Bought my LAST new S&W revolver

[Greyman50]

Bought a new 610 mountain gun and first time shooting it the gold bead front sight went flying. Called S&W 3 times and they say they have the order " but shipping has a problem". and they have no idea when it will be shipped. I may have been born at night but not last night and for a $1200 revolver just unacceptable. Gold bead insert could be put in a first class envelope with sheet of paper folded over and in the mail. They also said they do not accept returned firearms so I'm done with S&W.

BTW bought a 70s Mdl. 63 yesterday and it was rough as a cob. Today removed side plate and Ray Charles could see the problems. After a hour with several stones and small fine cratex wheel its very nice and going to range tomorrow.

 

[jack the toad]

That's not good. Was it the gold bead itself or the entire front site?
If so, assuming blade was pinned?
I'm not familiar with the new revolvers, as have yet to see one. As if dove-tailed, pinned, screwed, glued, etc???
My understanding is everything S&W, including corporate is now in Tenn. Other than revolvers and M1854 lever that remain in Mass. So, whether now 2 warranty places or 1, but if not accepting retuned firearms, probably doesn't make much difference???

 

[SSGRock]

Do you mean they do not except firearms returned for warranty or repair? Or do you mean they do not except firearms returned for refund?

 

[GnarlsR2]

Bought a new 610 mountain gun and first time shooting it the gold bead front sight went flying. Called S&W 3 times and they say they have the order " but shipping has a problem". and they have no idea when it will be shipped. I may have been born at night but not last night and for a $1200 revolver just unacceptable. Gold bead insert could be put in a first class envelope with sheet of paper folded over and in the mail. They also said they do not accept returned firearms so I'm done with S&W.

BTW bought a 70s Mdl. 63 yesterday and it was rough as a cob. Today removed side plate and Ray Charles could see the problems. After a hour with several stones and small fine cratex wheel its very nice and going to range tomorrow.

"I'm done with S&W."

Is difficult to understand and shameful to read about a legendary 170-year old firearm manufacturer destroy its reputation and abandoning millions of loyal customers.

Is it incompetence, stupidity, and greed at the executive level?

 

[stansdds]

"I'm done with S&W."

Is difficult to understand and shameful to read about a legendary 170-year old firearm manufacturer destroy its reputation and abandoning millions of loyal customers.

Is it incompetence, stupidity, and greed at the executive level?

I think it is the result of more than one thing.

With CNC machining and MIM parts, there is less need for fitting, especially with semi-auto pistols. Where semi-auto pistols may be fine with being assembled from parts from a bin, revolver actions require more precision when it comes to tolerances. The old masters who took pride in their work are retired. Those who have taken their places are more parts assemblers and less masters at the art of fitting parts.

Then there is probably a production quota, so the assemblers have to churn out finished firearms whether they have been properly fitted or not. The more firearms that make it out the door and get sold, the more revenue for the company. As long as the warranty service does not significantly eat into the profit margin, it's ok to send to market less than acceptable firearms.

 

[rwsmith]

I've always had a great time finding and buying OLD S&Ws,

 

[AC4142]

I've always had a great time finding and buying OLD S&Ws,

"He was kinda funny lookin'" haha buscemi

 

[Greyman50]

That's not good. Was it the gold bead itself or the entire front site?
If so, assuming blade was pinned?
I'm not familiar with the new revolvers, as have yet to see one. As if dove-tailed, pinned, screwed, glued, etc???
My understanding is everything S&W, including corporate is now in Tenn. Other than revolvers and M1854 lever that remain in Mass. So, whether now 2 warranty places or 1, but if not accepting retuned firearms, probably doesn't make much difference???

Gold dot insert for front sight. Like a small flat head tack with the head gold plated. Small hole in rear face of front sight blade. Minute spot of loc-tite would have fixed it but as I posted they dont use loc-tite, give me a break….

 

[Greyman50]

Do you mean they do not except firearms returned for warranty or repair? Or do you mean they do not except firearms returned for refund?

They do not accept firearms for a Refund. Repair wait is at least 3 Months according to those I spoke with.
Why would one spend $1200 for anything and it become useless first use and expect to wait 3 months for a Simple Replacement part???????

 

[bobsguns]

Is it incompetence, stupidity, and greed at the executive level?

