I had a similar experience. Model 66 Combat Magnum about 5 years ago. Wasn't much more than $700 but for me that was like $3,000 as I am not rich. Got it home, all through the forcing cone and frame that holds the forcing cone, there was about a 2mm deep/2mm wide cut. It was significant. The gun store actually took it back, said they didn't know how that even got out the door in that condition. I was not inspecting my purchases closely at the time, but that experience changed that.
I have the Model 60, 66 and 686. My Model 66 CM was just bought last year. I received it and inspected it (looked for canted barrel, tool marks, muzzle burs, etc). Seemed fine. Got it home and actually put both hands on the grips and they literally fell off in my hands. Turns out the place were the screw goes was disintegrated. Contacted S&W and they sent me a pair of new grips without question. Slapped them on and been rocking every since.
When it happens on a production model its expected once in a while that it slips by. But on a performance center model that is supposed to be hand fit and inspected closely, thats just unacceptable. Ive been hearing a lot of bad stuff from the performance center lately. Wonder what happened that has them doing this more and more the last couple years
@@sgtstedanko7186 There is a huge demand for pistols because of the pandemic and riots and stuff. Add to that, there is a shortage of people who want to work.
I've always had good experiences with S&W's customer service and repair. That being said, I wish their production quality control would step it up. Someone needs to do a final check on a Performance Center gun before it gets packed up for shipment. And that person's name has to be on a tag that goes with the gun.
I bought a M69 some years ago, and I had the gouges in the barrel also. Mine was deeper in the barrel. I sent it in and when I was able to fired it the cylinder would locked up. The trigger pull would be too heavy to pull to fire. After four times back to smith and Wesson it was finally fixed, but only after a S&W representative took personal care of it to insure the revolver was serviced properly. My take is S&W is not the company it once was. Needless to say I will not be buying any S&W revolvers again. I had good luck with the M&P 15, so they know AR type rifles, just not revolvers.
Thanks for stepping up to notify your following of this experience. I too share your affinity for the short barrel K frame carry S&Ws, and to preserve the good + condition of my 64s and 65 bought a 66-8 with the 2.75" barrel when that first came out as the beater shooter trainer plinker in the collection. I concur with your diagnosis of the chamber mouth scouring and muzzle interior blemish, these look to me like tool marks rendered by an apprentice level assembler force fitting components where a master should have been patiently and skillfully working the magic. In old postings on various forums I have read about problems with that barrel retaining nut working loose causing issues and in one case one blew out and later observed a 2nd hand 4" sleeve barrel being for sale cheap from an agency gun that blasted apart. Have yet to extensively shoot the 66 but will pay attentive inspections to it while doing so. Much Good Luck to you and hope all will be well with your 19 Carry Comp, if that's offered on a 66 I would consider one if your circumstances are positively remedied by Customer Service.
Hi,HR Im sure they will take care of it . I purchased a model 19 with the 4 1/4 in barrel about 18 months ago and have been very happy with it . You are the one who turnd me on to the model 19 by the way . Thanks . Hope you get it back soon
That's interesting. I would not expect to see that come out of the S&W factory, let alone the Performance Center at the Performance Center price tag. This is an interesting gun and I look forward to seeing you shoot it and determining if it is a tack driver!
Thanks for the video, I have been considering this same model. Have an early 19-4, 6" target, nickel finish...beautiful! Think I'll stick to my Ruger LCR .357! ✌
Very nice, well made video. You are a excellent speaker. I have a brand new 500 mag performance shop revolver that that had two screwdriver marks/slips on the frame, sent it back and they made it like new. Great service
Honest report on your revolver, Mr. Funk. Thanks. I would have thought after the poor engineering on the old 1970’s Dan Wesson sleeved barrels, no gun company would produce barrels like that. I used to hike on weekends with a co worker who carried a 6” Dan Wesson. His revolvers’ inner sleeve would back out and freeze his cylinder, after so many shots. Very frustrating for him. My S&W model 19 ran flawlessly until I burned it out after a couple thousand hot .357 magnum reloads. I was a new reloader. 21 years old. Had a lot to learn.
