Rogue & Turbo, (I think it did come that way from the factory Jack)
I suspect this thread may continue, but in an effort to wrap it up: I hear exactly what both of you are saying, but consider this: I think the dealer (still left unsaid) was telling the truth. This is a large dealer, but doesn't have a range at that location. This particular 686-6 plus shows a manufacture date of spring 2012. It's pretty new. Please follow this logic and see if you agree this is likely a S&W issue.
We've all purchased new weapons that were fired at the factory but cleaned before delivery. Some Kimber 1911's for instance and a fantastic Springfield TRP Operator I picked up this summer which was perfect. (from the same dealer by the way) I've also bought a couple that were never cleaned after the test firing. You all have too. Then there is the hybrid "new" gun that the dealer has fired, or let a customer "test fire" at their own range. Yes there should be a better distinction between "new" and "new never fired" Neither one is really true due to the test firing most weapons should have.
I wish I had pic's of the cylinder and barrel before I cleaned it. It wasn't really too bad if they fired all 7 cylinders. Cleaned up OK. If it had been fired much more, it would have been worse in the cylinder & barrel. I only broke it open after feeling the trigger on a buddies mid-80's 686. He had felt mine and was bragging on his. Mine was much stiffer and I was feeling a little roughness. Had never busted open a revolver and wanted to know how anyway. Time to learn. The pic's above are what I found. YUK! THAT'S what bugged me, not what was on the outside. That mess you see inside the frame couldn't have been done by the dealer. It's too new for it to be dried lubricant. Don't think S&W management intends to put gritty brown grease inside those frames . . . right?
So less than 6 mo out of the factory the guts look like you see above? Hate to defend the dealer I bought this from, but how could the dealer be responsible for how the internals were found? That's why I said if I wasn't such a complete doofus, I should have put all the parts in a plastic bag, taken it back to FFF and asked for a full refund. I've bought several weapons from them. Even tho I probably violated warranty by breaking open the case, I think FFF would have given me a full refund and Mr. G. would have been reading the riot act to some S&W rep. I'm pretty certain dealers don't break open the frame on a revolver, even if they do clean up after factory test fire.
As it now stands - It's OK now, looks beautiful and I learned a lot. Moral to the story = If you have a new S&W (revolver or semi auto) ya better check under the hood 'cause S&W isn't! Personally, in the future I will only be buying older used S&W's. Smith has lost their way.
Last, I'm a little surprised S&W hasn't jumped into this thread. (unless Jack is a factory rep ;-) I've heard of them doing so in private message. If they are listening, I have electronic copies of all my receipts, copy of the tags and stickers on the blue plastic box, and documentation of "new" purchase, when & where. I don't want anything except respect that this is the kind of feedback businesses should thrive upon . . . unless they are on thier last legs. Unless you guys have completely lost touch with your "fans" and former supporters, this kinda stuff should NEVER happen. Perhaps this is just another unintended consequence we can blame Obama for, he says tongue in cheek. Huh? Well people are buying so many guns even a fine old firm like S&W is so busy making guns, they honestly could care less about QC and what we think. It's usually the death nell for a big company to forsake their customers. Is in my business. We'll see.