Yes.

 

[nhw]

I contacted S&W Customer Service by phone. They emailed me a return label. I packed it in the original box and put that inside another box. Sent in a 327 that had s barrel that became slightly misaligned over time. Plus you couldn't depress the rear sight enough to not have to use Kentucky Windage to hit where you wanted the bullet to go. It took about 6 weeks for repairs. The little revolver seems perfect now. The return was in February of 2025. So, at least in February of this year they accepted returns. Hi-Viz will sell you a selection of front sights for various S&W revolvers. I bought a fiber optic front sight for a 625 JM to replace the gold dot but decided I liked the gold dot better. This particular front sight (DX style) is held in by a spring and plunger arrangement. They make versions that use a very small roll pin. No idea where to obtain a new tiny roll pin. In pictures of the 610 Mountain Gun it kinda looks like it is the pinned version. Good luck!

 

[Greyman50]

No pin in the mountain gun 610. Small dia, hole with shaft of pin inserted. IMHO any Competent engineer, designer, assembler and especially QC would USE loc-tite in process.

 

[Dave Haynes]

With 49% ownership, Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ ...

Yahoo Finance
https://finance.yahoo.com › news › 49-ownership-smith...
Apr 16, 2025 — It looks like hedge funds own 6.2% of Smith & Wesson Brands shares. ... We can report that insiders do own shares in Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc..
People also ask
Who is the largest shareholder of Smith and Wesson?
Major shareholders: Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.

Name	Equities	%
BlackRock Advisors LLC 9.04 %	3,977,969	9.04 %
DFA Australia Ltd. 6.358 %	2,797,760	6.358 %
Renaissance Technologies LLC 5.993 %	2,636,874	5.993 %
Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Co. 5.928 %	2,608,677	5.928 %

 

[Greyman50]

Explains just about everything……….

 

[DETROIT]

They do not accept firearms for a Refund. Repair wait is at least 3 Months according to those I spoke with.
Why would one spend $1200 for anything and it become useless first use and expect to wait 3 months for a Simple Replacement part???????

What was the problem with shipping?

 

[Greyman50]

What was the problem with shipping?

Talked to 3 different " customer support" guys and none could explain the problem. I asked them why the small part could not be taped to a sheet of paper and mailed in a business envelope, no response. Go figure but I call BS, IMHO the truth is no one at S&W gives a rat azz. Sadly typical of far to many businesses in the US.

 

[Narragansett]

Geez, I am sorry to hear this. IMHO the real problem here is the service. Either turn the gun around in a couple weeks or mail the part, I had a Ruger super black hawk that the ejector rod, spring and shroud went flying in different directions on the 50th shot. 2 week turnaround from Ruger, but I dumped the gun afterwards.

I am not sure what would bring me to buy a new gun from S&W. I am just stuck on the vintage stuff

 

[Yendor357]

You had one problem?

Mine had a list.

I'll never forget loading the 696 Mtn Gun that I bought July 6 2025, today is August 6 2025.
I could not cock the hammer!

I forget how big the frame/crane gap was, but it was huge by machinist standards.

Screws came loose.

The front sight was too tall.

When I did get it to fire, the bead came out at about round 15.

There may have been other issues. I had the gun a grand total of 2 days. $1200….poof.

When the gun failed to function, I tried to take it back, Unfired, to the gunshop for a refund, they would not.
If I'd have fired it, or bought it used, understand why they wouldn't take it back for a refund, but unfired, they should have.
They could have sent that POS back to Linsey's.
I haven't been back to that gunshop since.
I've gotten to where I have written that one off at a loss of $1200.

But on the flip side, a few weeks after the Mtn Gun debacle, I bought a three inch 686 Plus after a very thorough inspection (from a different shop) I polished it just a little, inside and out. A Lock Hole plug and a lighter trigger return spring, and it's fantastic,

Smith and Wesson is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.

 

[GnarlsR2]

You had one problem?

Mine had a list.

I'll never forget loading the 696 Mtn Gun that I bought July 6 2025, today is August 6 2025.
I could not cock the hammer!

I forget how big the frame/crane gap was, but it was huge by machinist standards.

Screws came loose.

The front sight was too tall.

When I did get it to fire, the bead came out at about round 15.