I had the same problem with my Dan Wesson. I found re-tightening the barrel nut after six shots fixed the problem. But that negated the flexibility of swapping barrels.
I had a few in both 357 & 44 , with different barrels Never had an issue . If I shot the 44 a lot the nut might get slightly loose . The 44 has shot into 4" @ 150 yds on a good day with a scope 8" HV . Only my 44 rifles shoot that good . They work great !!
The Dan Wesson Revolvers were very popular with Target Shooters. I haven’t experienced the tension screw unfasten while shooting. I have an older Monson Massachusetts with the Zebra wood Stock with the 2.5 inch and 8 inch barrels. The blued finish is absolutely beautiful on these Dan Wesson revolvers. I bought my revolver in like new condition for $450.00 with the extra barrel and tool to remove the barrel nut. I never considered buying the new Dan Wesson stainless 715 model.
I had the similar experience with a ‘new’ 66. The cylinder notches were dinged and showed a lot of wear every where. I think it was not S&W’s fault. The damages probably occurred at the distributor where it was used as a demo unit and sent to the local FFL as ‘new’. It pays to inspect the gun before paying.
I believe you are correct about the source of the damage in the barrel, and the cylinder imperfections look to my eye like tool marks Hopefully this is straightened out quickly
Hope it works out for you. I like picking up the older Smiths. Expecting to pick up a 66-1 this evening. I have two older Model 19s with pinned barrels. They really feel good and get on target quicker than the N frames. I can see why police loved them.
That looks like the cutter on whatever CNC lathe or milling machine they used to bore out the cylinder dragging on the face of the cylinder as it went from one chamber to the next. A cutting tool can have a tendency to be "pulled into" the work ever so slightly as it's cutting, however the CNC machine will be unable to detect this and will continue to feed the exact same coordinates/commands as if the cutter had not shifted. The same thing can happen if the work shifts while it's being cut.
Hey HR! I actually own one of these. Mine is a little over a year old. After watching your video very closely, I inspected mine very carefully. It doesn’t have any marks inside the front of ported end and is nicely finished. I also inspected the face of my cylinder and it has no marks other than delightful powder burns. S&W needs to fix yours. Over the past couple of decades, I’ve sent two guns back to the factory. Both times were a very positive experience but one of the times took 2.7 months before I got the gun back. BUT in addition to fixing the one issue it had, they replaced the nightsites and barrel. What I got back was a nearly new gun. So I give them an A+++!
First let me say this, I'm sorry your new purchase was filled with disappointment. Now you know why older S&W revolvers are steadily going up in value. Look at the finish, the blue is what used to be found on the budget model 28. My S&W revolvers are pre MIM, pre keylock, I like pinned barrels and hammer mounted firing pins.
I had a fairly good experience with S&W warranty service. It took almost two months but I was told that they were backed up due to COVID and it did arrive when they said. They did fix the problem and my S&W M&P Bodyguard is running like a champ. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for your review I enjoy your very informative videos. Most definitely does are defects on your s&w 586 L comp performance center. I bought one a month ago and my doesn't have any of does issues that you mention. But I did have one issue with mine. The trigger gard stop did cause a gouge on the trigger guard. I called s&w and they told me that's normal. So make sure to check that aera when you start shooting it. Good luck and I hope s&w take care of the issues. It's a pricey revolver and it shouldn't have any issues. Is so sad how quality control has gotten bad in the gun industry.
Several years ago, I worked in a gun shop. I remember at least three times people brought back S & W revolvers that the barrels had become loose and unscrewed from the frame.
