New 625JM – Very disappointed in quality / fit & finish.. UPDATE: Resolution/response

[SaberOne]

This sorta reminds me of my 686 experience. I recently sold a 'new' 686 2.5-inch and it was fairly nice although it wasn't what I expected, so I sold it unfired. The buyer was convinced that I had taken steel wool to the barrel and that it appeared considerably worn. It took a conference call to Smith' to prove it had just recently shipped from the factory.

 

[6pack]

Gun looks like it was completed at closing time in a rush by a trainee.

Sorry you had to go through this. I've bought a few guns online from Bud's and so far all are okay. They have a statement in their "shipped" e-mail for you to very closely examine the gun before accepting it from your FFL. I'll be sure to look carefully on my next two which are Smiths.

Best wishes getting your issues resolved. Hopefully they'll simply swap out your gun. I like the 625JM guns...hope you have a perfect one in your hands soon.

 

[pctech]

Update (or lack of)

Well, no progress yet.

I can't even get S&W to communicate with me. I sent them a fax yesterday and one this morning, but have not received a reply to either.

Just made a post in the lounge forum to see if anyone can give me info on a contact person @ S&W to deal with directly. I'd really prefer to do my communication with them in writing/email if at all possible.

 

[Nightowl]

I have found that it sometimes takes two or three days for an e-mail response.

 

[Fuego]

One of the reasons I prefer to buy from a stocking dealer is that I get to check the gun out before purchase. And I am willing to pay an extra $50 or so to keep my local dealer in business.
The last problem I had was with a S&W340 that would not properly index the cylinder. I took it to the dealer, and he sent it back on his dime.
S&W still did not get it right, so I took it back and the dealer sent it in again.

I much prefer to let a stocking dealer run interference for me. They have more clout, and they know who to talk to at S&W.

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

I have to agree, that gun is awful! I think it is the exception rather than the rule, and the dealer/distributor should have sent the gun back to S&W when they inspected it-if they inspected it. I would appreciate it if you would share the name of the dealer, if not on the board then by PM or personal e-mail.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Primary reason I don't buy online.

 

[AzTBH]

James

I just looked at my early production (S/N JPM03XX) JM625 under a fly-tying magnifying light. The gun is unfired (except by the factory), so it is a fair comparison.

My revolver shows none of "quality and fit & finish" issues that your revolver displays. Fortunately, I ordered my gun (years ago) from Scottsdale Gun Club, so I was able to examine it before purchasing. I agree with the other forum members that your revolver displays unacceptable quality issues that Smith & Wesson should correct.

Good luck with your discussions with the factory.

Ross
Peoria, AZ

 

[pctech]

Update

S&W has emailed me a Fedex shipping label to return the gun. It'll be going back to the factory on Monday.

I will be including a letter requesting a refund or replacement gun.

Will keep everyone updated.

James

 

[surveyor47]

Are you sure that isnt a refinished flood damaged gun? There are LOTs of them out there.

 

[ShrinkMD]

I had different issues with a new 625JM. The cylinder would not advance properly when the gun was loaded (worked fine empty). After the first time I sent it back, it shot, but the trigger had a weird catch on two cylinders. I also noticed the chrome flaking off the hammer. They took it back again (both on their dime) and now it is finally shooting well and seems ok.

I was pretty annoyed, too, that a brand new gun would need several trips to the factory to make it right, but make it right they did. They even forgot to include the metal moon clips with it, and had to send them separately. Must have been a rough Monday morning when they made it.

 

[Wayne M]

Your experience is not the norm but it isn't rare either. S&W is like just about everybody else meaning QC in mass production THESE DAYS is a hit and miss affair. In the past couple years I've seen loose shrouds on PC guns with two piece barrels(five I'm personally aware of), over indexted barrels(three I've seen), one 686 where the cylinder latch side of the top strap had been final polished to the point the edge of the barrel actually protruded past the strap(the initial thought was over index again but the rear blade was centered correctly. Add to these the other incidents we read about but can't acutally confirm and it's obvious QC need some attention. On the other hand Springfield Armory, Kimber, Colt, Bushmaster and on and on......owners all have their tales to tell too. Check some of the other forums. Aggravating it is but let Smith make it right because they still will! To me S&W is still the only revolver game in town, even if it has to go back right out of the box.

