Watchdog
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Would you buy a new-production S&W revolver online (sight unseen)?
- Thread starter wopr1967
- Start date
It depends on the seller. I have purchased 3 new handguns over the last few years online. One was a Ruger 1911 CMD, the other an ATI 9mm 1911 Commander, and a Smith 686+ DeLux 3". These were purchased because the seller offered an extended layaway plan which helped since I am on fixed income.
In selecting a seller that I may buy from, I look at buyer feedback, layaway terms, and their inspection period. No inspection period, and I move on!
In selecting a seller that I may buy from, I look at buyer feedback, layaway terms, and their inspection period. No inspection period, and I move on!
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one eye joe
US Veteran
I HAVE NEVER PURCHASED A NIB, CURRENT PRODUCTION FIREARM, FROM AN ONLINE VENDOR. I PREFER TO SUPPORT MY LGS, AND ALLOW HIM TO STAY IN BUSINESS, AND FEED HIS FAMILY. IN FACT---I HAVE ONLY PURCHASED 2 NEW PRODUCTION S&W REVOLVERS---A 642-1 (NO IL), AND A 4" 617........
THE REST OF MY MANY S&W REVOLVERS, WERE PURCHASED FROM VARIOUS VENDORS ON GUN BROKER. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH ANY OF THOSE PURCHASES. I AM ALSO A GB VENDOR. ALL WE HAVE TO REPRESENT OURSELVES AS HONEST, AND TRUSTWORTHY, IS OUR CUMULATIVE FEEDBACK. ALL OF US VALUE OUR REPUTATIONS HIGHLY, AND DO OUR BEST TO DEAL HONESTLY, AND RESPONSIBLY---AS EITHER A BUYER OR A SELLER. WITHOUT AN EXCELLENT REPUTATION, THAT IS EASILY CHECKED, NO ONE WILL DO BUSINESS WITH US.......
I AM ACTUALLY SHOCKED, TO READ OF YOUR 2 BAD EXPERIENCES WITH BUD'S ! ! ! I HAVE NEVER DONE ANY BUSINESS WITH BUDS, BUT HAVE NEVER READ ANYTHING LIKE WHAT YOU REPORTED. REST ASSURED, I WILL NEVER PATRONIZE THEM---THANKS TO YOU......
Some good comments here !!!
I bought 2 new revolvers from my LGS. (Have purchased many from them over the years). Sent both back to factory for repair/replacement. One shot 2+ inches to the left. I inspected this gun very carefully but found no problems until I shot it ( bbl to frame fit not right but could not see by looking at it).
The other was a S&W model 360J I got last Friday. I checked this one over also and found no problems until I opened and closed the cylinder about 25 times. It went back to S&W today and was never fired. ( cylinder binding on forcing cone on opening and closing only, putting scratch marks on cylinder face. Easy fix).
I got both guns at REALY good prices. In over 50 years I have never had to send any guns back to the factory for any reason until now. Even if you know a lot about guns,you can't always catch problems.
For what I paid, I don't mind waiting to get them back repaired or replaced.
Be SAFE and shoot often! To answer your question, if the price is right,the seller has a good reputation and it has a life time warranty, then I would not have a problem.
I bought 2 new revolvers from my LGS. (Have purchased many from them over the years). Sent both back to factory for repair/replacement. One shot 2+ inches to the left. I inspected this gun very carefully but found no problems until I shot it ( bbl to frame fit not right but could not see by looking at it).
The other was a S&W model 360J I got last Friday. I checked this one over also and found no problems until I opened and closed the cylinder about 25 times. It went back to S&W today and was never fired. ( cylinder binding on forcing cone on opening and closing only, putting scratch marks on cylinder face. Easy fix).
I got both guns at REALY good prices. In over 50 years I have never had to send any guns back to the factory for any reason until now. Even if you know a lot about guns,you can't always catch problems.
For what I paid, I don't mind waiting to get them back repaired or replaced.
Be SAFE and shoot often! To answer your question, if the price is right,the seller has a good reputation and it has a life time warranty, then I would not have a problem.
