S&W Cheapskates

[bjfichter]

When I purchased my 9 Shield, it was missing the owners manual. I contacted S&W via e-mail, and they sent me a link to download the manual. I can't believe they are too cheap to send me a real $2 owners manual! What's everyone's thoughts on this?

 

[WebSnyper]

Did you specifically ask for a paper copy to be sent? If not, and since you emailed, they may have thought that was the most expedient way to answer your needs.

 

[seebee62]

Was the Shield brand new?
If it wasn’t I wouldn’t think it’s S&W responsibility to provide a paper manual.
If it was brand new then they should.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Inusuit]

Unless you specifically asked for a paper copy, I don't think you have grounds to complain. Just my thoughts.

 

[amazingflapjack]

Shouldn't have to ask for a "real paper one" in my view.

 

[WebSnyper]

Shouldn't have to ask for a "real paper one" in my view.

No, but if they didn't understand that he wanted a paper copy, then they would have just offered the quickest way.

OP, just contact them back and ask for a paper copy.

 

[Rastoff]

Was the link to the wrong manual? What's wrong with the electronic version? I guess I don't get it. I mean, this is the 21st century. I'm more surprised they include a paper one at all.


The best part about this is you used electronic means to complain you didn't get a manual and then when they didn't send you a paper one you use an on line forum to complain about it. Maybe you should hand write a letter?

 

[kthom]

Have you called them back to request what you would like to have as opposed to the electronic copy? Or have you just come here to complain. No one here can fix this for you. Some might sympathize or agree and others might not. But that's all you can get here and that won't solve your problem. I'm not trying to be impertinent or impolite, but you need to call or contact them and tell them what you would like. I'll bet they will try to take care of your request. What we think about it doesn't really matter, does it?

 

[NewToGuns17]

I personally keep the paper manual in the box and have a PDF on my phone for my guns and anything else I may need while out... You're being petty.

 

[Bozz10mm]

I may browse through a manual once. Then it goes in a shoe box with all the other manuals. It's not like I need to keep referring back to it every time I use the firearm. Electronic version works for me too.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

You bought it without checking to see if it had a manual? Not S&W’s fault.

Also discussed here:

Paper manuals?

 

[GKC]

I prefer the electronic manuals...I can put them all on my laptop, and look at them without digging out the paper copies. To be honest, most of the time I don't even look at the manuals, much less read them for detail. I get more info from YouTube and online forums.

The last few products I've bought (not guns, but appliances, etc) didn't come with a manual at all...just a link to download a manual if desired. It's the wave of the present!

 

[rsrocket1]

Download an electronic copy of the manual and see if your argument is even worth it. Today's manuals are such a waste of time. 90% of the manual is liability protection for the manufacturer and disclaimers.

You could pick and choose the important sections of the manual and print them out. I doubt that the relevant text and pictures will add up to 10 pages.

 

[drgbike]

Only takes a few hundred requests to add up. Paper, postage, secretary's time. mail room time,printers time. Before you know it it adds up. Its a business after all.

 

[chiefbob81]

You have a good life if this issue really shows up on you "does this really matter radar", just saying!

 

[sigp220.45]

I don’t blame him for wanting the actual manual. How many times do we ask a seller “Does it have the box and papers?” The guy wants his papers.

 

[GKC]

How many times do we ask a seller “Does it have the box and papers?”

I think that's much more of a concern when buying a gun that is old or not in production anymore, and certainly so if it's a real collectible. If I was buying a current production gun, I'd prefer to have the box, true, but I wouldn't be concerned about the manual since I could easily get one online. I wouldn't even worry too much about the box on a current production gun, especially from S&W or Ruger, since the boxes are readily available...and they will send you a new one for free (I have gotten them from both companies myself.)

 

[sigp220.45]

I think that's much more of a concern when buying a gun that is old or not in production anymore, and certainly so if it's a real collectible. If I was buying a current production gun, I'd prefer to have the box, true, but I wouldn't be concerned about the manual since I could easily get one online. I wouldn't even worry too much about the box on a current production gun, especially from S&W or Ruger, since the boxes are readily available...and they will send you a new one for free (I have gotten them from both companies myself.)

All the old collectible guns we obsess over now were new and uncollectible guns once upon a time, like the OP’s Shield. He should have the manual if he wants it, not a link to where he can print it himself.

 

[S&WsRsweet]

I see both sides but I wouldn't call them " cheap" I would say it is being prudent with their stock holders money. A penny saved a penny earned as they say.

 

[00 buck]

Shoot that is nothing

They stopped giving a free screwdriver with every revolver also