Recently purchased a Model 25 classic. Are canted barrels and poor frame to barrel fit with a signifigant gap between barrel shroud and frame something new with S&W. I sent it back to S&W and it was returned, according to the repair slip they replaced the barrel, but it looks as bad as it did before I sent it back. I spoke with CS and there sending me another shipping label to return it again. I blame myself for not doing a better inspection before I purchased it however, it doesn't mean they should try to pacify mean with BS answers. CS told me that all guns have different tolerances etc,etc. So I guess that means according to them canted barrels and poor barrel to frame fit is within their new tolerances. I explained to CS none of my past or present S&W revolvers have had these issues. Of course CS had no answer for that comment. This is not what I expect from S&W. Has quality for S&W deteriorated since merging with Thompson? When I got the gun back in a weeks time I knew I was in trouble.
You have my deepest sympathies, with all of the hype and hooping and proclamations that cad/cam would solve all of our/S&Ws fitment issues, such has not been the case. There was a time in the past when S&W hired craftsmen, and quality control meant "Quality" was what was expected, and S&W stood behind their work. Those who will say thats nothing new, are possibly partly right, but absolutely wrong, because Smith employed men of great care and talent, the Registered is a fine example of that, even the beautifull post war and following guns.
To have allowed something such as you have described out of the factory the first time would have shamed those nobles of the file and babbit, to have allowed it out a second time in public to besmirch all their names, would have likely resulted in the offenders departure. We see the changes in company philosphy, when it was decided that pinning barrels and recessing cylinders was much to costly, and now threads such as this are all to common, whats more, many forum members will defend such practices and product, and some might not care, but for those of us who do????
I bought my first 44 Magnum, a Classic Hunter with the unfluted cylinder, the rear sight had a 10 to 15 degree list to one side, I assumed the rear sight was bent, wrong, when I got it home I changed the rear sight, same problem, called smith and they said send it back, they ruined my frame trying to fix it, replaced the frame, and the crane to frame fit was beyond ugly. Nevertheless, I traded it in for a slightly used Model 29 Classic DX, and 150 cash, that was nearly 20 years ago, that DX was an exquisite piece of craftsmanship, I had 650 cash in it 20 years ago, sadly the percieved need for a concealed carry piece, saw that lovely 29 go to my best friend and shooting partner, I never did get that bought back from him, he too traded off for something he thought he had to have. Two guns, two very different animals, one Krap, the other a work of art, early 90s???? Ya pays yer money, and ya takes yer chances, I think PopEye said that??? Billy Magg
