Day 1, 340PD has to go back...

[Pisgah]

I get it: manufacturers now have computer-controlled machinery on automated lines that are superhuman-ly accurate, and this means a tremendous cost savings through a reduction in the number of skilled workers.

The problem is, they take this basic fact and extend its application to include QC. Precise assembly means no need for close inspection, right?
So, we can get rid of the every-gun-scrutiny-by-experienced-personnel and essentially just go straight to packing, with only a casual glance at one in ten or so, and perhaps a shot or two, for an inspection...

This is the typical, pandemic bean-counter mentality, and it has ruined every single aspect of American manufacturing. When you get a good example of almost ANYTHING made in this country, it is superb. But actually GETTING a good example has gotten much harder than it used to be.

 

[Model 15-4ever]

I get it: manufacturers now have computer-controlled machinery on automated lines that are superhuman-ly accurate, and this means a tremendous cost savings through a reduction in the number of skilled workers.

The problem is, they take this basic fact and extend its application to include QC. Precise assembly means no need for close inspection, right?
So, we can get rid of the every-gun-scrutiny-by-experienced-personnel and essentially just go straight to packing, with only a casual glance at one in ten or so, and perhaps a shot or two, for an inspection...

This is the typical, pandemic bean-counter mentality, and it has ruined every single aspect of American manufacturing. When you get a good example of almost ANYTHING made in this country, it is superb. But actually GETTING a good example has gotten much harder than it used to be.

Amen brother!

 

[MStarmer]

Manager of the shop I purchased at rec'd a shipping label from S&W today, so hopefully it won't take months to get back.

 

[Luke Duke]

Sorry to hear about your gun. I finally got the nerve up to buy a new S&W a few weeks ago. I was hesitant to say the least when I got my 629-6. But , after inspecting and shooting a few hundred rounds threw it. This gun is rock solid very well made, accurate gun. S&W will make it right. Unfortunately, a lemon squeezes out. You got it this time and I didn't. Which is amazing. I've got a few threw the years.

 

[michpatriot]

I looked at a340pd no lock last week, even before it was out of the glass case I could see the top strap was machined all offset, the sight groove was at least .100thou off center and the bevels on the side of the top strap weren't even close to the same. Its like the fixture it is machined in was not cleaned in between frames, easy to screw up but also easy to catch in Q.C. I pointed it out to the dealer and said too bad can't justify laying down a grand for that one, he looked it over and put it back in the case. That in a nutshell is why I don't buy unless I can hold first.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

I bought a new 19-9 "Classic" two years ago. Beautiful looking but-
Spit dangerously even with jacket bullets.
Rear sight would tilt but not move when attempting windage adjustments.
Horrendously heavy trigger, more than any factory S&W from any vintage.
Flash gap excessive, and uneven.
Forcing cone very rough.

I sent it back to them and, aside from the trigger pull, it was good when returned to me. Took about 2 months. A spring kit got the trigger pull down to something reasonable.

I like the gun now but getting there was a PITA.

 

[Luke Duke]

I hope S&W Executives read this sight! They must put different people on different guns. My new 629 is the best gun I've ever bought. Never had a gun with such a perfect trigger; DA/SA. Accuracy is amazing.1 K seems ridiculous. But I guess they have to pay their lawyers to keep Joe's Administration off their back

 

[MStarmer]

I don't know how long it's going to be until I get it back but it sure has ruined me on S&W, again... I have a 442 Pro that I bought a bit ago and it's been solid so far, that's kind of what made me want the 340PD. I thought I looked it over good when I bought it, everything looked good, but I never would have guessed the bore would have missing rifling.

 

[REVCHARLIE]

I'm sad to say this, but some of S&W's guns are junk guns!

 

[GypsmJim]

I hope S&W Executives read this sight! They must put different people on different guns. My new 629 is the best gun I've ever bought. Never had a gun with such a perfect trigger; DA/SA. Accuracy is amazing.1 K seems ridiculous. But I guess they have to pay their lawyers to keep Joe's Administration off their back

When I was in manufacturing, the degree of QC was based on a specific Complaint Dollars per Dollars of Sales. If complaints met the target, lay off an inspector.

