shipped last Friday. I checked at the post office, and sure enough, it was sitting in my mailbox.
A bit of a wait, but considering the backlog they must have after shutdown (not to mention that I was getting it FREE), I'm very pleased with the service. Providing free replacement parts for a weapon made late 1987? That's taking care of the customer.
I love my 469, and will be a die-hard S&W fan til they box me up and bury me.

Thanks for the info fly guy. I have been dealing with them for thirty years now and have been very pleased with smiths service.