There may have been other issues. I had the gun a grand total of 2 days. $1200….poof.

When the gun failed to function, I tried to take it back, Unfired, to the gunshop for a refund, they would not.
If I'd have fired it, or bought it used, understand why they wouldn't take it back for a refund, but unfired, they should have.
They could have sent that POS back to Linsey's.
I haven't been back to that gunshop since.
I've gotten to where I have written that one off at a loss of $1200.

But on the flip side, a few weeks after the Mtn Gun debacle, I bought a three inch 686 Plus after a very thorough inspection (from a different shop) I polished it just a little, inside and out. A Lock Hole plug and a lighter trigger return spring, and it's fantastic,

Smith and Wesson is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.

"Smith and Wesson is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get."

A box of chocolates doesn't cost $1200!!

 

[Revelation]

Bought a new 610 mountain gun and first time shooting it the gold bead front sight went flying. Called S&W 3 times and they say they have the order " but shipping has a problem". and they have no idea when it will be shipped. I may have been born at night but not last night and for a $1200 revolver just unacceptable. Gold bead insert could be put in a first class envelope with sheet of paper folded over and in the mail. They also said they do not accept returned firearms so I'm done with S&W.

BTW bought a 70s Mdl. 63 yesterday and it was rough as a cob. Today removed side plate and Ray Charles could see the problems. After a hour with several stones and small fine cratex wheel its very nice and going to range tomorrow.

It's all about the money, and apparently, S&W like the money more than they do their customers.... especially those "customers" that have kept S&W in business throughout the many years. I have to believe that they simply do not care!

 

[KenTheHunter]

"I'm done with S&W."

Is difficult to understand and shameful to read about a legendary 170-year old firearm manufacturer destroy its reputation and abandoning millions of loyal customers.

Is it incompetence, stupidity, and greed at the executive level?

Another experience with lousy customer service. About two years ago I had the lock mechanism freeze up in my 642. I contacted S&W, and their response was: "What do you want us to do about it "?

 

[Yendor357]

Had I paid $1200 for a box of chocolates, I'd have at least gotten something! lol!

All I got for my $1200 was the chore of writing a letter, packing the thing up, and driving to drop it off.

Give me your opinions: If you had a revolver that would not work out of the box, and you took it back to the local gun shot where you did many thousands of dollars worth of business in the past, would your gun shop have taken it back?
No wrong answer, I'm just curious.

 

[dmn57]

Yet another disappointing story. All the S&W's I have or have had were manufactured between the '60's and the '90's, and most were spot on as far as quality. It's a shame a historic company has come to this. Sounds like ol' S&W could take a few lessons from outfits like Tisas, etc...

 

[dsf]

Bought a new 610 mountain gun and first time shooting it the gold bead front sight went flying. Called S&W 3 times and they say they have the order " but shipping has a problem". and they have no idea when it will be shipped. I may have been born at night but not last night and for a $1200 revolver just unacceptable. Gold bead insert could be put in a first class envelope with sheet of paper folded over and in the mail. They also said they do not accept returned firearms so I'm done with S&W.

BTW bought a 70s Mdl. 63 yesterday and it was rough as a cob. Today removed side plate and Ray Charles could see the problems. After a hour with several stones and small fine cratex wheel its very nice and going to range tomorrow.

I've bought two "new made" Smiths in the last few years - a Thunder Ranch and a 638. The Thunder Ranch is gone but the 638 is an EDC, primarily because if used for its intended purpose and related to an evidence room I won't miss it. The Thunder Ranch went away because of its MIM, mottled grey hammer and trigger, cold rolled FS pin, etc. Nothing wrong with those I suppose, it's just not why I buy S&Ws. I hover around 50 older model Smiths,

Interesting that a 70's Smith was mentioned, as that's when I first started buying them. Back then the "old timers" told me how lousy the new made revolvers were compared to the 40s and 50's versions, focusing mostly on the rough as heck actions. It was those rough actions that taught me how to use a stone and graphite paper (mostly 600 and 1500 grit) to clean them up. Kind of funny that these are the guns most of us chase as desirable 50 years later.

FWIW (and I know this may not be a welcome response) I'd buy the GD insert and blow off steam by telling S&W they ticked me off no end and include a link to this posting. I think Dawson, MGW or SDM sells a replacement.

