629 Classic - defects

[flatlanderia]

Just received my new 629 classic 6.5”. I’ve noticed a couple things 1) there is a small burr on the inside of the frame and 2) there is no laser etch for ‘629 classic’ on the right side of barrel. Actually, if I get the light just right I can see it but it’s almost imperceptible and incomplete. Should I send this 629 back to s&w?

 

[Yendor357]

In the time it took me to put that revolver in a box, I could have that tiny burr removed. So I wouldn’t send it back.

Some people don’t like the markings on the barrel, and remove them. So that one is up to you. If you want the lettering, you’re going to have to send it back.

Unless some other issue shows up, I’d Load and Fire.

 

[ladder13]

Send it back.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Wow, and that's a brand spankin' new Model 629 Classic?! It appears that S&W's QA is slipping dramatically. As Yendor357 says, that burr could be quickly removed...but I wouldn't expect to have to deburr a brand new S&W revolver after paying $1K+. You might expect that with a much less expensive Charter Arms revolver, but not a quality S&W. And the barrel etching is atrocious! I would definitely contact S&W Customer Service and send them some pictures, at least to inform them of the condition that you received your revolver. If we don't provide feedback and our dissatisfaction to S&W about quality issues, things won't change. If you can't stomach the light etching, by all means send it back for a replacement revolver or a rework. Good luck!

 

[flatlanderia]

Correct, brand new right out of the box.

 

[Gunz50]

I would consider calling them and getting them to send me a pickup ticket and have them fix any issues with the revolver. It will be totally on their dime and hopefully it will be returned in the proper as new condition that it should have been when it left the factory. No real reason not to have them take care of it other than the time you will be without it

 

[stansdds]

This seems to be S&W's QC department, that is, whoever buys it is the final QC inspector. Sad.

 

[s&wchad]

What's the revision level (629-_)?
Where did you buy it?

The polishing marks don't look factory. Post a photo of the end label.

 

[flatlanderia]

629-6, s&w confirmed new production and sold by SMGA.
They sent a label should I decide to send back.

 

[-BTM-]

Unless you are experienced at deburring I’d send it back. Personally I like it without the etching.

 

[flatlanderia]

I decided to spend a little time and I was able to remove the burr. I also think I’ll keep the right barrel side ‘clean’ and removed the little remaining ‘629 classic’ mark.

 

[minconrevo]

That's a really poor job of electro etching. I've done it on 100's of barrels and guns. If it were mine, it would be going back. The recoil shield burr, if that were the only issue, I would carefully fix it myself. Look the whole gun over very closely; where there are 2 deficiencies there may be 3 or more.

 

[flatlanderia]

Good point on looking for other problems. I’ve gone through everything in can think of to visual and function check, everything seems good. Barrel alignment, timing, lockup (super tight), gap, etc all seems great. The rear sight is all the way down but I’ll just see when I test fire if that’s where it should stay.

 

[joebuck]

S&W's revolver line is a production mess right now. They really need to get back to basics and stop making so much plastic junk guns.

 

[LostintheOzone]

That's pretty bad but I think many come from the factory like that these days. I think if you want good quality you need to drop back to before 1970.

Personally that's why I don't buy anything of new manufacture anymore unless I can inspect it.

I'd just shoot it and remember that the next time you buy a S&W.

 

[stansdds]

S&W's revolver line is a production mess right now. They really need to get back to basics and stop making so much plastic junk guns.

It's business, they make what sells and has the better profit margin.

 

[jackmoineau]

I’ve learned my lesson with a recent purchase too, next time I’ll buy second hand or (more) carefully inspect it before purchase. Sad that quality standards are not we could expect from S&W.

 

[Jul]

It's a hit or miss. If it was mine I would send it back.