Can this be fixed?

Shotgungordo

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I have recently purchased a brand new 686 and I noticed a few cosmetic issues right off the bat after getting it out of the case. I'm not sure if these issues can be fixed but I figured I'd ask. I attached some pics to show you what I mean...have you guys come across similar problems?
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It is easy enough to resurface the muzzle, all it takes is time and money. Fixing the ding in the rib would require either a new barrel or some welding and machining. (assuming I am looking at what you want me to look at.) never seen it on a NEW gun. if it was me I wouldn't even worry about the muzzle. the ding in the rib might bother me. then again it might not.
 
Yeah. I feel like I would like to get it fixed. I thought it was strange to see as well. I may contact smith and Wesson and see if it is something that can be fixed...
 
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I am FUSSY! In my book, new should be perfect! If I noticed it upon initial inspection, would have probably rejected it. Let me put scars on my own gun, not new that way. You have nothing to loose by contacting S&W. Good luck. Let us know how you make out!
By the way.... Welcome to the FORUM!
Bob
 
Thanks Bob! I am fussy about that as well. I'm a little confounded as to how that would've happened in the first place. I love the gun though, luckily, it doesn't bother it's function.
 
QC on 686's has been lacking lately. I'm not sure if it spills over into other models, but I've looked at several new 686s in the past year that should have never left the factory. Dings like on yours could have possibly occurred during shipping, but the canted barrels were obvious defects. I'd contact them, as they are usually very good about making it right.
 
You paid for a new gun you deserve a new gun, send it back.

Sometimes I wonder about these "QC" issues, did the damage occur at the LGS, did someone manhandle the gun there?
Probably impossible to determine.

Some years ago I bought a brand new Colt SAA. The front sight had globs of solder or whatever they used to attach it to the barrel. I called Colt, they took it back and redid the soldering.
Somewhere between the time I sent the gun and received it back, a big ding appeared on the topstrap. I couldn't bear to look at it.

I sent that one back, again, and Colt sent me a completely new gun that is flawless.
 
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Usually I'm not one to flip out over a cosmetic issue BUT that rib ding is unsatisfactory. It affects function. There is no way to be able to focus on front sight and not be distracted by that. I'd send her in and have them fix that.
 
Just to be clear Pisgah, I bought the gun online. They wouldn't show me individual pics of the gun. Yes, preferably I would've liked to see the gun in person, sometimes that is not always feasible.
 
Just to be clear Pisgah, I bought the gun online. They wouldn't show me individual pics of the gun. Yes, preferably I would've liked to see the gun in person, sometimes that is not always feasible.

You didn't have to accept the transfer if you weren't satisfied with the gun's condition. Most reputable online vendors will let the receiving FFL return the gun back to them if the buyer is not happy as long as the 4473 hasn't been completed. Once it's completed and transferred, it's your problem.
 
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Fix what? A couple of minor cosmetic defects? S&W does not warrantee cosmetics! If it bothers you that bad sell it and buy another one!

Next time, as Pisgah said, inspect the gun before you sign on the dotted line and take it home!

If you want to know the truth, don't look too closely at any S&W revolver, if you do you will find similar minor defects on nearly every one of them!
 
About a year ago, I bought a (shhhh...) Ruger Blackhawk at Cabela's. It's a Lipsey's 44 Special and the price was "extremely reasonable." For a limited production revolver at Cabela's it was downright cheap.

I asked the guy if it was used and it was not. It's a factory second, he said. We looked for a while and finally found the slight ding in the topstrap. Far smaller than OP's dings, yet it was deemed a second and sold at reduced price. First I'd heard of a Ruger second. More likely Lipsey received it, found it safe to sell and marked it appropriately. Wanting a shooter, I wasted no time in hauling it home.

Seems to me that S&W or the distributor should have labeled OP's revolver in the same manner.
 
Yep, the rib ding would be a "no go" for me. I just bought a new 686 Plus about 2 months ago. I searched for a good one for a year, and looked at 32 of them during that time frame. They all either had scratches/dings or canted barrels. Finally found one that looked nice and grabbed it.

I prefer to buy locally so that I can see the gun before buying. However, more often than not, the guns I want are never available locally. So I roll the dice on an Internet purchase. The only 3 online dealers I will buy from are Buds, Kentucky Gun Co., and Davidsons. They all have free return policies and 100% refund if you refuse delivery of the gun, before signing any paperwork.

I ordered a $1200 SIG from Buds about 6 months ago. Opened the box at my FFL and the gun had scuffs in the bead blast finish. Called Buds on the spot and they said "No problem", we will give you a complete refund and send your FFL a prepaid shipping label".

So, if you order via Internet, be sure the seller has a policy like these 3 companies.
 
Fix what? A couple of minor cosmetic defects? S&W does not warrantee cosmetics! If it bothers you that bad sell it and buy another one!



Next time, as Pisgah said, inspect the gun before you sign on the dotted line and take it home!



If you want to know the truth, don't look too closely at any S&W revolver, if you do you will find similar minor defects on nearly every one of them!


I found Pisgah's buddy. First off, I'm not talking about anything you bring up in the convo. Your trolling on this thread. I asked a couple questions and you didn't answer them. Your not benefiting anyone here with off-topic, squirrel rants! Since you brought it up, I'll address your points. As someone already mentioned...some people don't have very many opportunities at finding a certain gun in their local stores. Thus putting the buyer at dis-advantageous position in buying firearms on the web. I think it's wrong for a gun shop to list and sell a factory second at a factory first price. I also think it's pathetic that it passed QC at S&W. I wasn't aware I could refuse an ffl transfer, had I known that I would have refused the sale. Also, I didn't immediately notice a few of the problems. Have you been to a gun store lately? It's not usually an empty place. There are always customers and they are always vying for counter space. And yes, I realize that there are flaws in every gun, no gun is perfect. If A customer pays nearly a grand for something, I expect companies with strong reputations to deliver. That's not asking much.
 
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Thanks Bob! I am fussy about that as well. I'm a little confounded as to how that would've happened in the first place. I love the gun though, luckily, it doesn't bother it's function.
Don't be confounded. The simple act of holding, test firing, packaging and shipping a gun can leave some imperfections
 
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