 

[pctech]

surveyor47,

As noted in my original post, the "test cartridge envelope" shows the gun is brand new, and didn't leave the S&W factory until 7/8/2010. (About 3 weeks ago). So no, it's not a "flood damaged gun".

James

 

[surveyor47]

Sure looks like one..... ughhhh-yuck.

 

[pctech]

Posted an update at the bottom of my original post with the resolution from S&W.

 

[dwever]

It can be hit and miss. My most reliable trouble free S&W was their Gunsite 1911, while a $2,500 Melonite 1911 from the Perf Ctr I bought for competition had two trips for warranty work. I have a Perf Ctr 629 (the stainless steel 1/2 lug with 7.5 barrell) and it has been trouble free and a joy, while a 627 5" had to be tuned.

I've since gotten rid of all the S&W's except the 629 for hunting (great rig with a Leupole 2x20). So besides the 629, I am down to the Glocks I have related to LE duty as required by my agency, and a Wilson 1911. I am considering a Perf Ctr .45 revolver in order that I don't bring any more calibers into the mix.

 

[augy]

I recently wanted a S&W model 610 and told my dealer about it. My dealer is a friend of the local distributor for S&W guns as well as others.
Dealer called me and told me the distributor was at his shop with a new S&W model 610 with the 4" barrel. I was all set to buy the gun.
Went down and opened the box, and couldn't believe my eyes. I asked the distributor if this was a new gun, or one that that was used for testing.
I guess he thought I was crazy, as he said it was brand new. Anyway, I didn't buy the gun, as it looked too used for me. It had some small scratches, rear sight had a slight ding, and was filthy. I did find a very nice one on-line, and bought it with no regrets.
I try to buy the older Smiths at Gun shows or at the auction sites online, and so far have been very pleased with my purchases.
Good luck and hope you get it resolved to your satisfaction.

IMHO, I don't believe Smith and Wesson is putting out the quality of years past.

augy

 

[bountyhunter]

As a long time S&W customer, I am disappointed that they seem to consider the defects present on this gun to be normal and "well within our manufacturing standards". I also find it interesting that they had to use a "jeweler's eye" to see the pitting defects, since my 5+ year old digital camera seemed to capture it just fine.

To S&W's credit, they did honor my request for a refund and the check arrived in the mail today.

To sum it up, I will remain a (reluctant) S&W customer, but will no longer attempt to purchase their products online. The risk of getting a gun that hasn't been property QC inspected is just too great, in my opinion. Any new S&W's I buy will either be through gun shows, or other local venues where I can carefully inspect the gun for defects prior to purchase.

James

It's remarkable they offered a full refund, probably due to internet visibility.

I used to think SW shipped their rejects out here to California to punish the state for it's anti gun policies. I suspect it is just poor quality across the board. I used to QA the new guns at my range and showed the guys there how to check barrel cylinder gap, headspace, lock up wobble, etc. I found a couple of guns so bad they were junk, and the shop owner said he was sending them back immediately (he was lying). The fool forgets that guns have serial numbers. Those guns stayed right there until they sold weeks later.....

And for the record, some of the PC guns had defects too. I was looking for a 627 for a while but never saw one that was free of defects. Most common are failure to carry up on one or more cylinder positions and cylinder wobble in lockup. I am of the opinion a $1200 new gun should be right, SW clearly does not agree.

 

[jbn43]

Quality control on firearms finishes is lacking. I recently bought a new S&W model 63 22 lr. I had to check out no less than 7 at different gun stores until I found one that did not look like it had been polished with sandpaper. That's sad, especially when you look look at the finishes of the older Pin barrel Smiths.

 

[JohnSW]

then I'll be going on to the corporate/certified mail route. (I prefer to have this type of communication in writing)

Yes, when all else fails, I send a US Mail letter to a company's President and CEO.

http://ir.smith-wesson.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=90977&p=irol-govmanage