New 340PD Quality control issue - Bought yesterday

[slabside2]

The whole process took just under 4 months actually. The frustrating part was having them send me the firearm back unrepaired...or rather repaired in their point of view. It was only when I really pushed back and demanded to speak to multiple supervisors did I actually get to someone who understood what was happening. I purchased the weapon mid February. It went back a total of three times before I was content with its condition. I really demanded that I wanted the firearm in the condition that it was showcased on their website. I purchased it brand new, and pushed back on ensuring it was in completely brand new condition.

Good for you for being persistent, although you shouldn't have had to go through that. spending over $1000 for a firearm and having to go through that is a damn shame but in today's world it's becoming more common. At least you got it back and you're happy with it. I bought one of their new M&P 9mm Folding rifles that just came out couple months ago and guess what back to the factory it went. they did repair it, but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. As I stated in my previous post I stay away from Smith and Wesson now, but that one I just had to have. I asked myself is it just me and Bad Luck but as I read other peoples experiences with their products lately, me and you are not alone

 

[akular]

Sorry about your experience. I will probably not be purchasing another one of their products for some time until they sort their internal growing pains. I would recommend sending your firearm back in and speaking to the supervisor and holding that specific supervisor by name to account as your weapon moves through their process. This is what worked for me

 

[jer830]

Glad you finally got everything worked out. Funny thing, since May 2022, I've bought four new revolvers. A PC 19, 3 inch, a 686 +, 3", an 686 SSR, and a 66-8, 2.75 inch. The 686 SSR has been perfect.

The model 19 had to go back. I shoot .38 158 gr SWCs. The gun printed 8 inches low at 10 yards and the elevation screw was maxed out. S&W replaced the rear sight. Worked fine afterwards.

The 686 had similar issues. S&W replaced the rear sight. It works perfectly now.

I got the 66-8 in early May. I took it out, put 18 rounds of .38, 158 SWCs through it and the cylinder bound up and would no spin freely. It also printed 8 inches low at 10 yards. I took it home, removed the cylinder/yoke and found fouling. I cleaned it out and the cylinder spun freely. I also maxed out the elevation adjustment of the rear sight.

I returned to the range, shot 21 rounds, and the cylinder bound up again. The POI raised some but was still 3 inches low. I contacted S&W and the revolver is back there as this is being typed.

In the first two issues, S&W paid for shipping and fixed the problems. In the last, they have only paid for shipping and I won't know if they fix the problems until I get it back.

I guess issues are bound to pop up now and then. My S&W experience goes back to 1973 when I purchased by first handgun, a Model 28 4". I went on to shoot PPC with a number of revolvers, stock and modified. In all I've owned more than three dozen Smith revolvers. Some of these had problems, but the difference between then and now, is that S&W had service centers that could make repairs locally.

I'm in CA and used to use Cheshire & Perez in Monrovia ( the gunsmith there was a friend), Long Beach Uniform, and Bolsa Gun Smithing in Westminster. The first two are gone and Bolsa isn't a service center anymore.

It would be nice if S&W went back to service centers instead of having to ship them back to the factory.

 

[hardluk1]

Add a third QC check to your list . One done by the person looking to buy a firearm or bring a person with a higher skill level with you to help you !

I would not expect a gun shop to do a worth while QC inspection specially the gun shops that are high volume dealers .

 

[glenwolde]

In my experience it's not quite fair to say the vintage guns were so much better. I've run into several issues on vintage guns, starting with my very first S&W in 1978. There were two others after that. These days the vintage guns have been through enough hands that along the way somebody fixed the problems. Then there's the vintage unfired guns sitting in safes. We don't really know about those now, do we?

Quality Control almost never involves more than cursory look-over for a final inspection. It must be loose and sliding so it might have been fine on a visual, just like it must have been when you picked it up.

This one is no big deal and easily fixed. I agree it ain't right, but maybe the selling dealer can fix it for you, or send it back. I'd probably fix it myself.

 

[eb07]

One just needs to stroll over to the sigforums to see opposite opinions apply as they too have a boatload of issues out of the box. Instead of complaining here, make a phone call, send it back and demand the quality issues be resolved.

 

[tmd17]

I have been lurking on this thread since the start and was waiting to see how it resolved. First, sorry you struggled through this akular, but glad you got it resolved to your satisfaction.

As hardluk1 noted, the buyer is the last line on QC, and that QC inspection occurs at the point of sale. I know how excited I can be when I find a gun I want, and at times have missed a few things while doing my pre-purchase inspection. It pays to slow the heart rate at that moment and have a mental or even a written list if you need one of all the things that need to be checked.

If it does not pass your check list, don't buy. If you ordered the gun on line, DON'T let them run the back ground check until you do your inspection. If the LGS won't let you do that, turn around and walk out. Your LGS will just return it to the seller and you can find another FFL do the transfer. But once you take possession, it becomes yours.

As for this particular gun, those two issues would have been a simple shrug of the shoulder and a few minutes on the bench.

Like it or not, we all know that craftsmanship today is not what it used to be.

 

[Data]

I am sorry to hear of your unfortunate circumstance. It's a hard lesson for sure. I would take note of it that you should always inspect the goods before handing over your hard-earned money. Smith & Wesson has a great track record when it comes to producing fine firearms. However, problems do exist with QC, and that is true with all firearm manufacturers. I've had my share of problems with other companies in the past and for the most part, they have all been resolved. Lastly, there isn't a single person on this forum who is going to resolve your problem. You're gonna have to grab the bull by the horns and take the initiative to Smith & Wesson and leave it with them until the issue gets resolved.
Best,
Data