smiith Wesson Poor Quality Control

[John Browning]

mine had pitting on the barrel (outside)

Can you provide pictures? I'm calling BS on this.

[nikki#2]

I've sent a couple of my revos to S&W Service over the past 3-4 years... 686 and 617. Write a note explaining exactly what the issues are and include it in the box.
That has worked for me. I was pleased with the service and turn-around time... And you can't beat free shipping both ways.

[razr]

Is the online retailer located in TX?

[ptgarcia]

If you're not happy with the gun it's between you and the dealer to work out. Smith and Wesson didn't do anything wrong. You bought a gun without inspecting it and the dealer took advantage of that and sent you a gun that was probably handled a lot.

[highpower]

I bought a used gp 100 with about 500 rounds through it and its turn ring was MUCH less noticeable than my "BNIB" smith

The design of the S&W lockwork is such that there will always be a turn ring.
The bolt/cylinder stop drops down to release the cylinder and then rises up and contacts the cylinder as soon as it is done unlocking the cylinder and it begins to move. It is done that way to ensure positive indexing of the chamber to the barrel.

As was mentioned, all Smiths will have the ring if they have been cycled. I would think that if the mark was excessive it could be an indication that the bolt has a rough edge.

[9mmepiphany]

I'd like to see pictures too, that way we'll have a better idea for suggestions...I'm just having a hard time visualizing the pitting you've referred to.

Once you've started DROS, you can't cancel it and return the gun...if you weren't happy, you should have acted before you accepted it from the FFL.

You really don't have much issue with S&W unless the damage is more than I'm imagining...the only reason they'd replace the cylinder is if the chambers or bolt notch weren't cur correctly. The ring is normal and they don't clean it after they test fire it at the factory

[8200rpm]

I purchased a NEW 3" 686+ couple years ago and it came with turn rings and powder fouling included for free!

Working the action and test firing the gun for function is part of the QC process. S&W also fires their revolvers in order to produce/include the spent casing for MD and NY which maintains them in a database to "track" gun crimes.

After shooting your "new" gun at the factory, S&W does not clean nor spit shine it before shipping it out.

Bottom line: if it's just a little wear and grime, get over it.

If there is truly "pitting" on the barrel, that's another story.

Let's see some pictures.

[redcliff]

Actually you can often cancel a DROS, that's a state thing, not Federal. The 4473 is more of an issue with your local dealer and if they're willing to or even can, and are you past the inspection time your online dealer allows to accept shipments.

[Jon0807]

I just picked up my 686 today and besides fondling it (hence the finger prints) it's pretty much right out the box. It did have some grease on the outside which is probably just a protective coating. And it does look like the cylinder was turned a few times as I do see a slight ring but barely noticeable. And there was some powder probably from test fire.

[-hanko]

Smith & Wesson, Poor Self Control

Fixed the title to reflect reality...

I bought a bnib smith wesson 686 plus 3" online and had it shipped to my local ffl.

Barrel had small pitting outside and turn ring was deep. Also didnt seem clean.

I continued with the dros but im wondering if I did the right thing or should I have contacted the online retailer first about the issue. I was thinking maybe sending it back to smith wesson and have them fix all issues.

You knew you had a funky gun, and you went ahead and took delivery?

I wanted a brand new in box revolver. Not with a deep turn ri g like its been dry fired 10k times. Dont tell me its ok that I got a like used revolver cause im going to use it anyways.

So, why did you buy the gun?

It sounds like the dealer you bought it from is the one who hosed you. Are you sure he sold you a new revolver?

OP hosed himself...see above.

A turn ring on a Smith stainless takes about 2 to 3 turns to be noticeable. Go try and find a new one without it. Sounds like your dealer hosed you, or you are expecting a little too much, or a combo of both.

OP had the choice to refuse the gun or accept it...dealer simply shipped a gun in a box out of stock.

If you're not happy with the gun it's between you and the dealer to work out. Smith and Wesson didn't do anything wrong. You bought a gun without inspecting it and the dealer took advantage of that and sent you a gun that was probably handled a lot.

/Thread

[jonzer77]

I bought a new 686+ from Turners last year and when I went to pick it up I could have sworn they were selling me a used gun. It also had a turn ring that looked like it had been fired a lot, it was dirty, and the finish was pretty dull. I polished it up a bit and it looks a lot better now, I'm happy with it. My Ruger GP100 on the other hand is a work of art! Only con is that certain ammo is difficult to extract sometimes, maybe I need to polish the chambers.

I was looking at a new 686+ the other day at my lgs and it didn't exactly look like a new gun.

[MoltoMario]

I bought my 686+ 4" a few months ago. I will say it may not be perfect, but I am happy with it. Its nowhere near the quality of my Python, but my 686 is my shooter and I am very happy with it. I think the finish on the 686's is the worst part. There are deff areas of the gun where the SS shows more abrasive marks then others, but you will only notice it if you are extremely nit picky. The way I look at it when shooting the gun you don't notice any of this at all and neither will the person on the side of you at the range. He will however notice the loud bang of a .357 round going off next to him :P

[Canucky]

I just received my new 627pc. It has turn ring. It doesn't bother me because I plan on shooting the snot out of it. I'm sure sure it has been handled and dry fired. Researching other forums, I was concerned about the barrel crown. Will post pics and let more experienced members comment. Regardless I'm sure S&W customer service will make it right.

[sfbay]

what?!

Since you already did the DROS, its yours. You can call and send it in for fixing, but I'm not sure how much they'll do for you. It's sad that the QC has gone down (my 2005 460 is not nearly as nice as my '78 29-2) but you have rising labor and material costs to deal with. It would cost $1500+ for them to build a gun with the same quality of yesteryear, and new smiths just won't sell for that much. If you're looking for perfection, send it to a gunsmith for customization. That's my plan for my 460 anyway.

i find this hard to believe.

has the cost of real american hand labor gone up that much?


wow.... maybe that's why i'm soo attracted to those older pistols.

[osxgp]

S&W has excellent customer service from my experience. They should fix it no problem.