S&W or Gunsmith

[ewarz]

I have a revolver (S&W .357 28-2) that needs some work. Someone suggested to me the timing might be off. After shooting a few rounds, small fragments are reflected back at my face. Upon closer inspection, it seems that when the bullet exits the cylinder it is barely scraping against the top inside of the barrel. Leaving copper build up and residue from the bullet "welded" to the inside of the barrel. The more you shoot with it like this, the bigger the fragments are that reflect into my face.

Anyway, should I just send this to S&W and pay them to fix it or should I find a gunsmith in my area? Gunsmiths around here seem to be rare.

Has anyone ever sent a firearm to S&W? How was your experience with them?

[Overkill]

Smith and Wesson have a staff of excellent smiths. I would be totally confident sending a pistol to them.

[Californio]

I would send it to S&W but be aware for liability reasons if you have a trigger job of anything else that has been done that they don't like, they will replace the parts back to stock - always good to call and talk to them first.

[naimad]

I would send it back to smith&wesson they will probally fix it for free and they know what they are doing

[kermit]

Call or email S&W first.
A few years back, they sent me a FedEx label so I could ship my Mod 60 for free. It had a similar problem as you described and now it shoots great. No charge for the repair or shipping.

[SJshooter]

Send it to S&W - they will not only likely do it for free, but going to a local gunsmith will almost certainly void the lifetime warranty.

[ewarz]

Cool thanks for the advice guys. I'll send it to S&W. I didnt think it would be under warranty... the gun was made around '70-'72.

Thanks for the help!

[brassburnz]

Smth and Wesson used to have authorized repair centers. In SoCal it used to be Cheshire and Perez. I'm not sure if they still are. You might save some time if there's a local repair center. The Smith factory will be able to tell you.

Randy
NRA Life Member

[ewarz]

That would definitely be easier, I will ask them about it. Thanks for the tip!

[Maddog5150]

I believe bolsa gunsmithing in west minster (sp?) on bolsa ave is a smith repair center.

[ewarz]

I believe bolsa gunsmithing in west minster (sp?) on bolsa ave is a smith repair center.

You gave me enough information to locate it. They are listed on S&W's website as a service center.

BOLSA GUNSMITHING
7404 BOLSA AVENUE
WESTMINSTER, CA 92683
Phone: (714) 894-9100

It's about 2 hours from where I live in San Diego. I would almost drive it, but I think I would rather ship it. Driving several hours, and money spent on gas is a pain.

[dfletcher]

Call S & W first and tell them the problem. I'd be surprised if they repaired it for free and keep in mind shipping a handgun can be expensive. Don't attempt to save $$$ on shipping by mailing it as "machine parts" or some such work around. Ask S & W if they'll send you a FedEx label. Be certain S & W understands you didn't take the gun apart, you didn't tune it or modify the gun. That may increase the liklihood they'll cover cost & shipping.

You'll want to put in writing what the problem is and request they inform you of exactly what their fix is before any work is done.

I've always had good results dealing with them.