Jack First

[opoefc]

Several times on Forum postings over the years, when someone mentioned Jack First as a source of parts for S&W, I posted negative remarks, based on a contact with Jack First's operation when they had acquired a large supply of older out of production S&W parts from a retiring S&W distributor. I had previously bought needed older parts from the distributor and when he sold out to Jack First, I place my order with Jack First. I was told I could not buy them as they only sold to "licensed gunsmiths" as they felt they cold be liable for damages should an accident occur with a gun for which they had supplied parts. I didn't agree with that policy, of course, and since then advised people not to deal with Jack First.
Last week I called them and asked if their policy was still the same. Their response was that they now had better liability insurance and would sell parts to non-licensed gunsmiths "IF THOSE PARTS WEREN'T ON A LIST OF PARTS THAT THE GUN MANUFACTURER'S BANNED THEM FROM SELLING TO NON-LICENSED BUYERS" I asked for a copy of the list from S&W but they said it was confidential and S&W would not allow them to reveal it. S&W customer service says they are unaware of any such list. Anybody know anything about such a list?

Ed.

 

[H Richard]

Back in the 80's or early 90 when S&W started selling all kinds of parts blister packed for display racks they sort of made a big deal for awhile that they had relaxed their policy of not selling parts to other than qualified gunsmiths. I don't recall it lasting but a year or two and they no longer sold parts via retail sales. I have ordered various parts over the years direct and had no problems, but maybe I never ordered one of those "BANNED" parts.

 

[feralmerril]

I used to know jack and his family well when they ran "the gunshop" in lancaster california. Jack has to be close to ninety now and I think his daughter runs it. Once I needed a loading gate to a browning 92. I got that bit too that a "gunsmith" had to install it. (Them of course). I had another friend in town that ran a sporting goods and had him order the part. It does seem it was wrote up that way in the catalog but not sure as its been about 40 years. Anyway it was a easy fix and if I could do it anybody should have been able to. I bet I spent a couple years wages at jacks in those days.

 

[Bat Guano]

Stopped in there a few years ago. They didn't seem very interested in doing business.