How do you send In gun to SW for work?

[Leeward419]

New to SW and fantastic Model 36 mid 60's J frame revolver.
I just bought one, would like to send in to SW for internal parts ck. I bought it and had some light primer strikes, suspect has had some springs swapped out. Main spring is coil rather than flat etc. Would like to have it returned to original configuration and have it checked for any other issues.
SO.....im wondering what to expect, how do you actually return a gun (I live In NYS) do I need to do it through a FFL dealer, how much does shipping cost, insurance etc; howlong should I plan on the revolver be at SW, how much should I expect to pay SW for service, are they reasonable etc.
Thank You for any information in advance.....

 

[stashu]

I just asked the same/similiar question:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/192299-shipping-s-w-repair-return-where.html

Take care

stashu

 

[dfariswheel]

I'd recommend getting on the S&W web site and reading the info on returning guns for repairs.

Basically, unless New York has some other laws, Federal law applies:
You are allowed to ship a firearm to a licensed Dealer, gunsmith, or manufacturer for repair or custom work, etc.
They are allowed to return the gun directly to you, without going through a local Dealer.

You have to ship the gun via UPS or Fed-Ex.
YOU may NOT mail a pistol through the US Post Office, only FFL license holders can use the post office.

UPS and Fed-Ex have company rules that require you to ship the gun by the fastest method, which is also the most expensive method.
This is not a Federal rule, it's the shipper's rules.
You usually can't use a UPS Store to ship. The UPS Stores are not owned by UPS and won't ship guns, so you have to take the gun to a UPS depot.

Wrap the gun VERY well. Use a medium size box, it's harder to "loose" it.
Don't send custom grips or anything else, and don't send the original box, you usually won't get it back.

Inside the package with the gun include a SHORT letter.
The letter should have your name and address info, S&W's address info, and the make, model, and serial number of the gun.

On the letter include a SHORT description of what's wrong, and/or what you'd like them to do. The gunsmith doesn't have time and will not read a long letter.
Be short and specific about the problem or the work you want done.
If you have a number of points to make, or items you want addressed, number them so info won't get lost in the fine print.

Don't put S&W's name on the box, use the address info they have on their site.

Insure the gun for what it would cost you to replace it.

When filling out the shippers info on what the package contains, DON'T LIE.
Some people lie on the form and claim it contains "parts" or some other description other than it's a gun in order to save on shipping costs.
This violates the terms of the shipping agreement you sign, and that form is a legal contract.
Lie about what you're shipping and you've broken the contract. They are under no obligation to pay if it gets lost or damaged.

Be prepared for the shipping desk person to claim you can't ship a gun.
It's common for the desk people not to know the law or their own rules.
Ask to speak to a supervisor and up until you find someone who knows what's what.

Once S&W gets the gun they'll look it over and send you an estimate of the costs. Once you pay, they start.
These days you can usually call and give a card number over the phone.

Once the gun is ready, they'll ship it directly to you.
Be prepared for some shippers to ignore signature requirements and just drop it by your door.

 

[Leeward419]

Thank You for all of the information, will be calling SW this afternoon, shipping the pistol out this week.

 

[Atilla]

I have returned guns via Fedex and UPS, and their 'fastest method' can run the cost from $7.50 for 3 day to over $100 for next day air. It is their policy, not any Federal law. I now send them 3 day or cheapest, and list the components as 'machine tool parts' or 'broken tool'. Unless you get a shipping label from S&W covering the freight, I'd go with the cheapest.

 

[usm1rifle]

SOL

I have returned guns via Fedex and UPS, and their 'fastest method' can run the cost from $7.50 for 3 day to over $100 for next day air. It is their policy, not any Federal law. I now send them 3 day or cheapest, and list the components as 'machine tool parts' or 'broken tool'. Unless you get a shipping label from S&W covering the freight, I'd go with the cheapest.

You can do this but as mentioned above, if it is lost or stolen (not uncommon) you will get ZERO, NADA, NOTHING even if insured. You lie and they do not have to pay one centavo.

Still seem like a good idea?

 

[OKFC05]

I have returned guns via Fedex and UPS, and their 'fastest method' can run the cost from $7.50 for 3 day to over $100 for next day air. It is their policy, not any Federal law. I now send them 3 day or cheapest, and list the components as 'machine tool parts' or 'broken tool'. Unless you get a shipping label from S&W covering the freight, I'd go with the cheapest.

From the BATF website:
Q: May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by common or contract carrier?
A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by a common or contract carrier to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm.
[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(2)(A), 922(a) (3), 922(a)(5) and 922(e), 27 CFR 478.31 and 478.30]

ATF Online - Firearms - Frequently Asked Questions - Unlicensed Persons