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Tough question.
First, for the most part, I have near zero interest in buying any new production S&W revolvers. I'm traditional and as old as dirt and Lord knows I prefer my S&W revolvers the same way.
I've already got all I really need (in older stuff) so unlike the youngsters here, I have no real pressing need for new. If I did have a pressing need for new, I'd certainly prefer to buy locally if at all possible because I don't trust S&W factory quality control anymore. 
But wait!
There is one possible exception! A while back, I found a very slightly used Model 442-1 for cheap in a newly-opened shop and I liked it a lot. Sadly, it sold before I could return with enough cash to buy it, but I made a mental note to myself to pick one up when the next good opportunity presented itself.
Unfortunately, no such "good opportunity" has come along since. I could see myself ordering one for cheap off the 'Net in lieu of finding myself another really nice used one. They are too expensive for me to justify buying a new one locally, but doing the Internet thing and paying the shipping & transfer fees comes to roughly the cost of used.
So mothership QA/QC be damned, when the stars align properly again, I might just do that. GunnerMichael
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I would agree with this reply. You get the chance to inspect the firearm at the LGS before you take ownership. If you return it you should only be out the shipping cost, maybe the background check fee.
I admit I have never purchased a firearm online. I live in California and it is often not cost effective.
I don't buy guns online but not for the reason of worrying about the manufacturers QC. You could pick out what you think is a perfectly good gun from a gun store, purchase it, but then go to the range and have malfunctions.
When I was shopping for a Big Bore revolver I put my hands on a lot of S&W revolvers. I did not see any noticeable defect on any of them. Ended up purchasing an M69 and it's my favorite firearm I own.
A lot of people will say no because they think S&W makes **** guns, but this is far from the case. Other have had bad experiences but it was because they did not inspect the firearm until they got home. Those people might disagree with me, people are entitled to their opinions, even if they are close minded and their ideas are based not based on facts.
touchoneoff
Member
I have bought only one rifle online, and that was a Type 99 (1941 Nagoya Manufacture) Arisaka. It had all the pics online, and the seller was highly rated, so I took the chance. The rifle was exactly as the pictures showed, and was very happy with the purchase.
I tend to want to look at whatever I am buying, so only buy, online, something that is hard or impossible to get in a store.
I tend to want to look at whatever I am buying, so only buy, online, something that is hard or impossible to get in a store.
jwk
Member
I try to buy locally because it's my neighbors. Don't always have that choice though. Only problem gun in last few years was bought locally. Because of importers test firing couldn't see problem when I bought it. Barrel had really bad tool marks under the crud from test firing. Local seller handled problem w importer (ATI). Much as I like a good deal I now live in a small town and if folks don't buy locally my small town won't be here. I have asked a local if he can come close to an online price with some success. The tax is the State's money so a local cant help that. I live in a state w no state income tax so sales tax is how state and local government runs w the benefits that it provides. Daddy was a professor at a state college. Mama taught at a public school. I went to public schools and state colleges. My kids go to public schools etc. I dont like taxes but they are necessay. That said I've bought guns on Gunbroker without problems. I'll probably do so again.
The biggest cost of a handgun is the ammo.
I would recommend buying from a Smith & Wesson Stocking Dealer.
Buy what you want. If the dealer does not stock it doesn't matter YOU have to order anyway.
NEVER buy from a big box gun retailer unless they support your rights 100% and assume they are buying in bulk and will not get the best finished guns.
They go to stocking dealers.
I would recommend buying from a Smith & Wesson Stocking Dealer.
Buy what you want. If the dealer does not stock it doesn't matter YOU have to order anyway.
NEVER buy from a big box gun retailer unless they support your rights 100% and assume they are buying in bulk and will not get the best finished guns.
They go to stocking dealers.
HamHands
Member
Agreed! GunBroker is the way to go for online sales. I got turned onto them because after searching the local stores for a year looking for a 3" M625 to no avail... GB seems to always have what I'm looking for 98% of the time. I've bought maybe 10 firearms off of GB and my experience with GB and their Top 100 Vendors has been great. I like to leave positive feedback for the vendors there as in every experience, every vendor, has been stellar, fair, and they seem to be held to a higher standard.
