Rust in new SW 432UC?

[Snub Nose Sasquatch]

My new S&W 432UC arrived today. Problems: (1) The gun arrived clearly test tired (dirty cylinder) and there appears to be rust on the ejector rod and under extractor star, though it easily wipes off with a Qtip - maybe it is some kind of chemical. Have never seen this under my new SW 367, Kimber K6S, SP101. Is this rust? (2) The gun has three scratches shown in the red circles. Haven't test tired yet - Maybe tomorrow. Good news: No lockup issues, timing is good, tritium night sight works.

Edit 11/09/2024: This is a copy of the letter I mailed to Smith and Wesson along with the firearm:

11-05-2024
Dear Smith and Wesson Warranty Department:
I purchased a brand-new Smith and Wesson revolver from **** in ****, on November 1, 2024 (serial # ****). I have not yet fired this revolver. There are four known problems: (1) Rust: There is rust all over the ejector rod, inside the cylinder chambers, and under the extractor star. I removed as much as I could without taking apart the cylinder. (2) Scratches: There are multiple scratches on this revolver around the screws and on the cylinder. (3) Signs of prolonged use: The cylinder turn line indicates wear consistent with prolonged use. The wear line doesn’t appear normal for what would occur from just test firing a dozen rounds at the factory. (4) Dirty: The cylinder and barrel arrived in a condition that was noticeably dirty, beyond what would be expected from test firing. Revolver appears to have fired 100+ rounds.

I wanted to test fire it to see if the gun has light primer strikes, as is reported on the forums and YouTube, but decided to just send the revolver back to S&W because problems one through three are so severe and disappointing. The gun could, potentially, also have an issue of light primer strikes. Based on the current rust issue, who knows if there is rust inside the firearm under the grips or inside the guts. I never took it apart to find out.

I am uncertain if this revolver is truly new, as it shows signs of some extensive use, abuse, and neglect. If the revolver is new, it is disturbing how it could leave the Smith and Wesson factory covered in rust and numerous scratches all over it.

Besides this 432UC, I own one other Smith and Wesson firearm, a 637 j-frame which I carry, shoot, and enjoy a lot. When S&W and Lipsey’s launched the Ultimate Carry j-frame, I could not have been more excited about it. I want the S&W Ultimate Carry revolver and the .32 H&R Magnum cartridge to find success in the market. However, given the number of problems reported on the internet with the Ultimate Carry lineup, I’m deeply worried this won’t happen at all. Taking a chance, I ordered one anyway and received a S&W revolver in the worst possible condition. I would like to know what actions Smith & Wesson plans to take to fix/replace my 432UC and to restore customer trust and confidence.

Sincerely,

****

Edit 11/14/2024:

I received an email from Smith and Wesson, copied here below:

Thank you for contacting Smith & Wesson. The firearm is currently in the repair process. Currently, the average turnaround time is 6-8 weeks. After repair, the firearm will move to our shipping department in which it will typically take 1-2 weeks for the firearm to ship out the factory. You will receive notification by email when the label generates and from there, you will receive the tracking information for the estimated date of arrival. - Rebecca

Edit 11/20/2024:

I spoke with Jason from Lipseys' and had a great conversation about the Ultimate Carry j frame. As I explained to him, the purpose of my call was just to let Lipseys' know that that I am disappointed in the quality control.

He said that Smith & Wesson is very aware of the issues people have experienced with these revolvers, and assured me that they are rare (less than 1% of all Ultimate Carry revolvers are returned to S&W for repair). Even with such a low return rate, S&W is actively making changes to make sure the return rate is even lower. He said Lipseys' has been in constant contact with S&W about the issues people have had w/ this revolver. It was good talking with him, and he is clearly passionate about the Ultimate Carry.

I'm not letting this experience change my feelings about the SW 432UC particullarly or S&W as a company in general. As I've said and experienced before, all companies can push turds through Quality Control. That includes Ruger, Smith, Kimber, and Colt.



As to the Ultimate Carry j frames, I feel an intense passion for them, more so than other firearms in recent memory. I want it to succeed and sell bucket loads because the .32 HR Magnum is so much better than any 38 Special in a lightweight snub nose, and because I believe a j-frame more broadly to be one of the best possible self-defense tools on the planet. Once S&W has returned my 432UC in working order, I will buy a the 632UC so I have both the black and stainless.

 

[BrBa]

I certainly hope that isn't rust. Maybe someone went overboard with copper anti-sieze?

 

[Baxter6551]

If the general public read this forum about the issues with new S&W products and the 432UC in particular I wonder if they would sell anything. What a shame to be releasing products like this.

 

[Snub Nose Sasquatch]

I certainly hope that isn't rust. Maybe someone went overboard with copper anti-sieze?