I mentioned this in the live chat, along with another commenter; the marks on the cyl. face is typical tooling chatter. Should have been polished out before bluing. If the marks didn't polish out under standard polishing? Either reject it after bluing (its easier to see) or during final assembly as DCU (didnt clean up). The nut damage? When the tool slipped like that? The gun should have been set aside, and wrench inspected
Yes Sir. I work for a gearbox design firm, everything from 600hp 4spd muscle car transmissions to NP205 transfercases. We have access to a metrology department for measuring and qualification. My father worked in QA and auditing as well. Its a shame they let that firearm out of the barn. Lack of attention to detail, and an unwillingness to admit the damage, choosing to think "eh he'll never notice" instead. In my opinion? If you work in the Performance Center? You should be allowed to take your time, and reporting mistakes should be encouraged. You should be PROUD to put that together. I have no doubt SW will exceed your expectations, but its a damn shame
I ordered a new 686 3 inch in 2021 and was there the day it arrived. Right out of the box it had scratches on the cylinder. Bought an M&P 45 in 2020 and the slide had machining marks under the finish. S&W called them "machining artifacts". Both went back to the factory and the problems were corrected. I love S&W firearms but the QC needs more attention.
So sorry to see this! I have personally had to send back numerous Performance Center revolvers to S&W over the years. Their QC is terrible now. I think what happened was that whoever assembled the barrel assembly overtorqued the barrel when screwing it in, leaving those hideous gouges inside. The cylinder face is anyone's guess, but clearly it happened prior to assembly. I've had both Model 19 Carry Comps (2), and a 586 L-Comp. I refused delivery of one Carry Comp because the cylinder was jammed at several points, and you had to beat it with your palm to get it to open. Also, it had a "clocked" barrel, meaning that the front sight was off center by several degrees to the left while looking down the sights. I returned 3 other revolvers over the years for the very same defect! My 586 L-Comp was initially badly canted. I sent it back, and it was returned about halfway fixed, forcing me to send it in yet again to get it properly centered. It was finally done, and it has since been my favorite carry revolver. The trigger is excellent, as well. In your case, I would demand a new revolver. Also, I would hope that you checked for a canted barrel before sending it back to S&W (it is actually the shroud which would be canted), because I doubt they'll bother to check on that, either.
Hello Mr. Funk. I know this is an older video, but no matter what, i always enjoy your informative videos, and can see your vast experience in firearms demonstrated in your channel. I was on a mission to find a very good 357 revolver for about 1 year. I had Smiths, Taurus, Rugers, a Python, in the past when revolvers were the norm. My favorite were the Smiths. I looked at the Carry Comp model you purchased, and others along with the competitor brands, but just didn't see the quality i used to see in the older models. I finally found a model 19-2 with 2 1/2 inch barrel made in 1966 in mint condition. It is a beautifully crafted pistol, showing the importance of quality as one of S&W's main goals. I'm totally satisfied with the Model 19 in the older versions compared to the newer versions. Thank you for your videoes.
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching. I’m glad you found that Model 19. I have a newer version of that same revolver (19-6 circa 1980). Mine is also a beautifully made revolver. Nowadays it’s semi-retired so as to keep it in that pristine condition. Since S&W repaired my Carry Comp, it’s become my “go-to” carry wheelgun.
@@hrfunk Glad S&W took care of you. I'm have the same thought on my 19-2 in seldom firing to keep it in great shape. The Carry Comp still has my attention. I like the design with the comp built in and I'll probably end up purchasing one to fire magnums. I only fire 38's and 38+P when I fire my 19-2. Please keep up the awesome videos sir, and Happy Shooting.
That sucks hopefully S&W fix the issues. I bough a S&W 45 Shield Performance Center a few years back. The gun worked great, but one of my magazines was out of spec & would not eject out of the pistol. I contacted S&W Customer Service I informed them of the issue & told them that I wanted them to send me a return slip so they could fix it. They stated they could not do that. After several more emails trying to get them to fix it. They finally said yes, when I got the mag back it still did not work. So I just bought a new one & said never again will I buy a S&W product. Don't get me wrong my pistol runs great & all my S&W wheel guns run fine. That being said I have had mag issues with another brand & they sent me a return slip immensity & fixed the issue. Good luck hopefully they fix your issues with your revolver. It looks really nice.
