new Sport 15 mislabled: 1/9 v. 1/8 5R = not happy

[AreWeNotMen?]

So I buy this and pick it up on Friday. One of the main reasons I chose it was due to the 1/8 5R barrel as advertised on the fore-grip sleeve. I didn't think to look for any markings on the barrel - why would I? As I am cleaning it yesterday, I notice the 1/9 (and no 5R) stamped on the barrel! I research on this site and discover most if not all are now coming with the 1/9. Had I known this, I may not have purchased it!!! And before anyone poo poo's the 5R as "no big deal, get over it" I have it on my Rem 700 and think it is a big deal and a prime selling point - hence my decision to buy it.

I'll be contacting S&W to see what they say. My hope and expectation is that they will send out a FedEx box and swap in the barrel that they advertised. I'll keep you posted.

 

[JJEH]

Here's a good thread about this.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...1-8-5r-1-9-6-lands-grooves-pros-cons-any.html

 

[shawn mccarver]

This was also covered here:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p15-rifles/409303-not-happy-camper.html

 

[2hawk]

And another one:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p15-rifles/409303-not-happy-camper.html

Consensus seems to be that you shouldn't have to accept something that was not what it was advertised to be, but... they aren't using the 1/8 5R barrels anymore. Not a good situation, and I can sympathize.

ETA I see my slow typing skills have been exposed, again...

 

[sgtsandman]

It seems like S&W may have changed the barrel specs but not the packaging. There is another thread about a person buying a M&P15 that everything points to a 1:8 barrel but the barrel is stamped 1:9.

That particular OP has not replied back to the thread yet, so it is unknown what they have done to deal with the problem.

 

[JaPes]

Looks like one of two possibilities is occurring.

1. S&W never changed the label they use for the 15-Sport.

2. S&W's packaging department somehow is using an old batch of labels.

Call S&W. Let us know what's up.

 

[otisrush]

Wow. This appears to have happened multiple times (this and the "not a happy camper" thread) very very recently.

It appears S&W has a MAJOR assembly/packaging problem.

I wonder how many consumers didn't notice it.

OR

 

[ClayCow]

Wow. This appears to have happened multiple times (this and the "not a happy camper" thread) very very recently.

It appears S&W has a MAJOR assembly/packaging problem.

I wonder how many consumers didn't notice it.

OR

Are you basing this off of 2 threads? Or have you seen it pop up in other forums too?

 

[otisrush]

Just these two threads. If both of these are what they appear to be S&W is afixing the wrong label on the gun. I'm assuming (maybe a bad assumption) that others who haven't posted have obtained mis-labeled guns. Either they haven't noticed the error. Or if they have noticed it they don't care - that the rifling isn't a big deal to them.

I'm assuming two-of-the-same experiences happening so close together here is an indicator of quite a bit more out there in the universe overall.

 

[ClayCow]

I'm guessing most people don't even know. I sure never check the barrel or carefully inspect as others do. 1/7 or 1/9 or whatever, won't make a difference to me for what I need.

 

[gunny4053]

It's not an assembly problem, but it is most definitely a packaging/labeling problem. The 1/8 5R barrels are available in an upper end model, but haven't been used in the Sport for a while now. Contact S&W and see what shakes out. When you do that, keep it polite. Let them know about your displeasure, but going off on a rant may produce poor results. Good Luck and good shooting.

 

[Rastoff]

Yeah, I agree with Gunny on this one. Definitely a labeling problem. S&W changed the barrels and forgot to change the labeling.

I'll bet a month of lunches that 99% of those that buy an M&P Sport don't have any idea what the 1:8 or 1:9 twist rate is or how it affects them. Further, if you were to tell them, I'll bet double that that they don't care. Thus, this has never been noticed and if it has they just aren't concerned.

To the OP,
Take it back to the store and tell us what they say. They should give you your money back.

 

[JaPes]

I was one of those 99% that bought a new firearm and assumed that it was what it said on the box. I got burned one time. Now I'm in that 1% that demands to field strip and inspect the firearm prior to handing over cash and signing the 4473. I get some gun stores that balk at my request. I'll put the cash/check on the counter and politely tell them it's their choice. No field strip and inspection, no sale.

Because this is Illinois where there is a legislated 72-hour waiting period, I field strip and inspect the firearm prior to final sign off on the 4473 and final payment of the remaining balance.

*grumbles* Darn 72 hour "cooling off" wait period. How is that a cooling off period when I have 10 more firearms in the safe? I'm also a IL FOID and IL CCL holder. What positive overall effect to the general public at large is gained from making an individual that passed the IL State Police background check TWICE in addition to FBI NICS check multiple times wait 72 hours?

 

[moe smith]

Had I known this, I may not have purchased it!

I know what you mean. My second ex wife was mis-labeled.

 

[ClayCow]

I know what you mean. My second ex wife was mis-labeled.

And the first? ; )

 

[ClayCow]

I was one of those 99% that bought a new firearm and assumed that it was what it said on the box. I got burned one time. Now I'm in that 1% that demands to field strip and inspect the firearm prior to handing over cash and signing the 4473. I get some gun stores that balk at my request. I'll put the cash/check on the counter and politely tell them it's their choice. No field strip and inspection, no sale.

Because this is Illinois where there is a legislated 72-hour waiting period, I field strip and inspect the firearm prior to final sign off on the 4473 and final payment of the remaining balance.

*grumbles* Darn 72 hour "cooling off" wait period. How is that a cooling off period when I have 10 more firearms in the safe? I'm also a IL FOID and IL CCL holder. What positive overall effect to the general public at large is gained from making an individual that passed the IL State Police background check TWICE in addition to FBI NICS check multiple times wait 72 hours?

hmm I could see that as a legitimate request. I sure wouldn't be able to tell the difference, I probably should field strip my guns to see if everything is in there!

However, about half my purchases are online, I'd think it a bit offensive to require the ffl transfer person to strip it down. Though I'm sure they'd accommodate your request if you asked them to oversee it in case something was missing

 

[moe smith]

And the first? ; )

You mean Sybil? I don't know. They never left a forwarding address.

 

[AreWeNotMen?]

I know what you mean. My second ex wife was mis-labeled.

That there is FUNNY! And I so hear you on that one!


To all - I will try calling S&W tomorrow to explain, and see what they tell me. I will report back when I have news.

 

[schgsd]

However, about half my purchases are online, I'd think it a bit offensive to require the ffl transfer person to strip it down. Though I'm sure they'd accommodate your request if you asked them to oversee it in case something was missing

I won mine on Gunbroker. I didn't even ask, My LGS who did the FFL had me open the box and check it out before he even handed me the paperwork to fill out. But then that's why I try to keep my dealings local. You do business in town with local people they are gonna be looking out for you too.

 

[ClayCow]

My lgs both of them simply had me fill it out and then complete the form before handing me the box. Technically they have ownership of it until you sign that form. I wonder what would happen if I did what japes does and lay my money on the table and make them open the box before signing the form. I believe it would be their right to refuse to transfer and send it back as they wouldn't be able to keep it since I had paid for it.

I did find it a little weird that I didn't get to see my gun after the transfer, but I had some faith and trust. The same things which get people screwed : )