Buds, pft… My FFL was so mad at their blatant bait and switch he threatened to stop accepting their transfers in the future I heard him say on the phone. Apparently, my transfer was the third bad experience my FFL had that month with them pulling something.
Bakebfr480
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I won't buy a new S&W revolver and I see them everyday in the LGS I work at!
Ribwizzard
Member
Yes I would
If your tr talking gallery of guns or kgc or the like, yes , definitely. But I would not order from some mom as pop internet sites, and I'll tell you why.
Revolvers that sit in cases at gun stores get handled.I see it all the time. I'll walk in to Bass pro or shoot straight and ask to see a revolver from the case and the guns always look best up. Sights look like they been dropped on. Cylinder already got wear ring on it. I looked at a 617 and the thing must have been dry fired 1000 times, chambers all beat up. 686 that was solid black on face of cylinder and forcing cone. Told them it was used and they denied it. Who knows how many times someone Cowboy'ed it closed. And that is what your going to get if you buy from them.
But a supplier like davidson's, your going to get one straight from the manufacturer that no ones even opened yet. That's what I want. And has worked out well for me 1/2 dozen times over the last 4 years. Every gun was perfect.
If your tr talking gallery of guns or kgc or the like, yes , definitely. But I would not order from some mom as pop internet sites, and I'll tell you why.
Revolvers that sit in cases at gun stores get handled.I see it all the time. I'll walk in to Bass pro or shoot straight and ask to see a revolver from the case and the guns always look best up. Sights look like they been dropped on. Cylinder already got wear ring on it. I looked at a 617 and the thing must have been dry fired 1000 times, chambers all beat up. 686 that was solid black on face of cylinder and forcing cone. Told them it was used and they denied it. Who knows how many times someone Cowboy'ed it closed. And that is what your going to get if you buy from them.
But a supplier like davidson's, your going to get one straight from the manufacturer that no ones even opened yet. That's what I want. And has worked out well for me 1/2 dozen times over the last 4 years. Every gun was perfect.
New Production S&W = Lock = HELL NO!
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pittpa
Member
Last time I took the third route, bought used, locally.
I've been finding lately that a lot of retail dealers in my area are matching internet pricing. For everything I buy I try to shop local with a current internet add in tow. They either match it or come pretty close. I would rather buy local if I can, but not to the point that I'm spending a lot more money. This has been true for firearms, appliances and other big and small ticket items.
WheelGunMagic
Member
Over the years, I've bought a number of S&W online with no problem. If there was a problem, both Buds & Davidsons have excellent return policies where they will replace the gun. And failing that, there's always S&W's life time warranty.
After considering all fees - the 'out the door' price - Davidsons is consistently $150-$200 cheaper then the local shops. That matters to my budget.
After considering all fees - the 'out the door' price - Davidsons is consistently $150-$200 cheaper then the local shops. That matters to my budget.
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
I can no longer buy guns for financial reasons, but only once have I bought one online. It had to go back to the manufacturer, which fixed it very quickly.
That was my one deviation from a many-years-long policy of never buying a gun I couldn't examine thoroughly first. If I were to come into some money and be able to buy again, that would still be my policy.
Color me old fashioned.
That was my one deviation from a many-years-long policy of never buying a gun I couldn't examine thoroughly first. If I were to come into some money and be able to buy again, that would still be my policy.
Color me old fashioned.
I've bought new and used....
...but I always make sure that the seller has an excellent reputation and a lot of transactions from gruntled customers.
...but I always make sure that the seller has an excellent reputation and a lot of transactions from gruntled customers.
one eye joe
US Veteran
WE SMALL VOLUME VENDORS HOLD OURSELVES TO A HIGHER STANDARD, AS WELL. WE APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT OUR FIREARMS, IN THE NATIONWIDE FREE MARKETPLACE, TO PEOPLE WHO ARE ACTUALLY INTERESTED IN MAKING SUCH A PURCHASE. WE DO OUR BEST TO BE WORTHY OF OUR CUSTOMERS TRUST---TREATING PEOPLE LIKE WE WANT TO BE TREATED. OTHERWISE, WE WOULD BE RELEGATED TO SELLING OUR GUNS, THROUGH CONSIGNMENT AT A LGS.....
