S&W Repair Policy

[A-37]

If you're wondering about S&W's repair policy, this is what I received from them today:

"We would be more than happy to have our gunsmiths evaluate your firearm. If you aren't the original owner it would not fall under warranty and would be considered charge work. For charge work they would work up a sales quote for the parts and labor and mail it to you. If you like to go forward with the work you would just call in and make a payment or you can have them send the firearm back. There is a $45.00 evaluation fee and it takes about 2-3 weeks for the quote and then 2-3 months for the work to be performed after payment is received. Once the work is completed there is a $14.00 return shipping fee for the firearm to be shipped back.
I would be more than happy to send you a pre-paid shipping label for you to get your firearm in here if you would like to do so."

I have a Model 5946 with a broken extractor. See discussion here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/514434-extractor.html


The good old days when S&W would pay shipping both ways and do lifetime warranty on any S&W, whether original owner or not, are long gone.

 

[da gimp]

they still do in most cases... but do not cover abuse, home gun & amateur smithing "fixes" & modifications.. On the regular S&W revolver board for modern revolvers "1980 to present here", a lot of folks report that S&W repaired their pistols & mailed it back at no charge...even if they were not the 1st owner.

Pistols for which parts have not been made for many years are not covered by that though....but sometimes they are able to substitute other parts.. which may not have the same finish... stainless steel, or nickeled or use MIM parts...let's say.

Let's hope that they can find the parts you need to get your pistol back working. good luck to you sir.

 

[A-37]

Seems that we need a survey to see who got free repair service and who had to pay for everything, including that $45 evaluation fee. S&W didn't say if that fee would be applied to the repair cost.

If you reply, indicate semi-auto or revolver and year of service.

Thanks

 

[Collo Rosso]

In 2013 I bought a used (month old) 686+ for a great price. First time I fired full magnum rounds it would lock up. Let it sit, play with it and it would open back up. I guess this is why I got a good deal. Called S&W and told them I'm not the original owner. No problem! S&W paid both ways, fixed it properly. Still have and enjoy that one.
My son traded into a early 1911sc (post billboard with square butt). Nice shooter! A couple months ago it started ejecting straight back. Ejector had chipped. Called S&W to see if I could buy a ejector and they said "let me send you a prepaid label and let our smith's take care of it". Had it back in about 3 weeks and back to its old self.
As soon as I can find one I will not hesitate to buy a M69 with 2.75" barrel. S&W has been good to me.

 

[Welshman]

If you're wondering about S&W's repair policy, this is what I received from them today:

"We would be more than happy to have our gunsmiths evaluate your firearm. If you aren't the original owner it would not fall under warranty and would be considered charge work. For charge work they would work up a sales quote for the parts and labor and mail it to you. If you like to go forward with the work you would just call in and make a payment or you can have them send the firearm back. There is a $45.00 evaluation fee and it takes about 2-3 weeks for the quote and then 2-3 months for the work to be performed after payment is received. Once the work is completed there is a $14.00 return shipping fee for the firearm to be shipped back.
I would be more than happy to send you a pre-paid shipping label for you to get your firearm in here if you would like to do so."

I have a Model 5946 with a broken extractor. See discussion here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/514434-extractor.html


The good old days when S&W would pay shipping both ways and do lifetime warranty on any S&W, whether original owner or not, are long gone.

So are we to assume that if you are the original owner, these fees do not apply?

 

[LVSteve]

I think the issue is that they don't work on 3rd gens any more.

 

[A-37]

The long 2-3 month shop time is very likely tied to the fact that, in Dec 2016, S&W dropped their warranty repair done by various gunsmiths. This is according to LGS Mfg of Comanche TX.

Since LGS was a warranty shop, I'm inclined to ship them my slide and have them fit a new extractor for $100. I don't know what the turn-around time is but it's probably less than 2-3 months.

 

[jake1945]

S&W lifetime warranty sucks. I bought a new 629-6. The rear sight came apart while shooting it. Called S&W. They wanted the entire revolver sent back to them. It was an easy 2 minute fix. Not worth the time it takes them to repair it. I bought a complete new rear sight assembly from Brownells for $56. Total turn around time, 3 days shipping, 2 minute install.

 

[jimmyj]

Ruger has the best customer service

 

[Tyrod]

Ruger has the best customer service

That may be. In fact, I've used Ruger's generosity from time to time. However, realize, it is just that...generosity. Ruger has no warranty what so ever and has no legal obligation to fix any of their firearms for any reason.

 

[Rule3]

S&W lifetime warranty sucks. I bought a new 629-6. The rear sight came apart while shooting it. Called S&W. They wanted the entire revolver sent back to them. It was an easy 2 minute fix. Not worth the time it takes them to repair it. I bought a complete new rear sight assembly from Brownells for $56. Total turn around time, 3 days shipping, 2 minute install.

No it doesn't. It is very good. Just because you didn't want to send in the gun (which they pay for) doesn't mean it "sucks"

I have sent many guns back to them,

 

[Autonomous]

Ruger has the best customer service

Maybe...
I think Springfield Armory does.

 

[Evil Dog]

Had a 629 with a slightly clocked barrel.... called S&W to find out what my options were. They asked for the serial number and then said that it was old enough that it was no longer under warranty. However, I could send it in at my own expense and for $45 they would evaluate it. Any repairs made would be a minimum of $125 on top of that and would take anywhere from 2 to 3 months. Then I would be responsible for the return shipping charges.

A padded vise and a little blue loc-tite.... has been fine ever since.