If the competitor's product was worse than yours and people were still buying it, and the market was oversold, then all bets are off. Only need to be slightly better than them.

 

[MStarmer]

I spent almost 20yrs at Boeing and the last 5 in QA. It was amazing that parts that had SI&A (self inspection and acceptance) vs. parts that were a mandatory inspect (spares) were completely different. If someone knew it was going to be checked throughout the process they did it right. If it was audited it was ****. People oversizing holes, painting over damage etc.. I've been gone for almost 20 so I don't know what it's like now but people get lazy and take short cuts. QA is vital.

 

[MStarmer]

It's back, got a call Friday from my dealer! Work order just stated "Replaced Barrel". Unfortunately since it's been over 30 days I had to redo all my paperwork and go thru the wait again before I can take it home. Gun came back dirty, clearly was test fired, should have brought a boresnake with me. Hopefully this thing is perfect after I get it cleaned up, really wanting to love it. While it's been gone I scored a PC 642-1 from a coworker for only $300, he had it for years but didn't care for it. Thought he put less than a 100 rounds thru it in 6yrs.

 

[chief38]

Here's the kicker..... What we considered just a run of the mill production S&W Revolver 50 years ago has now become a highly sought after, high quality and properly made Revolver.

 

[Swiftflyer]

Bought a 686-6 and it's a very nice piece with a great trigger that shoots a nice tight group, unfortunately the group is 6" high at 25 yards. It came out of the box with the rear sight bottomed out so I am still waiting on a shipping label from S&W.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I will consider myself lucky. They are nice revolvers when manufactured properly. You might ask if your LGS can exchange it for one of the other ones?

 

[Pef]

I guess I'm a bit more practical.

Get a piece of cardboard, put you target on it. You'll be able to tell if the shots keyhole.

Then check for accuracy. Shoot from a rest.

If it is still more accurate than you, well, is it worth sending it back?

On the other hand, you shelled out 1k, so I can see why you want something of quality commensurate with the price.

I have a 60-15 with a small, flat "plateau" on one part of the crown. I missed it on my visual. But the gun is incredibly accurate, and now the blemish doesn't bother me.

 

[JohnRippert]

I get it: manufacturers now have computer-controlled machinery on automated lines that are superhuman-ly accurate, and this means a tremendous cost savings through a reduction in the number of skilled workers.

The problem is, they take this basic fact and extend its application to include QC. Precise assembly means no need for close inspection, right?
So, we can get rid of the every-gun-scrutiny-by-experienced-personnel and essentially just go straight to packing, with only a casual glance at one in ten or so, and perhaps a shot or two, for an inspection...

This is the typical, pandemic bean-counter mentality, and it has ruined every single aspect of American manufacturing. When you get a good example of almost ANYTHING made in this country, it is superb. But actually GETTING a good example has gotten much harder than it used to be.

Not just manufacturing. The service side of things has gone to the pigs with the takeover by the bean counters. I just retired from a large copier corporation. The "stuff" that was going on the last couple months before I said so long was ridiculous. The newest metric du jour was start and stop times. Did not matter that the calls were not there to be taken. Our manager was robbing Peter to pay Paul by spreading the calls that were there around to everyone. Tough to make calls per day marks as well in that kind of situation. I told the boss that it should be easier for the rest of the guys to stay busy with my team partner and myself both retiring this month. Been a big migration of very experienced techs out of the company this year. They are going to regret that in the long run, I guarantee.

 

[MStarmer]

I will consider myself lucky. They are nice revolvers when manufactured properly. You might ask if your LGS can exchange it for one of the other ones?

That was my first idea but the shop was a hard "Nope" on that since it had been purchased.

 

[ManInBlack83]

Had something similar on a NIB 3" 686 about 10 years ago. Sent it back to S&W and they replaced the barrel.

 

[lawandorder]

Buy vintage,steel revolvers!

They are good for several lifetimes.