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

[JaPes]

In an ideal world, the product label should correctly describe the item you are buying. We don't live in an ideal world. I'm not apologizing for S&W. They made a mistake. They're a big company, not some small-fry shop. They should have the manpower and budget to ensure their firearms are correctly labeled for retail sale.

I also believe that it is my responsibility to fully inspect and ensure that what is in front of me is exactly what I want to buy. I take the time to inspect (to the best of my ability and within the rules of the firearms dealer) a firearm before sign the 4473 and hand over cash.

 

[robncar]

Still an issue...

Picked up my new Sport yesterday, 03/09/15, and...

It has the handguard label proclaiming - Accurate 1 in 8" Twist, 5R Rifling - but the barrel is stamped 1 in 9".

I knew about the barrel change from research, prior to purchase, but was surprised to see the handguard label upon inspection.

 

[Rastoff]

None of this surprises me. There are probably a lot of guns still out there mislabeled.

 

[AreWeNotMen?]

update from OP

I received a call from Smith and Wesson this morning and the representative and I talked over everything S&W and I had already jabbered about in email. We got to the point where he said he had taken the matter to his supervisor and she told him they could not swap the barrel. I again expressed my view that it wasn't a matter of could not but one of would not. I told him there must be something they can do because they produce them by the thousands.

I then suggested the idea of swapping my upper with that of the 15T which is still made with the 5R barrel. I suggested that was a reasonable solution and we could negotiate how to handle the price difference. He said he had not discussed that option with his supervisor but he would and then get back to me.

now that is not an ideal solution for me because I don't care about a dust cover or forward assist but I'm just trying to work something out

 

[schgsd]

And holy toledo I think you just got S&W to admit for sure the 5R melonite barrel still exists.

 

[cyphertext]

I then suggested the idea of swapping my upper with that of the 15T which is still made with the 5R barrel. I suggested that was a reasonable solution and we could negotiate how to handle the price difference. He said he had not discussed that option with his supervisor but he would and then get back to me.

I doubt they will do this as they have recorded the configuration from the factory based on the serial number. As picky as the ATF is on recording serial numbers, and those matching the factory records... just seems like too much red tape.

If they allow you to pay an additional cost, I bet that you get a whole different rifle, not just a different upper.

 

[pnbrown]

This is getting stupid i have one of each , they shoot the same, enough said !

 

[spad124]

In an ideal world, the product label should correctly describe the item you are buying. We don't live in an ideal world. I'm not apologizing for S&W. They made a mistake. They're a big company, not some small-fry shop. They should have the manpower and budget to ensure their firearms are correctly labeled for retail sale.

I also believe that it is my responsibility to fully inspect and ensure that what is in front of me is exactly what I want to buy. I take the time to inspect (to the best of my ability and within the rules of the firearms dealer) a firearm before sign the 4473 and hand over cash.

I agree with JaPes. I believe I said something similar on page 1 of this thread. It will be interesting to see S&W's response.

 

[AreWeNotMen?]

This is getting stupid i have one of each , they shoot the same, enough said !

The only thing "stupid" here are worthless posts like yours. You certainly are free to have your view and express it (politely might be nice), but bashing me for my view is...well, stupid.

 

[AreWeNotMen?]

The only thing "stupid" here are worthless posts like yours. You certainly are free to have your view and express it (politely might be nice), but bashing me for my view is...well, stupid.

I apologize buddy! I had a bad day at work, no reason to take it out on you ...but it's getting better as I'm cooking corned beef for the family and sipping a black & tan.

Listen all, I know my view/"plight" may not mesh with your own, and that's cool. I'm just trying to be part of the community and offer my experiences. I've not read most of the other posts as they are not a means to my end - though I appreciate the interest this has generated. What I've not shared is this:

When I bought the mislabeled rifle...I actually bought two! And I have an older 5R one also. I sucked it up on the 2nd new one as it was not mislabeled, and that was on me. Am I happy with it, yes - I've modded it a bit and love it as much as my original 5R version. But I thought it too was a 5R...but that one is my responsibility.

I will let you know how things progress...or don't.

 

[Vigilant]

I think that is the rub, as they do still make the barrel. It is on the 15T... they just no longer put the barrel on the Sport.

ETA... Looks like I might be wrong on this... the website shows 1:8 twist, but no mention of 5R rifling on the 15T.

ETA again... S&W customer service confirmed that the 15T does still have the 1:8, 5R 4140 barrel... so they do still make them.

My M&P 15T is roll marked "5.56 NATO 1/8 5R". Bought it new about 9 months ago.

 

[SIERRA HOTEL AT3]

Said the dead horse.... "Stop beating me".

 

[AreWeNotMen?]

Nope...the horse ain't dead

So I nudged them again via email after about a week with no contact. Asked them to "re-consider swapping the barrel and call it a day" v. working something out on a 15T upper. I got a call today; they are offering a complete 15T in exchange at a discount (but still +cash on my end). They'd keep my rifle, ship the new one to a local FFL, and the swap-a-roo would be kosher with DOJ/ATFE even though different SN, model, etc. I told the rep I didn't really need/want all the extra do-das but to let me ponder and we'll reconnect in a few days.

So...I've got some pondering to do...

 

[cyphertext]

So I nudged them again via email after about a week with no contact. Asked them to "re-consider swapping the barrel and call it a day" v. working something out on a 15T upper. I got a call today; they are offering a complete 15T in exchange at a discount (but still +cash on my end). They'd keep my rifle, ship the new one to a local FFL, and the swap-a-roo would be kosher with DOJ/ATFE even though different SN, model, etc. I told the rep I didn't really need/want all the extra do-das but to let me ponder and we'll reconnect in a few days.

So...I've got some pondering to do...

What is there to ponder? They are basically agreeing to what you asked for... swap Sport for 15T. I can't believe this has drug on for 3 months.

 

[uncledoggle]

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

 

[Kadonny]

Why would there be an issue with serial numbers? You are swapping one complete rifle for another...unless I missed something.

And if I were you, I'd jump on the 15T swap, you are getting a rifle worth a few hundred dollars more.

 

[cyphertext]

Why would there be an issue with serial numbers? You are swapping one complete rifle for another...unless I missed something.

And if I were you, I'd jump on the 15T swap, you are getting a rifle worth a few hundred dollars more.

He asked them about just swapping uppers... that is where the serial number part came in.

And also, it isn't a straight swap... it is extra cash on his end. But, he did ask them to swap uppers and let him pay the difference, so I don't see how this is any different.

Of course, the fact that this has drug out for 3 months could mean we are being trolled too...

 

[Kadonny]

He asked them about just swapping uppers... that is where the serial number part came in.

And also, it isn't a straight swap... it is extra cash on his end. But, he did ask them to swap uppers and let him pay the difference, so I don't see how this is any different.

Of course, the fact that this has drug out for 3 months could mean we are being trolled too...

Just re-read his last post, he was jumping back and forth on 2 points. I saw now that it would require some "cash" from him. Still, if they are discounting the T a good amount, why not jump on it.

 

[uncledoggle]

Some broken hearts never mend,
Some memories never end,
Some horses never die,
And some people just can't decide.

 

[AreWeNotMen?]

good grief a lot of folks sure like to run their mouths and judge. if you're tired of how long this has dragged out, blah blah, yap yap, then please don't keep reading and go thread-**** somewhere else.

they want another $250 and that's the part I'm pondering.