Just venting, terrible customer service

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Jul 31, 2018
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I purchased a csx e series in February. Attempted to removed the red dot cover, the screw was so tight it snapped the wrench off. Sent it to S&W 8 weeks ago and according to customer service it is still in repair. Never again will I purchase anything from S&W.
 
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I guess it comes down to what a reasonable person would think is adequate time for a warranty(if this is one) repair, or any other service for that matter. I ordered a set of grips from a custom maker and was quoted about 3-4 months. No issue, bought from them many times before. If I actually get them when last promised, it will be going on 18 months. Not holding my breath since I have been given 3 different promise dates in that time. Not to be cliche, or obvious, but if you produce a product correctly the first time , you shouldn't have a backlog of warranty work. Yes, I know that flawed items get out of the factory, but when a enough flawed items are leaving and causing a severe backlog in warranty work, then that is a problem.
 
Anything made by man can have a defect, the grownup way is to let them repair and THEN complain.

Here’s your first post:

“Just picked up a Shield 9mm with night sights, took it out put 200 rounds through it not a issue could not be more pleased..”

Do you still enjoy your Shield and original CSX?
 
Using an "L" wrench on an allen or torx head screw, especially small ones, is a mistake. Get a bit set and screwdriver handle and use it instead. That enables you to put pressure straight down on the bit while turning, providing maximum torque to the screw with far less chance of damage to tool or screw head. I recommend Brownell's bits as they are very hard. The hardness will cause them to break clean rather than twist or distort. While an "L" wrench will give you more leverage, it is also more difficult to apply the force directly down onto the top of the screw.

I had problems with one of the cover plate screws on one of Smith autos (I don't remember which one). The factory screw was most likely cross threaded, as it was difficult to remove and the threads were boogered up. I re-tapped the hole and all was well, and it didn't involve a trip back to the factory.
 
Well, they are after all is said and done, repairing your pistol so that is a good thing. The big complaint here is the length of time, but on the other hand it will be at no cost to you. It's all about pluses and minuses. You/we have no idea how busy they are and what their backlog on repairs really is. So other than the length of time involved it's really all in your favor. If I liked the pistol and it shot well for me I wouldn't complain.

I had a pistol that I just could not get a red dot screw out of and took it to a local gunsmith. He had it done in less than a day, but it cost me $40.00. The plus was I had it back in less than a day. The minus was it cost me $40.00. I also learned a few things from the gunsmith about "bits" for screws especially Torx screws. Buy good ones usually the ones made in Europe not the ones made in Asia. European made expensive bits are much stronger and NEVER EVER use "L" shaped wrenches EVER! Not only do they break easier or tear up the screw head, but you need to apply proper force while keeping the driver and bit straight down in the screw head. You normally do NOT get good "bits" at the local ACE Hardware store. You have to send for good ones from a reputable source. And remember, some Torx bits are hollow on the inside of them for security type screws. I prefer solid bits. And per the gunsmith that fixed my pistol one of the biggest mistakes people make besides buying Chi-com bits is they don't keep the bit all the way down in the screw head, or they use ill fitting bits for the screw they are working on. Buy a few different make bits and try them in some screws and you will discover some fit better than others even though they are the same size. And use high quality screws again from a reputable source. And use a good quality torque driver on these screws.

Rick H.
 
Especially L shaped tools included with something you need to assemble. They will either strip the tool or strip the bolt, depending on the quality of the metal.

I bought a Weaver screwdriver set even though I don't do a lot of gunsmithing. I even bought a small torque wrench.

I've found that there are a lot of similarities between gun maintenance and bicycle maintenance.
 
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