New 617 cosmetic defect - Is this OK?

[QuercusMax]

The good news:
I'm the owner of a brand new 617-6 that was made in Feb 2012 according to the test firing. It's my first Smith and my first revolver, and has joined all my automatics. It's a beautiful gun and I like shooting it.

The bad news:
The lettering on the frame just below the cylinder that says "MADE IN USA / SMITH & WESSON" etc is blurry because it has been double-stamped (see photo). I'm not too happy about this - it's a bit like finding a deep scratch on your new toy. I did not notice this when I picked it up at my FFL, and even when I finally did notice it later I first thought it was just my eyes not focusing, but unfortunately it is real.

Has anyone else had this kind of thing happen? Any suggestions as to whether S&W would "fix" this under warranty?

 

[woody1911]

I have never seen that before - makes me wonder if it could add "collect-ability" to your gun like with errors on currency?
I hate to say it, but I kinda like it and if it was mine I would leave it.

 

[P&R Fan]

I have a M66-1 that has double stamping like that. It doesn't bother me because it's a great carry revolver.
S&W may do something about it, since it's new. Might as well ask.
But if not, I'd just shoot the heck out of it.
Jim

 

[allglock]

Yes, they will replace the frame.

 

[Ashlander]

Woody has a point. A double-stamp coin can be worth a lot to collectors. Heck, I bet S&W would love to have that one back. If it shoots well, I wouldn't think twice about it. But each to his own.

 

[larryofcc]

Have you ever seen a double die 1955 penny? If you had one to sell, it would buy many M617 Smiths. Personally, I like it very much. Big Larry

 

[diamonback68]

C'mon guys, guns aren't pennies, double stamps, quite common in all places on a gun, add nothing to collectibilty, in fact it may detract.

 

[wnc wheelgun]

I would hold onto that one due to the double stamp. What if you send it back and get a replacement and it had canted barrel or worse.

 

[notsofast]

If you need something unusual to add to your collection, this could be the one. If it's a shooter and you think when the double stamp is seen by others it might make the gun look shody and this bothers you, I guess you'll be wanting to "fix" it. It's your call and your gun, I'd shoot it, enjoy it and see how I felt about the stamp six months from now. Post it up on the boards, maybe someone will make you a high dollar gotta have it offer.

 

[arjay]

If it shot tight groups ,I would keep it.If not ,back it goes.

 

[Camster]

I couldn't live with that.Send it back.Maybe "factory seconds" work in the coin or stamp world,not in the gun world.

 

[Engine49guy]

IMO it is a defect and it would bother me.

While it is possable someone out there collects factory mistake guns ,
IMO The only person that thinks these factory mistakes are worth a premium is a dealer that has one for sale.

When you think about it ,
If mistamps really added value to a gun the factory would start stamping mistakes on purpose and selling them at a premium or as a special order.....
Hello S&W, I would like to order a Model 617 but stamp it Model 19.........Nuff said?

To your circumstance,
If I bought that gun new and didnt notice it till I got home..
I would either bring it back to the dealer to change it out or I would be on the phone with the manufacturer having them make it right.

Problem is I dont think they can fix that mistake without buffing it off first and that might bother you as well,

A new frame will involve a new serial number and paperwork through an FFL which they may or may not cover ,
Either way you will have to spend time on the phone with customer service.

If it bothers you and you want it replaced I suggest you do it now or regret not doing it later.

All this is my opinion ,
Its your gun and your decision.

 

[MikeChandler]

They can stamp the new frame with the same number, right? I thought they put the serial number on last, since that's done according to month and unit etc.

 

[MikeChandler]

Oh, btw, I also agree - it's a defect, and guns are not coins. It makes me wonder about what else they did wrong that day to that gun.

 

[allglock]

They can stamp the new frame with the same number, right? I thought they put the serial number on last, since that's done according to month and unit etc.

Nope.. frame gets destroyed and you get a new serial number.

 

[Engine49guy]

They can stamp the new frame with the same number, right? I thought they put the serial number on last, since that's done according to month and unit etc.

The way I heard it was that they used to keep unserialed frames for replacements until the ATF told them it was illegal.
Supposedly they destroyed alot of unserialed old frames too.

I could be wrong but I suspect they will tell you that you will get a new gun with a different serial number and that gun will be parted out and the frame destroyed.

 

[everReady Rob]

I was just sure my 'puter calendar, desk calendar and room calendar were wrong - so i got up and went in the other room to check that calendar - and they all say the same thing March 9. Hmmm, I thought it must be April 1.

BTW, engine49guy, tried to give you a double-like, but system won't allow - so i'll give you a double thumbs up.

IF anyone collects Smith and Wesson mistakes, they are going to be very busy and very broke. Do you think anyone in Springfield, MA reads these forums? It might get in the way to the trips to the bank.

 

[mchech]

Make them do it right. We are the only quality control S&W employs and we pay ourselves thru higher prices. Return shipping via FedEx is cheaper than in house QC or doing the job right the first time.

 

[Pote]

I'm calling bluff.....Photoshop!!!!! I just looked at it very close in PS. A few things looks off from shadows and highlights.

 

[NavyFrank]

Double Struck

In my younger days I worked at one of the major firearms retailers on the east coast. I don't know if you all remember Edelman's or Nationwide Sports. We had a customer come back mad as a hornet with a Model 10 with every marking on the revolver double struck. My boss could only do right for the customer and traded him a nice clean Model 10. After the customer walked out a happy man, my boss picked up the phone and sold the gun to an advance collector for four times the retail. So everybody was happy.