No clue. Makes me think it is a chemical as it easily wipes away, with no pressure at all, when a Q-tip runs over it. There was a ton of it. I have never had rust on any of my firearms before, so this is quite a shock. Seems like Glock has used a similar chemical before: Just a moment...


Still wonder if it is rust. Sent S&W and also Lipseys an email.

 

[Beju]

Since it wiped off easily, my guess is that they're stored with an anti-corrosion coating that should be wiped off during assembly (still not a great statement on QC).

My 642UC and my father's 632UC had nothing of the sort on them, but they were both from early in the UC production.

 

[Malysh]

No clue. Makes me think it is a chemical as it easily wipes away, with no pressure at all, when a Q-tip runs over it. There was a ton of it. I have never had rust on any of my firearms before, so this is quite a shock. Seems like Glock has used a similar chemical before: Just a moment...


Still wonder if it is rust. Sent S&W and also Lipseys an email.

The copper colored anti seize coating Glock uses looks nothing like what your new revolver is showing. I assume you don't own a Glock.

It looks like rust to me.

 

[BrBa]

It looks like rust to me as well. The turn line is awfully suspicious too. That doesn't look like a new gun to me. Not to mention the odd scratches. Where did you buy it from?

I bought a Kahr P380 from a well known online retailer several years back that was supposedly NIB but it was filthy when I opened the box. Looked like it had 100+ rounds through it, and was rode hard and put away wet.

 

[swagmeister]

Send it back. Totally unacceptable quality control, but sadly, seems to be happening more and more. No more pride in workmanship or producing quality weapons; just crank them out as fast as you can and deal with any problems later.

 

[Yendor357]

It’s a little surface rust. It shouldn’t have happened, but it did. Get out the Kroil and an old toothbrush, and move on. I certainly wouldn’t want the hassle of sending it back.

 

[rct269]

Have a look at Posts 8&9---these folks are simply identifying symptoms of the real problem.

The real problem is the powers that be at S&W have decided they can improve their bottom line by producing their products, and operating their business at the lowest possible cost---and they're right---and they're going to keep right on being right for just so long as there's an emerging supply of customers who don't know any better. When that string runs out, maybe there'll be a new owner who does know better.

"Hope springs eternal!"

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Narragansett]

Take pictures and let S&W make decision. Me, I would send it back so fast it gets windburn.

 

[gnystrom]

There are far too many posts about S&W quality control issues. I work at a range and also see my share as well as having a couple myself with PC guns no less. When asked, I switched my recomendations to Kimber and Ruger both of which have never given me issues.

 

[chief38]

Good ole' fashion RUST! If that were my gun I would disassemble the cylinder, remove the ejector rod to make sure all the rust is out of the tunnel also. I'd also take off the side plate and see what the state of affairs is inside.

That is totally unacceptable and a disgrace IMHO.

By all rights it should be sent back, however it could come back even worse!

 

[Jcon72]

My 432UC did not have that rust, thankfully!

 

[diyj98]

There are far too many posts about S&W quality control issues. I work at a range and also see my share as well as having a couple myself with PC guns no less. When asked, I switched my recomendations to Kimber and Ruger both of which have never given me issues.

I’ve had far more quality control issues with Ruger firearms. They’ve always made it right, but many of the problems should have never left the factory.

I think the lack of quality if affecting far too many companies nowadays though.

 

[Ggunb]

At any cost, absolutely no way would that be acceptable. A gun in that condition isn't even worth 1/2 of what S&W wants. My 442 carried for a few years in a pocket is in better shape than that. That gun is not NEW! The wear on the frame from the crane gives it away.

 

[BrBa]

At any cost, absolutely no way would that be acceptable. A gun in that condition isn't even worth 1/2 of what S&W wants. My 442 carried for a few years in a pocket is in better shape than that. That gun is not NEW! The wear on the frame from the crane gives it away.

My thoughts exactly. I would love to know where he purchased it.

 

[slabside2]

This thread is so sad to read what a great company Smith & Wesson WAS i’ve been buying their revolvers all my life. I stopped about 10 years ago. The ones I have are keepers the last one I bought after carefully inspecting it was a 438 it was mint condition but it was sold as used. Like someone mentioned above my Kimber revolver, is built like a tank. It reminds me of the old pythons. Send it back paying that much money for a gun like that. You shouldn’t have to get a toothbrush out and start scrubbing it.

 

[cracker57]

It seem that all companies not just firearms have taken the stance of let the QC go down hill and try to make up for it with good CS.
Send it out and lets see if the customer can fix it. If not we can send them a different one.
I've said it before and will say it again if everyone sent them back maybe S&W would stop sending junk out their door.
It seems S&W is using its customers to find problems and the solution to fixing them.
so send it back and MAKE them make it right. Why should a customer fix a new product?

 

[Snub Nose Sasquatch]

I was told by Smith and Wesson that I am expecting a 8-12 week wait time before the gun is returned.



Insane.