Who at Smith & Wesson should I complain to?

[ENH]

Good luck, I expect you'll get what you deserve and want. I hope they give a reason for what happened.
Did you have them email the return label, if not call them and you won't have to wait several days for it.

 

[Sgt 127]

Thats way beyond what I would call acceptable. Anytime I see that intentional an overstrike on a VIN plate, engine number, serial number of any kind, alarm bells go off. I think there is a high probability that that gun could be seized as having an obliterated or tampered serial number and held to try and determine legitimate ownership. I would not buy that at a gun show, pawn shop or individual...

 

[onebadscrambler]

Does the TR in the serial # make this a Thunder Ranch? If so, Then I would want a pistol that can be verified as a TR with that prefix in the serial number.

 

[Mickstix]

Originally posted by Careby:
Included with the revolver is a letter that states that a new replacement frame with a new serial number was used and the old frame was destroyed.

That part right there would have me livid.. I'd calm down before calling, but you can bet your butt I'd be calling. (Or faxing that number posted above) If nothing else I'd want Mr. Golden to know what kind of warrenty work their "Performance Center" was putting out.. Best of luck, and cant wait to hear how it turns out!

 

[rdc]

Originally posted by ENH:
Does any one know more about the issue of the New Serial number with out going through an FFL?

The mfg can replace the firearm with another and note the owner in their bound book. It is legal for an individual to send direct to the mfg for repair or replacement and to have the mfg send a firearm back to the original sender. There is no requirement for more paper work. I had the same thing happen with an R77/22, complete new rifle, other rifle destroyed.

 

[TAC]

As for the 8 week waiting time. S&W does not even make the barrels for these guns. They are made by Walther for S&W. They probably had to order one made, then shipped to them.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by TAC:
As for the 8 week waiting time. S&W does not even make the barrels for these guns. They are made by Walther for S&W. They probably had to order one made, then shipped to them.

Are you quite sure the barrels you speak of are made by Walther for S&W, or are they made by Lothar-Walther for S&W (not the same company as the Carl Walther firm that makes the PPK, etc.)?

 

[TAC]

Originally posted by shawn mccarver:

Originally posted by TAC:
As for the 8 week waiting time. S&W does not even make the barrels for these guns. They are made by Walther for S&W. They probably had to order one made, then shipped to them.

Are you quite sure the barrels you speak of are made by Walther for S&W, or are they made by Lothar-Walther for S&W (not the same company as the Carl Walther firm that makes the PPK, etc.)?

What's in a name...Lothar Walther is the son of Carl Walther...same family. In any event I don't understand why S&W doesn't manufacture their own.

 

[Fulton722]

Originally posted by shawn mccarver:

Originally posted by Fulton722:
If S&W has "obliterated" the serial number on your revolver, they have committed a federal firearms violation. To be in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number is also a federal offense which I'm sure you want no part of. You may want to discuss with S&W that your next step will be to call ATF and discuss the situation with them.

What you say is NOT correct for a licensed manufacturer.

Are you implying that a "licensed manufacturer" can ship/transfer a firearm with an altered or obliterated serial number and not be in violation of US Code? Take a look at Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(k).

 

[buck45]

Just to stir the pot a little, I bought a new 627 Pro last September that shaved lead and had flame cutting of the top strap just above the barrel after only 150 rounds of .38 Special. Did the usual process with customer service and returned it on their dime. Got a new gun with different serial number in 16 days. Had to be shipped to FFL and went thru the whole processing issue, including fees, just like a new sale. My FFL agreed that's the required procedure in Florida. Maybe it's different by state?

The weird part is that I sent it in the original blue plastic box and got the same box back with the original serial # label! The devil is in the details.


______________________________________________

"If violent crime is to be curbed, it is only the intended victim who can do it. The felon does not fear the police, and he fears neither judge nor jury. Therefore what he must be taught to fear is his victim." - Jeff Cooper

 

[TAC]

Originally posted by buck45:
Just to stir the pot a little, I bought a new 627 Pro last September that shaved lead and had flame cutting of the top strap just above the barrel after only 150 rounds of .38 Special.

Flame cutting stainless steel with a .38 spl? Sounds more like lead deposits.

 

[Careby]

Update: I shipped the gun back to S&W last Wednesday with a letter asking for replacement or refund rather than another repair. Today they called and agreed to send a new one directly to me (no FFL required). Actually they even asked me if I wanted the same model, which I did. They said it might take a few days depending on whether or not it's in stock. I'll post another update when I receive it.

Thanks for all the moral support!

 

[ENH]

Excellent. I never thought you would get an explanation, but for just a loose barrel nut something went wrong at S&W.

Good luck with the new, I know you will like shooting it.

 

[buck45]

Ahoy tac,
Don't know what else you'd call the damage to the frame. Drag a fingernail across it and it would hang in the groove. Definitely wasn't lead and wasn't there as NIB. Evidently Smith agreed there was an issue as they replaced the whole works. Zero problem with the new one by the way.
_______________________________________________

If guns kill people then pencils mispel words, cars make people drive drunk, and spoons make Rosie O'Donnell fat.

 

[45s4ever]

My TR325 also shot the barrel loose within the fist 20 rounds!
Is this a common problem with SW guns that use the new Barrel nut? Has there bin a recall?
Is there a tool available for tightening the nut, and what would the proper torque be?
At first I was mad, but now I'm wondering about how cool it would be to be able to do easy barrel swaps. Are there various Barrels available?

 

[Careby]

If you call S&W they will send a prepaid label, tighten the nut, and return it to you. In my case there was a cosmetic defect that led to an unfortunate refinishing experience, but I'm sure that was not a typical situation. If I had it to do over (and I might if my replacement has the same issue), I would make a barrel nut tool from a thin wall socket and tighten it myself. That would give me the means to fix it again in the future. I don't care much about barrel swapping, but it would be nice to be able to adjust the barrel/cylinder gap.

I don't know the "proper" torque for the nut, but I'd say it must be at least a little tighter than what was originally applied by S&W. Some use Loctite, which may or may not be "proper", but sounds better than a loose nut. It might even be interesting to see what effect barrel tension has on group size.

 

[mississippi revolverman]

Careby Good ending to a bad experience, glad to see S & W did the right thing

 

[boycan]

Originally posted by 45s4ever:
My TR325 also shot the barrel loose within the fist 20 rounds!
Is this a common problem with SW guns that use the new Barrel nut? Has there bin a recall?

I have shot 500 rounds thru mine and nothing has come loose so far?

 

[Careby]

Received new replacement 325 TR today. I haven't fired it yet, but the barrel seems tight (shroud doesn't move). Cosmetically it's about average for a new S&W, meaning it isn't hard to find dings and blemishes in the finish, but as long as it shoots all right it's a keeper.

 

[ENH]

The Odyssey continues, let us know, think I'll shoot mine tomorrow. Good luck.