I bought a 6" Model 27 Classic a couple of months ago and on the barrel there was a patch of bluing that was discoloured, one of the side-plate screws was almost falling out and the side-plate bluing was a different tint to the rest of the revolver and very patchy with what looked like staining. This was brand new, special order, straight out of the box from the dealer. Where I live (not in the US), the process to return to the distributor for inspection and repair is a pain with licensing laws and requires dealer handling. Like you I am a big S&W admirer as dad's duty issue and later my first duty issue were S&W revolvers. Since it was cosmetic, I decided to leave it and consider it a lesson learnt. Just unfortunate in this case and hopefully not an indication of a larger issue at the factory. Hope your issues get sorted out satisfactorily.
I bought a new 686-6 last year & the barrel is slightly canted to the left maybe 0.045" thought about returning it but it is very accurate & no other issues so far although I have not fired many magnum loads through it yet. Think I'll just leave it alone for now. I blast around 30 rounds of .38 through it every week. Love it other than the Hillary hole.
Even it wasn't a Performance Center revolver, it should have never left the factory. The last revolver I bought new from them was a M63 with a 3 1/2" Barrel. It had been on order for quite some time. I took it to our indoor range and shot several cylinders of ammo through it. I was rushed as we had some things that just came up, or I would have gave it a closer inspection. The revolver was not as accurate as I would like it to be. I took the pistol home after work and shot it some more. I started looking at the barrel and how it was timed to the frame. The barrel was canted to the right. Contacted S&W and the revolver went back to the factory about a week before COVID hit. I figured a long wait. About 5 weeks later it was back fixed with a new barrel. Prior to that, I sent a M617 back in 2007 that was out of time after shooting several thousands through it. Less than two weeks later the revolver was back. The list of parts they replaced was long, one being a new cylinder, they also smoothed out the action too when they replaced some of the internals. I think they will take care of your problem. I carried a 2 1/2" M19 off duty for a long time until we switched to automatics, one of my favorite revolvers. I live in Knox County, Tennessee, which borders on Blount County, the future home of S&W pistols, hopefully they will be bringing the revolver manufacturing here too. The last new centerfire revolvers I bought new from them were a M29, and two M686's, that was back in the early 80's. Recalls on the 686's. No problems with the 29. Since then, like you, all my revolver purchase have been used S&W revolvers. Most of my purchases are from the local Glock distributor who bids on old duty weapons and confiscated firearms. Nothing pretty but all pre mim parts.
Good luck with the repairs or replacement. That is normally an excellent revolver. I am confident Smith will step up and you will have a great gun. Thanks for showing and alerting us and keep us posted.
Totally shocked that this passed a Performance Center inspection process. So appreciative for your making your viewers aware. Hopefully your next update will find you reporting a satisfactory and timely solution. I have been unwilling to purchase a new S&W ever since the blasted hole safety abomination. This report just put another nail into my resolve to never buy their products.
I would not pay their premium price for unacceptable quality issues. I wish that I had spent my money( a lot for me, once in a lifetime expense I thought) on a different brand.
Hey CPL. SGT. here 1st. one 325 Thunder Ranch came perfect, R-8 broken ( right out of the box ) called S&W wanted to talk to a Performance Center Armorer told NO, got a return slip, waited 3 months, got it back, good to go. I don't know what is up with they're Quality Control. Talked to some former employees at a Pistol Shoot & that was a reason why they left. I'm willing to pay for a good product, but it needs to be up to a higher standard. Semper Fi.
It is strange how new revolvers coming from the manufactures are having quality issues. I purchased a new Ruger SP 101 3" stainless steel revolver which had very sharp edges where the frame attached to the barrel. Also the cylinder would get stuck and would not open. Since the gun was stainless steel I repaired the gun. I found burrs which i removed and polished. The trigger pull was so stiff it took two men and a boy to pull. I was disappointed with the quality. The gun works great now. I remember how great S&W revolvers where back in the 70s.
I got one of these revolvers a few years ago as an anniversary present. I've been very happy with mine. I've added VZ grips, a C&S fixed rear sight, and am now looking for new front sight. I really hope yours comes back good to go.
@@hrfunk I got the following: CS0123R - Extreme Duty Fixed Rear Sight Square Notch without Dots for K-L-N Frame Revolver. Now to find a good front sight.