 

[GnarlsR2]

Had I paid $1200 for a box of chocolates, I'd have at least gotten something! lol!

All I got for my $1200 was the chore of writing a letter, packing the thing up, and driving to drop it off.

Give me your opinions: If you had a revolver that would not work out of the box, and you took it back to the local gun shot where you did many thousands of dollars worth of business in the past, would your gun shop have taken it back?
No wrong answer, I'm just curious.

Absolutely your local gun shop should have allowed you to return it for a full refund with an apology for your inconvenience.

When I experience disrespectful service, or poor customer service, I tend to say something to let them know they "will not get any more of my business, and I will share my bad experience with anyone who asks me about your business."

In the latter years of my career I worked for Google and Yelp in Digital Advertising, Marketing, and Customer Service. Due to the internet, social media, and star ratings, bad products or service can cost a business dramatically more than the lose profit from even a single sale.

Recovering from a bad reputation is extremely difficult today.

 

[bobsguns]

"Smith and Wesson is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get."

A box of chocolates doesn't cost $1200!!

Not bought Godiva chocolates lately, eh?????

 

[bobsguns]

Had I paid $1200 for a box of chocolates, I'd have at least gotten something! lol!

All I got for my $1200 was the chore of writing a letter, packing the thing up, and driving to drop it off.

Give me your opinions: If you had a revolver that would not work out of the box, and you took it back to the local gun shot where you did many thousands of dollars worth of business in the past, would your gun shop have taken it back?
No wrong answer, I'm just curious.

The shop I worked for would have done something. The truth is, no one knows what was done once it left the shop. But that's where the relationship part comes into play, IMO.

 

[Greyman50]

A box of candy for $1200.00…This 610 is a box of s-+t. If the gun shop I bought it from wasn't 200 miles away I'd take it back. Have a friend thats a jeweler and will get him to gold plate the head of a small nail and replace it. Oh did I mention it had no forcing cone? Another screw up but a small stone on my dremil followed by a fine polishing wheel fixed that. Just finished trigger job on my Colt Delta Elite and think I'll stick to 1911 types and OLDER S&Ws. Also finished " tuning up" the Mdl 63 bought last week, mfg'ed in 1977 and have read they were " rough". This one had so many issues from lousy machining that was easy to fix.
Have started telling gun buddies to Avoid new S&Ws, couple gun shows coming up and a table to " display" this POS might be a very good idea…..

 

[Thaddeus Beauregard]

I'm really sorry to hear this! Very disappointing to say the least! I would be livid!

I have been pretty lucky with S&W overall, I guess, but my experience hasn't been without a couple of annoyances. When I bought my M627, they didn't install the DX front sight properly. When whoever installed the front sight, they obviously didn't correctly pivot the sight into the slot, press back and then pivot down the front of it to slide under the pin, they instead just clumsily forced it in, bending and crushing the retention roll pin so the front sight was loose right out of the box. Also on the same gun, the retention nut on the rear sight windage screw wasn't staked, vibrated loose just during dry firing before I ever fired the first shot, and got lost on the floor somewhere. I called them and they promptly sent out replacement parts. I was planning to replace the sights with LPA front and rear fiber optic sights all along anyway, so ultimately I didn't raise too much hell, but it was annoying nevertheless. The gun is otherwise super nice and accurate and I love it, but it wasn't a great way to start my ownership experience.

 

[Narragansett]

A box of candy for $1200.00…This 610 is a box of s-+t. If the gun shop I bought it from wasn't 200 miles away I'd take it back. Have a friend thats a jeweler and will him to gold plate the head of a small nail and replace it. Oh did I mention it had no forcing cone? Another screw up but a small stone on my dremil followed by a fine polishing wheel fixed that. Just finished trigger job on my Colt Delta Elite and think I'll stick to 1911 types and OLDER S&Ws. Also finished " tuning up" the Mdl 63 bought last week, mfg'ed in 1977 and have read thay were " rough". This one had so many issues from lousy machining that was easy to fix.
Have started telling gun buddies to Avoid new S&Ws, couple gun shows coming up and a table to " display" this POS might be a very good idea…..

I have all the revolvers I want, and some are going up for sale when i het back to GA. I am on the 1911 kick, more than I need to be