IN SUCH A SCENARIO, OUR GUNS ARE VIEWED BY A SMALL NUMBER OF BROWSERS, VERY FEW OF WHICH MAY ACTUALLY HAVE AN INTEREST IN OUR GUN. THERE IS PRESSURE EXERTED BY THE LGS TO KEEP ON LOWERING THE SELLING PRICE, BECAUSE ITS TAKING UP SPACE IN HIS SHOW CASE. THE LGS TAKES A SHARE OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE, IF YOUR GUN EVER SELLS. THIS IS NOT THE WAY TO SELL A FIREARM.....
SALES ON THIS FORUM ARE A STEP UP---BUT THE AUDIENCE IS STILL MUCH SMALLER THAN GB. THE TRUE MARKET VALUE OF A GUN IS NOT REALIZED, AS IT IS IN AN AUCTION, BY THE PRICE THAT THE HIGHEST BIDDER, IS WILLING TO PAY FOR THE ITEM. THAT'S JUST ECON 101. THE INTERACTION OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND DETERMINES THE TRUE VALUE OF THE FIREARM, OR ANY OTHER ITEM---NOT WHAT SOME S&W FORUM "PUNDIT" SAYS IT IS "WORTH", OR THE BLUE BOOK SAYS THAT IT IS "WORTH". THE WINNING BIDDER, DETERMINED EXACTLY WHAT THAT GUN WAS WORTH......
HorizontalMike
US Veteran
New S&W Online?
Buy another S&W online?
... have TWICE in past 3yr. BOTH had QC problems with the trigger. A DIY fix&lube took care of those, and I have kept them.
BUT, my most current purchase online was for a Kimber K6S. And yes, the QC issues I have had with current S&W purchases was a deciding factor in switching.
Will I buy another NEW S&W online in the future?... Probably not. Don't get me wrong, I like S&Ws. I still have my 686 No-Dash I bought new in 1986 (before online purchases were even heard of). If I buy another S&W, it will probably be on GB and be at least +20yr old... just sayin'
Buy another S&W online?
... have TWICE in past 3yr.
BOTH had QC problems with the trigger. A DIY fix&lube took care of those, and I have kept them. BUT, my most current purchase online was for a Kimber K6S. And yes, the QC issues I have had with current S&W purchases was a deciding factor in switching.
Will I buy another NEW S&W online in the future?... Probably not. Don't get me wrong, I like S&Ws. I still have my 686 No-Dash I bought new in 1986 (before online purchases were even heard of). If I buy another S&W, it will probably be on GB and be at least +20yr old... just sayin'
Well, I believe the Supreme Court just let that ship sail last week . . .
Dave from Pa
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I resemble that remark.
Engieman
Member
yes...no problem with a new SW. I have both new and old, and I find the new to be every bit as good as 'old.' In fact, I think the tolerances and finish of my new 625 & 627 are 'better.' Can't beat the beauty and nostaliga of wood and blued metal, but the new are shooting machines.
DD357
Member
Same here.
Never say "never", but I never have, yet.
Any gun. I greatly prefer a hands on perusal and inspection. I'm lucky enough to have some exceptionally well-stocked, new & used, LGS nearby. If it was something I absolutely HAD to have, and there was no other way to obtain it..... maybe. But there's so many firearms available, i'd Probably just opt for something I could find to fit my wants and needs that I could hold first.
Any gun. I greatly prefer a hands on perusal and inspection. I'm lucky enough to have some exceptionally well-stocked, new & used, LGS nearby. If it was something I absolutely HAD to have, and there was no other way to obtain it..... maybe. But there's so many firearms available, i'd Probably just opt for something I could find to fit my wants and needs that I could hold first.
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