Received my new 442, scratches and all.

[sw686man]

Been a long time lurker, I have a 29, 686, and ordered a 442 online that I just picked up from my FFL today.

Well, to make a long story short, it has scratches and blemishes on the frame just ahead of the cylinder. This was a BRAND NEW in box purchase.
It was purchased from a reputable vendor on Gunbroker.


Should I send it back? What can be done, or what would you all do?

Pics:

 

[MichiganScott]

If you bought it on Gunbroker, you're probably stuck. You'd end up paying overnight rates to send it back, even if the vendor would take it. Try contacting them on the off chance they will pay for it.

The next choice would be to contact S&W and see if they would cover it as a cosmetic defect and pay for shipping. The blemishes may be factory original, but I doubt the scratches are. If they won't fix it under warranty, shoot the snot out of it and add your own wear marks.

 

[sw686man]

If you bought it on Gunbroker, you're probably stuck. You'd end up paying overnight rates to send it back, even if the vendor would take it. Try contacting them on the off chance they will pay for it.

The next choice would be to contact S&W and see if they would cover it as a cosmetic defect and pay for shipping. The blemishes may be factory original, but I doubt the scratches are. If they won't fix it under warranty, shoot the snot out of it and add your own wear marks.

Sounds like a good plan, where in MI are you?

 

[OldGoat]

Ouch! Another example why I avoid buying on-line. Follow MichiganScott's guidance. Regards, Ed

 

[eveled]

It stinks that it is like that but if you plan on carrying it, it will get worse, eventually. I'd probably just shoot it. That is my favorite J'frame btw. Ed

 

[Old cop]

Too bad about the scratches but carry, shoot & enjoy it. It's a tool and will get beat up anyway (mine is).

 

[M3Stuart]

The question is; 'How picky are you?'

I know it would bug the crud out of me.

 

[bonjorno2]

^^^ this I would be upset about it!

 

[AR_Black]

Go online to S&W Customer service. They should send you a call tag pre-paid FED-EX and repair the gun for free if it is new. I'm a dealer, and have received several guns from distributers with 'finish problems' and I send them back to the factory on their dime.

If they just repair the gun, it can be shipped directly back to you. If they replace the gun, I think they have to send it to a dealer because it will have a different S/N.

I just listed a 442 on gunbroker that I received last year. It had a blemish on the finish. No way I was going to sell that to someone, S&W made it right. As a dealer, I am the last line of quality control before the customer.

What did the seller say about it?

 

[Revolver-dude]

scratches

Send it back. That is ridiculous. I am anal when it comes to my guns and it will hurt come trade in time. Guns are big bucks and new is new.

 

[Jaymo]

For what Smiths cost, I expect them to be perfect.
If consumers tolerate poor QC, the manufacturers will continue to provide second rate products. And, that finish is second rate.

 

[allthumbs]

I would send it back, you paid for a NEW gun and it should be in NEW condition, period ! I would 1st contact the seller and let him know you're not happy if you get no satisfaction then I would contact S&W. Just my .02 cents worth.

 

[Nframecollector]

I expect every brand new gun to be blemish and scratch free................whether bought on the internet or in a gun shop. Remember the old adage, The customer is always right. I would contact the seller and raise hell for sure!

 

[oldguyshoot]

I scratched up my 340 but at least I did it myself. I'd be unhappy if I received a scratched up gun as "new."

 

[Rpg]

As a practical matter, the blemishes make no functional difference.

If you bought this as NIB and are the first retail owner, the seller or S&W should replace it or refund the purchase price.

If you intended to carry and use the revolver, you just have a functional revolver that isn't beautiful: one that's worth a bit less than a pristine example for resale.

If you intended that it should always be pristine (you didn't intend to carry or shoot it) you want a replacement. You don't want a fix.

Decide what you wanted: a pristine gun or one that bears your use marks.

If the former, get S&W to replace it.

If the latter, ask the seller to discount it and give you $150.00

 

[Zumkopf]

Blotched and scratched ain't new.

I'm going to assume there weren't any pictures showing that damage in the GB ad, and they weren't described either. In that case, I would definitely contact the seller and complain. If the gun left the Smith factory that way, let the dealer straighten it out with Smith. But something tells me S&W isn't the cause.