Maybe I should have repaired myself

[EK2944]

I called Smith to get a status update on my RMA. Sent back for my loose front sight on brand new revolver rocking back and forth. I was told the turn around estimate is 3 to 4 weeks because of backlog. I would have thought that would be a quick repair. So, does this mean they are understaffed or is the problems that great with Smith.

I'm wandering if I would have been better off drifting out the small pin that holds sight in place. Then clean and degrease the recess, apply a very small amount of JB weld and put back together.

I'll just have to put up with the wait because if they're not held accountable how can they improve?

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

I haven't called about it yet but they are fixing a timing issue on one of my 629s. They have always treated me great in the past. Everybody gets swamped from time to time I would suspect though.

 

[biquer]

I don't know about S&W's repair backlog, but I sent an old M10 for repair through a LGS. A week later S&W sent the shop an estimate of cost for me. I paid it over the phone and was told it would be 3-4 more weeks and my card would charged after the repair was done.
One week later I see that the CC was charged.
At least in my case, their estimated time was well padded.
Hopefully you'll have the same experience.

 

[AlwaysArmed]

My 63 has been there over two weeks. I have others to shoot. I'm good.

 

[revolver686]

I just got an email telling me that my brand new PC 637 is on its way back to me after having the barrel replaced - exactly one month after I sent it off.

 

[sawlog]

i think the repair shop is first come first served. it took them 6 weeks to repair my model 60. I got it back last week or so. they did a great job.
I would hate to be the manager of their repair shop, I think some people are way to picky on things. Im sure the internet has made it worse.

 

[AveragEd]

I am glad you elected to have Smith & Wesson repair your gun. JB Weld seems like a very poor way to repair anything, let alone a highly visible area of a quality firearm.

I recently returned a Performance Center 1911 to S&W for two perceived conditions and was impressed with the service I received. The gunsmith working on the gun called me to discuss my concerns and how he planned to approach correcting them. As a retired customer service manager, I really appreciated his efforts. As I recall, the gun was back in my hands in less than a month.

I've been tempted on the numerous occasions I have traveled through Massachusetts to call S&W to see if a visit would be possible but never had the available time. I have toured the Beretta facility in Accokeek, Maryland and watched handguns being manufactured and visited with their service department manager.

Like just about all manufacturers, Beretta takes some heat from its customers for slow service. Their goal is a three-week turnaround but certain times of the year are busier than others and they don't always realize that goal. Then again, there are slower times when they get jobs done in less than three weeks.

If you have patience with Smith & Wesson, I think you will be much happier with their efforts than your own.

Ed

 

[BE Mike]

As someone who has been around for a long time, I remember decades ago when 6 weeks was the normal turnaround time for a repair from S&W. If they do a good job, I'd think that 6 weeks is reasonable. If you use this gun in your line of work and need it sooner, then they should get it back to you sooner, if aware of that.

 

[Vincef329]

I'm in the same fireing order here. I sent in my new 686 last week (for excess blowback) with no idea how long it might take. Called this morning to find out it's 4-5 weeks for 686s.

 

[wadcutter1]

I am glad you elected to have Smith & Wesson repair your gun. JB Weld seems like a very poor way to repair anything, let alone a highly visible area of a quality firearm.


Ed

I was thinking the same thing. If you ever say to yourself "I wonder if I could fix this myself with JB Weld?" The answer is no.

 

[EK2944]

I was thinking the same thing. If you ever say to yourself "I wonder if I could fix this myself with JB Weld?" The answer is no.

I know. I really love my revolvers too much to do any jimmy rigging. It's great that Smith is standing behind it. I'm just frustrated with buying and then turn around and send it back. Anyway, I called yesterday to get a status update on my repair and was told maybe another 7 to 10 days. I'm really getting anxious as I have some new bullets I want to try.

Deer season with firearms starts around mid November where I hunt and the only thing I love more than archery hunting is doing it with a handgun.
Lots of practice between now and then,

 

[joe44va]

Their workload varies as the number of weapons coming in isn't constant. The individual repair time is also inconsistent. A repaired sight might take and hour, a timing issue might take 4. They have no control of this so your time for a repair is going to vary. It is far from a consistent process. I had one revolver take 5 months a few years back, another last year took 3 weeks. That's from ship date to my receipt. Have patience. They will do a good job.

 

[Vincef329]

Their workload varies as the number of weapons coming in isn't constant. The individual repair time is also inconsistent. A repaired sight might take and hour, a timing issue might take 4. They have no control of this so your time for a repair is going to vary. It is far from a consistent process. I had one revolver take 5 months a few years back, another last year took 3 weeks. That's from ship date to my receipt. Have patience. They will do a good job.

Many remarks on this board are about new weapons. What S&W can control is their initial work and QC. I believe it's a fair expectation for any new item to function or perform as advertised. I'm a Chef, If I let bad food go out of the kitchen it's going to come back or I'm losing customers, pretty much the same thing here.

 

[vytoland]

"all things come to those who wait"

 

[Ashlander]

In mid January this year I sent in a 686-6 with a broken hammer strut. I had it back in hand less than 4 weeks later good as new.

 

[Laketime]

I have heard this story from Smith & Wesson since I first dealt with them in the early 80's. They have always been backed logged.

 

[growr]

Maybe Bubba could have fixed it....all you have to do is hold his beer for a few minutes. Almost NO turnaround time!

Randy

 

[chief38]

I like and use JB Weld (NOT on firearms) but IMHO there is NO PLACE for it in repairing your revolver. The way to fix the issue is by getting it done right - which you did. Once repaired properly the wait time will quickly be forgotten but hopefully the repair will last forever.

Judging from the amount of complaints and problems I read here on this Forum, I can understand their "back-up" repair situation. The best thing is to distract yourself with other guns in the mean time and eventually it will show up - hopefully repaired properly.

 

[ladder13]

....................
I would hate to be the manager of their repair shop, I think some people are way to picky on things.........

My good friend Dennis, God rest his soul, used to work in the Custom Shop at Kimber. The stories he used to tell about the returns on perfectly functioning guns could fill a novel.

 

[H Richard]

When you consider the thousands of guns S&W, as well as most other mfg's, have produced in the past 5-10 years alone, not to mention the millions of guns produced in the past, and the fact that many are police guns that take a daily beating, it is a miracle they can keep within a 3 week service turn around. You just can't run an add and hire a qualified gunsmith repair technician. Most of them came from OTJ trainees, promoted up from assembly positions. When you look at the number of NICS approvals a year and the difficulty to find ammo it's no wonder there are more guns needing some adjustments.