S&W Warranty Service saga continues. Advice needed

[Stewboy]

Hello all,


Just an update on the S&W model 41 purchased new this past May. Trigger guard became stuck in the open position after a field strip, and returned to S&W. Gun was "repaired" and returned to me 8 weeks later. Trigger guard became stuck again soon after. Returned to S&W and was "repaired" with a two week turnaround.

Trigger guard became stuck yet again, and was returned to S&W two weeks ago, and after inquiring yesterday received an e-mail with the following message:



"Your firearm is currently with the service department. Due to the holidays the turnaround time is 8-10 weeks."


Any advice? I haven't contacted the local shop where I bought it, or done research regarding consumer protection. If any of you have any advice to offer I'd appreciate it.



I do love the M41, and have an older model getting the full treatment from David Sams in Va. But I won't be purchasing anything from S&W in the future. I'm a fan of what S&W once was, but not what it's become.

 

[Engineer1911]

Used S&W guns are better quality, cheaper, and possible problems have been fixed. My two new S&W handguns are a M41 bought in 1982 and a M1911 45 ACP stainless steel Target model bought in 2003. Both came with low, low prices (co$t + $10) from established shops.

 

[Stewboy]

Used S&W guns are better quality, cheaper, and possible problems have been fixed. My two new S&W handguns are a M41 bought in 1982 and a M1911 45 ACP stainless steel Target model bought in 2003. Both came with low, low prices (co$t + $10) from established shops.

I believe you're right. Though my other S&W (a 1979 M41) developed feeding problems, I'd gotten such a good price on it that I was able to send it to Sams for a complete makeover including barrel reline.

 

[Rpg]

Used Smiths are usually trouble free (at least mine have been) and are more desirable, to me, than contemporary new Smiths.

Be that as it may, your 41 has a great warranty. You should rely on it. I'd keep sending it to them until the problem has been resolved.

You're not without other guns to shoot. You only have to overcome your impatience for a few weeks. In the world of competent gunsmiths, 8-12 weeks is practically light speed.

I'm unaware of any consumer protection law, at least in Colorado, that applies to your situation.

 

[ken158]

Doubtful the LGS feels any responsibility - they didn't make it and the manufacturer has it now so you cant show it to them. The factory has it now for the second time and hopefully it will be repaired. No idea what you would expect from any consumer protection complaint. My advice is to be cool and see how it works when it returns. If it is not to your liking, just trade it or sell it and watch for another if you like the 41 that much. They seem to be accurate and function properly - at least mine do.

 

[Stewboy]

Doubtful the LGS feels any responsibility - they didn't make it and the manufacturer has it now so you cant show it to them. The factory has it now for the second time and hopefully it will be repaired. No idea what you would expect from any consumer protection complaint. My advice is to be cool and see how it works when it returns. If it is not to your liking, just trade it or sell it and watch for another if you like the 41 that much. They seem to be accurate and function properly - at least mine do.

No doubt, this is good advice, so thanks. Just one note: this was the 3rd return to the factory for the same problem. The gun shot very well on its last return from the factory, several mags of various kinds of ammo without a problem, so I agree with you too about the 41's capabilities when it's functioning as designed--it's an absolute pleasure to shoot.

 

[AveragEd]

My new Model 41 had ejection problems the factory failed to correct the only time I sent it back. My local gunsmith corrected the condition in short order so I would speak with one in your area.

Ed

 

[N4KVE]

Doubtful the LGS feels any responsibility - they didn't make it and the manufacturer has it now so you cant show it to them. The factory has it now for the second time and hopefully it will be repaired. No idea what you would expect from any consumer protection complaint. My advice is to be cool and see how it works when it returns. If it is not to your liking, just trade it or sell it and watch for another if you like the 41 that much. They seem to be accurate and function properly - at least mine do.

This is how it is at the LGS where I work. When a customer buys a firearm, buried in the fine print is a release saying once you walk out the door with a purchase, you now must deal with the mfr for any problems. Now as a courtesy to customers, if there is a problem, our gunsmith will look at the gun for five minutes max, & if he can fix it in that timeframe, & many times he will, then there's no need to send it back. Otherwise, it's back to the mothership. And we advise the customer to send it in themselves, because if we send it in, the customer can not call the mothership to ask how it's doing because they didn't send it in. But if they send it in, they will be updated on its progress. GARY

 

[GaryS]

I bought a used Glock from a gun shop that I've done business with a few times. First time I took it to the range, it stopped shooting.

I brought it back and the owner spent about five minutes replacing the trigger spring. He had the tool and a supply of springs, so it was no big deal. Anything more complex and I expect it would have had to go back to the factory.

I know, that's what I deserve for buying a Glock in the first place!

My discovery of 3rd Gens cured me of that.

This is how it is at the LGS where I work. When a customer buys a firearm, buried in the fine print is a release saying once you walk out the door with a purchase, you now must deal with the mfr for any problems. Now as a courtesy to customers, if there is a problem, our gunsmith will look at the gun for five minutes max, & if he can fix it in that timeframe, & many times he will, then there's no need to send it back. Otherwise, it's back to the mothership. And we advise the customer to send it in themselves, because if we send it in, the customer can not call the mothership to ask how it's doing because they didn't send it in. But if they send it in, they will be updated on its progress. GARY