Has anyone else had a problem with Smith & Wesson warranty???

[Walt Sherrill]

I'd argue that the ORIGINAL POSTER is expecting more than is appropriate or reasonable. His gun had been serviced twice (within 2 years -- and could have been serviced or replaced a third time with something that was CLOSE to his original purchase (in terms of size and function if not MSRP). Now, 11 years later, it's still unresolved.

His argument about original MSRP doesn't really enter into it -- guns, nowadays, surprisingly, are cheaper than they were some years ago. The MSRP argument doesn't really apply, since he arguably paid quite a bit more than the typical street price when he bought. And a used gun isn't as valuable as a new one...

Since the original gun is no longer made, and the only metal-framed S&W semi-autos still available from S&W are substantially more expensive and a much different design, I think he is, in effect, asking for a free lunch -- and there are darned few free lunches available, nowadays.

(Then, too, I doubt that the language of the original "lifetime" warranty guaranteed that they'd replace the original weapon with exactly the same weapon... I'm sure he INFERRED that, but the language of most warranties are generally quite ambiguous.)

As others have suggested, I'd say that the OP should have taken the best weapon S&W would offer him, sell it as an AS-NEW-IN-BOX weapon to an interested buyer, and do what he can to get an appropriate replacement (one that meets his "fit" requirements -- if any such weapon still exists). He may choose to never buy S&W again, but he'll be hard-pressed find another gun maker that would have done as much as S&W has already done.

Maybe that new gun will also have a "lifetime" warranty and he'll be able to try that warranty out, too.

 

[Muss Muggins]

From the box and associated paperwork of a pistol purchased new by my father in 1991, I quote from the S&W Warranty Statement, in pertinent parts. I think sometimes we forget that Smith & Wesson does not have a lifetime warranty, but rather a lifetime service policy, which they have administered liberally over the years, to our benefit . . .

LIMITED WARRANTY

This Warranty is granted by Smith & Wesson, 2100 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, Massachusetts 01104. This Warranty is effective from the date of purchase after February 1, 1989 and applies to the original owner of any handgun purchased after that date. With respect to such handguns, this warranty supersedes any and all other warranties.

Smith & Wesson handguns are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Any such defects of which Smith & Wesson receives written notice within one year from the date of purchase by the original owner, will be remedied by Smith & Wesson without charge within a reasonable time after such notification and delivery of the handgun as provided below.

. . .

Smith & Wesson will not be responsible for defects resulting from careless handling, unauthorized adjustments or modifications, defective or improper ammunition, corrosion, neglect, abuse, ordinary wear and tear, or unreasonable use.

EXTENDED SERVICE POLICY

Even after the warranty period has expired, Smith & Wesson will repair, without charge, any handgun purchased by the original owner on or after February 1, 1989 which is found to have a defect in material or workmanship. Eligibility for this Service Policy requires returning the Purchaser Information Questionnaire within thirty days of purchase. A copy of the bill of sale in the owner's name and sales receipt should accompany the handgun. When that information is received, the original owner will be qualified for this Policy for the handgun identified by serial number.

This Policy covers corrections of original defects in material and workmanship; it does not include the handgun's finish, grips, magazines or sights. The Policy also does not include repairs caused by careless handling, unauthorized adjustment or modification, defective ammunition or ammunition not recommended in the Smith & Wesson Safety & Instruction Manual, corrosion, abuse, neglect, unreasonable use, or ordinary wear and tear. Smith & Wesson reserves the right to determine what constitutes ordinary wear and tear. However, we can rebuild handguns which have experienced extreme usage, or are beyond their normal useful life, at a fee which will be quoted to the owner.