I've been very pleased with my PC 637. I own 6 brand new smith revolvers and none of them have had any problems. I'm sorry you got a dud. Yankee Marshal had some finish inconsistencies on his L-comp, but smith fixed it for him. The guns should be perfect from the factory, but I hope smith makes it right for you, and I hope you give other Smith revolvers a try too. Personally, I'm really interested in the 627 Snubbie PC. That'd be a chunk of a snubby! =)
Well that sux... I am sure S&W will take care of you. I just picked up a 686 plus, just a few rounds through it but all seems well. ( Doesn't like steel case ammo,but I expected that).. all the guns I owned , I have only had 2 guns that crapped the bed - GSG 1911 .22 model... & M&P . 22 compact I sent the .22 compact back to S&W & they fixed it- it was literally one of the most reliable.22's I have ever had.
Sorry to see your problems with the gun. I have heard that a lot of performance center guns are regular production with some extra features added. No hand fitting or finishing. The bean counters don't like that. Quality took a nosedive long ago when they were owned by a British company. I once bought a 617 to go with the 4" 686 that I was using in competition. It took two thumbs to cock the hammer and double action was impossible. There were burrs on the firing pin bushing scraping the cartridges. Two of the chambers weren't cut deep enough and the rims were dragging on the frame. It went back and was fixed. Hope yours comes back OK.
I have sent two S&W's back for repair over the past 15 years and both were repaired and returned in good condition. S&W stands by their warranty from experience. 👍 I bet you are satisfied when you get it back Mr. Funk.
I live in NYC, so buying much after I get my permit is so difficult that choosing my back up was a tough choice. The S&W 686 was high on the list, but after seeing so many posts describing barrel misalignment on that series, plus your video makes me wonder if they are backlogged on production and rushing out product. Plus I believe they are moving ops to down TN, so for 1k I think I have to spend my money elsewhere. I know Taurus isn't that great but probably the best value for $. Also a used Ruger is looking mighty appealing.
Look for used Smiths. Without naming names some competitors use soft steel in small parts, its a heat treatment issue for them. And another youtuber a couple years ago had a problem with a top of the line revolver from that other esteemed maker you mentioned. BTW, I empathize with you being a NYC licensee, was also there a long time, often the authorities there are mean, petty, and tyrannical , I had to use lawyer power for administrative fairness like simple amendments to acquiring and or dispose of itemized firearms.
@@FCV0511 Colt got out of the game and then reentered with stainless guns but why did they go with that godawful oversized trigger and triggerguard ? This lost the option of using established holsters by making the profile completely different. New Python got it right. Ruger always has been a first class choice but unfortunately dropped the midsized Six series, the SP101 is big for a 5 shooter and the GP100 is just big, an L-N frame. But I like and have got 'em all.
@@richardkluesek4301 I agree wholeheartedly. The new King Cobra's redesigned trigger guard looks silly, and they honestly should have used the Magnum Carry name for that gun since it looks nowhere near as nice as the past King Cobras. At least the new Python kept grip and holster compatibility with previous models. Here's hoping they'll bring back blued finishes sooner or later. I desperately wish that Ruger would bring back the Six series one of these days though - they're significantly more svelte and pretty than comparable GP100s IMO, and I prefer their half underlugs. What I wouldn't give to buy a new, blue Service Six!
@@FCV0511 Yeah the new Cobra and King Cobra look like the 1900 Phillisines/Alaskan .45s and we know how that ended up. The Magnum Carry had the best aesthetics of new evolving from traditional. And the Speed Six is my favorite of those Six es.
Man, we have the same luck. I just received a brand new Rock Island 1911 in 40 S&W on Monday. When I opened the box I immediately found a mangled magazine next to the pistol. I contacted the shipper and Rock Island, but neither company has yet responded.
@@hrfunk Today I managed to reach a RIA customer service rep on the phone after listening to mind-numbing music for 20 minutes. She said they did receive my email and had turned it over to their technical service department, but not to expect any action for up to two weeks. :-( Meanwhile the company I bought the pistol from has failed to respond to any of my inquires. I won't be using them again, but I will leave a less than stellar review. I doubt you will have any problems with S&W. They should make things right.
