What's happening with the S&W lifetime warranty?

[Cary]

Originally posted by big50_1:
Smith's warranty is still intact as far as I'm concerned. Bought a used 65-3 in pristine condition last year. Cylinder rotation was very, very stiff so I sent it back to the factory. Got a call that the frame was cracked and they offered me choice of several guns as replacement OR I could take the cracked-frame gun back and that would be the end of the issue. I chose a 642-2 as replacement and it was **free**. So I'm stoked about S&W.

I received a new M620 the same way about 2-3 years ago. I know the M620 has gotten a lot of flack because of the MIM parts, two piece barrel, and the internal lock but hey the price was right and it shoots great for me.
Cary

 

[duckloads]

I just got a shipping label to send my XVR back to S&W.

 

[5Wire]

I've only had to request service once, a 686-5 Mountain Gun with a push-off problem. I did it by email. The next day I got an Email reply with a FedEx shipping code and instructions. Shipped it. Got it back about three weeks letter perfectly repaired and improved, it seemed to me in pull, at no charge. I am not the original owner but I sure am a fan of S&W Customer Service. I know from this forum that mine is far from being a unique experience with a consequent feeling of loyalty.

 

[FullMonte]

The 386NG I bought new two months ago is at S&W for repair now. Terrible misfire problems. When i called, they didnt ask any info aside from my address and name, and my next day air UPS slip came in the mail.

You guys are scaring me. I hope its free!

 

[DonD]

Originally posted by FullMonte:
The 386NG I bought new two months ago is at S&W for repair now. Terrible misfire problems. When i called, they didnt ask any info aside from my address and name, and my next day air UPS slip came in the mail.

You guys are scaring me. I hope its free!

Relax, it will not cost you a cent. They'll ship it back to you UPS at their expense and I'd bet you'll be very happy with the result and I hope you are. Don

 

[jeffrey]

I just sent S&W my 629-4 MG because the hammernose snapped off. The gentleman on the phone didn't even ask me whether I was the original owner (I am not). All he wanted was the address to which he would send the UPS shipping label.

I have availed myself of S&W's warranty service maybe four other times over the years, sometimes with guns I purchased new and sometimes with used guns, and their service has always been first rate -- and totally free. S&W is the best big company that I have ever dealt with. And it has the best warranty service.

 

[KyJim]

Since Smith and Wesson gives a limited warranty for a year, they would still have to comply with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Ruger, which does not give a warranty, does not have to comply with the Act. One of the key provisions of the Act is that it requires companies to provide an informal dispute resolution system through an independent third party at no cost to the consumer.

Anyway, I think the reason for the one year cut-off is simply to give SW the right to refuse to service guns when parts become unavailable, etc.

 

[5Wire]

Originally posted by KyJim:
...Anyway, I think the reason for the one year cut-off is simply to give SW the right to refuse to service guns when parts become unavailable, etc.

If that were the case, the wording to the Extended Service Policy would not make any sense at all:

Smith & Wesson?s Extended Service Policy begins after the warranty period has expired. Smith & Wesson will repair, without charge, any handgun purchased by the original owner on or after February 1, 1989 that is found to have a defect in material or workmanship. Eligibility for this extended service policy requires returning the Product Registration Card within 30 days of purchase. The Extended Service Policy covers functional defects; it does not include the handgun?s finish, grips, magazines or sights. The Extended Service Policy is in addition to and not an extension of the Smith & Wesson Warranty.

Nothing about parts. Guns manufactured before 1989 don't meet the threshold date, so, in that sense, S&W could refuse to repair unless charges were levied for parts, labor, and shipment. That seems eminently reasonable and generous to cover, as of this date, 20 years of manufacturing beyond the year of initial purchase instead of just that one year. Additionally, the Uniform Commercial Code, if I remember correctly, stipulates that durable manufactured goods parts be available for ten years after the last date of manufacture. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, I've been away from purchasing functions for a while.