Is Smith and Wesson still improving products?

[American1776]

If I owned S&W I would offer BOTH! I have been to their plant and their old equipment is in their Museum - which could aways be resurrected. They could have a REAL VINTAGE SHOP with REAL GUNSMITHS that were interested in and capable of producing REAL VINTAGE Smiths - NOT the stuff they now call their "vintage line". If they produced them properly and of high quality I think they would have no trouble at all getting a higher price for them - no trouble at all!!

That is the ONLY true way I know of to test this theory. Since they already have the Factory and the machinery, their investment would be slight and risk low - I think it might be their most lucrative division because there are still lots of guys out their like me who would pay more for the real deal.

Since I do not own S&W and last I checked they haven't yet called me, so I doubt it will ever happen

This could work, in my opinion. There are quite of few collectors who 'only buy the P&R' guns. Some old gunsmiths will need to train some new gun smiths on how to hand fit parts that have been machined from billet steel. Each revolver will probably cost around 2-3 grand. I don't think this is out landish, since the semi-custom hand-fitted billet steel 1911's go for around 3 grand now a days.

People will still buy these revolvers.

 

[Targets Guy]

I've not had a problem with any S$W I've owned. From 1947 stuff to 2016 stuff. All have gone "bang" when requested.

 

[chief38]

Unfortunately because so much time has past since they made guns "the old fashioned way" the younger people who are now getting into S&W's do not even know the difference. They simply run down to the LGS and just buy something that has the S&W logo on it. Then afterwards, they slowly come to know the difference. There are a small few who actually do the research before pulling their wallet.

 

[wadcutter1]

Unfortunately because so much time has past since they made guns "the old fashioned way" the younger people who are now getting into S&W's do not even know the difference. They simply run down to the LGS and just buy something that has the S&W logo on it. Then afterwards, they slowly come to know the difference. There are a small few who actually do the research before pulling their wallet.

I'm not sure what you mean to be honest. I have pre-war S&W revolvers, modern ones and some made in between. My new Talo 686 may not be pin and recessed, but to me it is a better gun than my 38/44 heavy duty.

 

[chief38]

I'm not sure what you mean to be honest. I have pre-war S&W revolvers, modern ones and some made in between. My new Talo 686 may not be pin and recessed, but to me it is a better gun than my 38/44 heavy duty.

Well all I can say is everyone has different opinions - nothing wrong with that! Whoever is happy with current production won't be seeking out the older stuff which leaves more for the guys who favor those. To each his own.

 

[DonD]

Unfortunately because so much time has past since they made guns "the old fashioned way" the younger people who are now getting into S&W's do not even know the difference.

The only advantage the older ones have is a more highly polished/better finished exterior. I know a S&W engineer who S&W management says is one of their very best and he will tell you new is better.

I suppose you know more than the engineer? Don

 

[BuckeyeS&W]

I think of it this way I'll use Shelby Mustangs as an example,we have the best of both worlds. If you like the style,history and performance of the 65-70 Shelbys they are still around to be driven and enjoyed and we also have the new Shelbys which offer amazing performance up to 1000 horsepower ,with great handling,still have look of vintage models ,air conditioning and you can drive them all day long without fear of wrecking a classic . I say we have the same with today's Smith Wesson and Colts also.To me these are the good old days so enjoy both the old classics and the new and sometimes improved.I appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of my model 13-2 but also enjoy and shoot the hell out of my new 66-8.

 

[chief38]

The only advantage the older ones have is a more highly polished/better finished exterior. I know a S&W engineer who S&W management says is one of their very best and he will tell you new is better.

I suppose you know more than the engineer? Don

Don't need an Engineer to tell me the I/L sucks, or the barrel inserts are "***azy". Don't need an Engineer to tell me how the rubber or laminated grips are (not) better than genuine Walnut or Goncalo Alves on the older ones. Last but not least I don't need an Engineer to read (right here) how many brand new guns coming out of the Factory are returned for repair, poor quality control, manufacturing defects, broader B/C Gap specifications and cosmetic flaws. Like I said, to each his own.

Of COURSE S&W is going to tell you their current production is great and better than older ones because that is all they have to sell!

 

[rwhillman]

The 686+ 4" is hard to come by in California. Local dealer called and said he just got one in. How exciting! So I run down to look at it and find a very noticeable canted barrel. I can't see how anyone at S&W who looked at this would have let it out.

 

[wadcutter1]

Don't need an Engineer to tell me the I/L sucks, or the barrel inserts are "***azy". ...

You do realize you're on the modern revolver sub-forum don't you? One of my favorite thing about this forum is the generally positive tone of most of the poster.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/354030-bashing-crying-whining.html