Issues with new J-frame vs older ones.

Too bad S&W will not authorize regional repair centers, or reimburse local dealers affiliated with local gunsmiths for warranty repairs. It's bad enough to be stuck with a brand new inoperative revolver, but S&W's current 3--5 month turnaround on warranty work is outrageous. I've had impressive, quick attention from Heritage and Sig in recent years.
 
Like all to many manufactures, Smith & Wesson is not the same company it use to be under the guidance of men like Bill Gunn. The company in the immediate post war years was staff with gun guys who took real pride in build great handguns. The get similar build quality in revolvers these days you have to look at Korth or Manurhins.
 
You know, it’s ironic that I had heard all the stories about lack of quality control on the newer air weight centennials manufactured over the last 10 years or so. So then I recently bought a new model 43C and have enjoyed a nightmare of my own. I had kicked around picking up a 642 but reports from others of quality control such as misalign barrels kinda had me avoiding them (then I bought the 43C). I have a 640 manufactured around 93 or 94 that recently suffered a bad firing pin spring. I learned in a little bit more depth, how Smith & Wesson had changed the internals of their revolvers because when I was initially going to purchase an Apex kit, I was told it would not work in an older revolver. Anyway, I spent $150 at a gun smith to replace a three dollar spring. What’s especially irritating is that I really like the features of the Smith & Wesson J frames over any other small revolver. I have been thinking somewhat seriously about getting a Taurus 856 ultralight because it’s a six shot, but for a carry gun, I like to have the concealed hammer. Granted, Taurus has had their own issues. Anyway, I’ll keep hoping I can get my 43C the way it should have been in the first place.
 
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