A SHOUT-OUT TO SMITH AND WESSON REPAIR SERVICE

[Erv]

In February my 686-4 trigger quit resetting. I had bought it new in 1997, an email to S&W and I received a pre-paid mailing label along with instructions to FEDX it to Springfield, Mass. They let me know when the received it and who signed for it. Now if you send one in don't get in a hurry! It was returned about 2 months later with a new trigger, new cylinder bolt lock, all new springs and a trip to the Precision Center for a final check up and shooting. Total cost to me, around $172. The revolver is as new and shoots like a dream. All parts were half price and the only labor charge was $60 for the PC to shoot and check it out. There is a company that stands behind their product.....now if I could only shoot worth a hoot. At 82 it comes back slowly!
Rex

 

[Baxter6551]

Glad your revolver was repaired to your satisfaction but don't they have a lifetime warranty ? You are the original owner. In my opinion it should have been repaired and shipped back no charge. However, maybe I'm living in the past ?
I'm sure others will be along to offer their opinions.

 

[Erv]

This was do to normal wear not poor material or workmanship.
I may be old but I shoot a lot!

 

[luvsmiths]

Glad your revolver was repaired to your satisfaction but don't they have a lifetime warranty ? You are the original owner. In my opinion it should have been repaired and shipped back no charge. However, maybe I'm living in the past ?
I'm sure others will be along to offer their opinions.

You want MY opinion?
LOL.....

 

[rwsmith]

Either warranty or repair, I'm glad you had a good experience because they are geting harder to find nowadays. I always got prompt attention on my warranty jobs.

 

[stansdds]

Happy to hear that S&W's service department took good care of your well used revolver.

 

[Sevens]

A 686-4 was definitely sold new with a lifetime warranty. There is no normal wear & tear that makes it stop working and not covered by warranty.

I am glad that you are satisfied with the service you got, but S&W owes you $172. That's exactly what they offered when they sold that revolver in 1997.

 

[toad67]

Yes, the lifetime warranty should have covered it, but for $175 bucks, is it worth arguing over? With the price of shipping nowadays, as well as the hourly rate of a decent gunsmith, plus parts and return shipping, if you're happy with it, congrats. I'd be happy too!!

 

[mrchick]

A 686-4 was definitely sold new with a lifetime warranty. There is no normal wear & tear that makes it stop working and not covered by warranty.

I am glad that you are satisfied with the service you got, but S&W owes you $172. That's exactly what they offered when they sold that revolver in 1997.

A lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship is not a lifetime free service contract. I am a Service Manager for a large manufacturer (not firearm related) and run into this misunderstanding often. People often do not want to pay for something that is actually maintenance because it is, "covered by warranty ". I think S&W treated the O.P. well.

 

[Erv]

I was treated well, am happy as a hog, now if this old man with poor eyes and arthritis in both hands could just learn to shoot again. Man, you can sure loose a lot by just laying off for a couple of months. On the bright side, look at how many high priced primers I saved.

 

[65Whelen]

Any mechanical device/product is going to have normal wear and tear. Not to many companies are still supporting a product after 28 years of service. We live in an age of, they don't build them to fix them, if it brakes buy a new one.

Kudos to S&W.

 

[RebCop]

They are great , I sent them a M28-2 with a broken hammer pin. They sent me back a brand new looking M28-2.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

This was do to normal wear not poor material or workmanship.
I may be old but I shoot a lot!

What was the round count?

 

[Erv]

I don't know the round count. I retired 25 years ago and the only hobby I had at the time was to get up every morning that the weather allowed and shoot 50 rounds or so just for fun. I've melted a lot of lead and poured a lot of bullets. Components were relatively cheap back then. It has had a workout as the cylinder bolt replacement would indicate. They also took the end shake out of the cylinder. Unlike most everyone else, I only own one handgun. This is the one that takes all of the use and abuse.
Rex

 

[stansdds]

"Beware the man who only has one gun. He probably knows how to use it!" - Clint Smith

 

[Baxter6551]

With further information provided, I stand corrected.

 

[cowboy94916]

I have a 66,, with lock that that Smith really impressed me with turnaround and how they handled it. My close friend passed away back during covid and he had always asked me to help his wife dispose of his collection. So I did as promised. We sold everything to friends of his or his old customers. Well the 66 was sold and two days later the individual brought it back saying the barrel was bulged. We refunded him. My friends wife said to me its broke, why don't you keep it, get it fixed as a keepsake from my buddy. He had already left me a 625 Lew horton 3",so I declined, but there was no arguing with her on the matter.
I called Smith, explained the situation to them, they sent me a shipper label and indicated there would be charges, as i was not the original owner. So off it went and I waited for a call or email on the charges.
Well two weeks later I received the 66 back, nicely repaired, with a note as to work done. No bill just a note. I was impressed to say the least