I’m sorry to hear about the lack of response you’re getting Colonel. I’ve had pretty good luck with RIA. Hopefully they will get your magazine issue rectified.
About 10 years ago, I bought a new, S&W, Classic, 4-inch Model 29. At the gun shop, I checked the hammer-cylinder operation, and to my astonishment, the revolver's cylinder locked up after six or so rotations and remained that way. I asked the store owner to send the revolver back to Buds Guns for a replacement Model 29, which I received some weeks later. Caveat emptor!
Howard, I am sorry that you’ve had these truly aggravating issues, with what obviously should be a pristine product from Smith’s Performance Canter. I respectfully offer a few thoughts for you consideration: 1. IMHO, both identified defects are “tool marks.” As you’re aware, I am not a gunsmith, but I spent many years in Naval aviation program management (and two years in the then-McDonnell Saint Louis factory, as the F/A-18 Program Manager’s representative), and I have observed in-depth a LOT of traditional machining and manufacturing operations. Accordingly, I am confident that these are tool marks. 2. I have read (several times) that current revolver production (from the top-tier US manufacturers) has experienced considerably more defects than was typical in past years. Whether this is factual, I do not know. But I don’t doubt it, since revolvers are inherently far more “design, production and assembly complex” than most autoloaders. 3. Add to #2, Smith’s move to Tennessee. How many of their experienced workers, assemblers, QA personnel, and first-line supervisions, and so forth opted not to leave Massachusetts? How many new hires are still at the front-tend of their learning curves (perhaps without “old timers” to expedite their proficiency)? How much tooling may not yet be be optimally installed and calibrated? How many times will a newbie use brute for to install a part, or mar a surface with a hardened steel tool, or accept an “it’s good enough” attitude? In essence, a laser- or roll-mark on that revolver’s side plate that indicates “Performance Center,” may not yet convey the level of craftsmanship, quality and oversight we traditionally associate with that distinction. 4. The last new-in-the-box revolver I purchased (probably nearly twenty years ago) was a Smith 625-9, N frame, four inch tapered barrel, Mountain Gun, chambered in .45 Colt. It is an OUTSTANDING revolver, but when I bought it the adjustable rear sight wouldn’t properly align. My local gun store immediately returned it to Springfield, they discovered that a small metal burr had not be been removed and that prevented the rear sight from properly fitting into the frame, the problem was rectified in a couple days, I had the 625-9 back within a week, and all was well. BUT - and this is a damn big “but” - this was an entirely visible defect, just as your two are, which was neither identified or corrected either in S&W’s production or in inspection. 5. I’ll wager that your revolver - quite possibly a new one, with a different serial number - will be returned to you by mid-March (probably sooner) and that it will meet your entirely legitimate expectations. However, one has to consider that when comparatively simple, polymer frame, and CNC machined slide M&P’s likely represent 90 percent of S&W’s handgun revenues, the excellent revolver artisanship of past generations may be likely to slip. That, imho, is truly sad, although it may be near-predictable. With warmest abiding regards (and with a prediction that you will soon be satisfied with this revolver) - Roy
It's a shame to see how lousy quality control has become lately. Though I still think that S&W makes some of the nicest looking wheelguns out there, I refuse to purchase any new production models with the internal lock in them as a matter of principle. Here's hoping they come to their senses one of these days and ditch the things. But it's never good to see quality slipping this badly. Hopefully they make it right sooner than later. That aside, Ruger and Colt are certainly giving S&W a good enough run for their money lately.
I lucked out with my PC 686. But it is a shame that many Gun manufacturers have gone the wrong direction in quality control (Berreta). The new Colt Pytons are very nice but larger than a Model 19
I have a 627 PC in 2.5" that I dearly love. I had the cylinder replaced by the Performance Center because I think fluted cylinders are prettier. Their customer service and speed was top notch. I hope that you have a similar expirence. I am looking forward to the update. Semper Fi.
Smith and Wesson quality has gone downhill ever since they started producing the Hillary Hole. I've seen many new S&W revolvers arrive from the factory with canted barrels. The introduction of MIM components is another negative against newer production models. Their new production of revolvers is obvious they only care about mass production at the lowest possible cost. I hope they straighten these issues out and if they're going to utilize lower quality materials they utilize the technology to build a better product.
One of the J frames I eventually sold was a limited run no key lock model 37. It shot over a foot to the right and high, by me and two other excellent shots. Sent it back for a canted barrel which was replaced. Never trusted it or liked it and went back to my Colt Agent.
My father's 61 year old S&W 38 special police revolver still looks brand new and pristine and I can't even count how many rounds over the years I fired it and all the previous years my father used it ... the other day we put another 100 rds thru it , flawless ....
I received a new S&W 340 PD back in 2012 or 2013 that had a number of rifling groves incomplete. There were curls of metal inside the barrel near the forcing cone. Needless to say I returned it for a replacement. At the time this was to be my backup pistol as I was a deputy sheriff in my community. That left me wondering about their quality control to say the least.
In 2017 I bought a S&W 1911 Performance Center model. The pistol would not run consistently. It constantly suffered from nose dives. It went back to S&W twice and they did not fix the issue. The most frustrating part of S&W service was trying to find out what they did each time they had it. Almost impossible to do as the paperwork returned each times was BS. I finally went through it myself which I should have done instead of sending it back. Polished feed ramp, new magazine catch and always use Wilson Combat magazines and no more problems. During the same time period I was doing a lot of IDPA shooting and I won a couple of M&Ps at different events. The first was a gen 1 9mm full size from 2016 that was total junk out of the box. You could barely fire it. The trigger was so bad and didn't fire half the time. I ripped it open and threw in an Apex trigger and then it was fine. In 2017 I also won a new M&P 2 9mm full size. While functional the trigger was very heavy with lots of creep and gritty feeling. After these experiences I wrote off new S&W. Really sad because I own a ton of S&W and for the longest time almost everything I shot was a S&W.
Ouch yeah that is definitely not normal. Shoot, I sure hope that they fix the problems and get it back to you in a timely manner so you can enjoy your new toy. I was thinking about buying a New Model 27, but might just hang on a bit.
I’m sorry to hear about your new revolver. I’m sure they will make it good. I am also a big fan of S&W revolvers and own quite a few. My collection started with my first hunting revolver, a 6” model 686 I purchased new in 1988. Many more have joined my collection since. However, after my last new S&W revolver purchase in 2015 I vowed never to buy a current production revolver from them again. My disappointment was with a new 640 “Professional Series” J-frame in 357 Magnum. I purchased it directly from S&W as an upgraded replacement for a broken 642 (the trigger stud snapped) which was unrepairable. The new 640 arrived at my dealer direct from S&W and that’s when it all began. As my local dealer was holding the revolver while copying the serial number for the transfer paperwork, the rear sight fell off the gun! Other issues it had were: canted barrels, damaged tritium sights, replacement tritium sights either damaged or without any glow left in them, crooked etchings on the barrel, double etchings on the barrel, missing etchings on the barrel, and point of aim/point of impact differences of 6 plus inches at 15 yards. The gun made 5 trips back to S&W and over those visits to the mothership they replaced the barrel twice, and replaced tritium sights 4 times. It is finally a “finished” gun, but before they got everything right I was on a first name basis with the customer service representatives. Good luck with your revolver. I hope your gun is fixed in one trip.
My friend traded in a SW 642 plus cash to get a 442 PC. Twenty five rounds and it went belly up. He sent it back where they made repairs and sent it back and all is good. I bought a 586 brand new and had to send it back because it was shaving copper off the rounds with bulging cases. My friend and I determined the forcing cone needed widening. I sent it back and we were right. I also reseated the rear sight as it was slightly crooked.
Very surprised at this from S&W. My experience with them over the years has been very positive and their quality has always been great. As with anything manufactured, you can get failures from time to time. I'm sure they will resolve this quickly for you and you will have the revolver back and it will last you a lifetime. Very honest review and thank you for sharing this with us.
Sorry this revolver was not good to go out of the box. I bought my first new S&W revolver last year (Model 69). When it got to my FFL the grip was broken and fell apart when I picked it up. I still accepted it and took it home. I contacted S&W and they took care of me. Hope they handle your issues. I have only had to use them one other time with an original M&P Shield. They took the gun back on that one nad had it for about a month.
My brand new 500 mag with the break used for hard cast lead spits lead back at me, at one point I had a piece hit me hard enough to make me bleed, it doesn’t do it with the standard break so I just use that break exclusively, I love smith and Wesson products but it seems like their QC is slipping
My father gave me his model 19 that he purchased new in 1969. Still has that deep blued finish and smooth trigger. It came with oversized wooden combat grips that I found a little large so I installed a set of VZ G10 grips. Sad to see Smith & Wesson quality decline and produce a new model 19 with these build flaws. Hope they make it right.
Scratches are always upsetting. A few months ago I purchased a Beretta Tomcat. It had a little nick on the slide which I didn't think much of. I field stripped and cleaned it. It broke upon reassembly. I never even got to fire it. I hear great things about Smith and Wesson customer service. It's great you got in touch with them. Beretta, on the other hand, is non-existent. They don't care about their customers.
That’s too bad. I’ve never had to use their customer service. I have used S&W’s in the past. On those occasions they performed quite well. We’ll see how things go this time.
@@hrfunk Yeah. It's sad about Beretta. I'm sure Smith and Wesson will do well again for you this time around. If there's an issue with a firearm, that's okay. Anything mechanical can malfunction. What matters is the company stands by it and makes it right for the customer.
I feel your pain. My first carry revolver was a 442, which I bought new in 2014. Recently I experienced a ton of failure to fire. Turns out, the wall behind the cylinder was worn oval instead of round, resulting in misalignment of the firing pin to the cartridge. I had probably 9 - 10 k through it. I sent it in, and they refused to repair or replace it, saying it was worn out. I asked them about the "lifetime warranty", and they said it was worn out and therefore not covered. I thanked them and advised them I'd bought my very LAST Smith and Wesson! Currently, my carry rotation is a Rock Island Armory m206, a Taurus 856 Ultra Lite, and a Charter Arms Undercover. My local ffl has a Charter Arms Police Undercover enroute, which I plan to have my wife give me for my birthday. I've had excellent service from my budget price guns, and excellent customer service from Armscor when my m 206 was problematical. In fact, Armscor customer service was so good, when I sold my first m 206 to a friend, I purchased another one as its replacement.
Off top but I would like your thoughts. I had a failure on my EMP/4" were a round did not ho into battery and locked up the slide. I was able to clear it by exert slow pressure on the slide to free it up and eject the round. I tried it a couple times and eventually got it to chamber. When I got home I loaded a mag with a couple of snap caps and had no problems. Then I used a live round and again no problem with multiple magazines. I am thinking an out of spec round. Your thoughts on other possibilities. Thanks.
Sounds like what just happened to me when I had my local dealer order the Model 25 Classic. It came complete with an obvious deep scratch on the left side of the frame and the right side of the frame was marred with what looked like a series of machining marks skipping over the blueing. It also had a dime sized scratch in the cylinder window that looked like somebody had drawn circles with a screwdriver tip. How this ever left the factory is a mystery. I told the dealer to send it back.
Poor Q/C work at the performance center. But yeah I love the S&W revolvers. I'm a big fan of the 27&28. As you know my grandfather father and myself for a little while carried the same 4in 28. I'd love to see at least a new 27 come out if not both.
I was at my favorite local gun shop buying a Colt M1917 this week. A person came in with a Performance Center semi auto that would not cycle. Luckily the distributor of that gun had a replacement warranty so they did the paperwork and gave the customer a new gun.
Not the first I'm hearing about S&W revolvers having issues. Seems to be mainly the revolvers because I rarely hear similar complaints about S&W's auto pistols or modern sporting rifles.
I think in general the semi autos are easier to build. There's probably less chance for issues such as this to crop up. The modern sporting rifles are also the equivalent to assembling a jigsaw puzzle. Again, I think there is less opportunity for these type of defects to occur.
Had to send my L-Comp back after the first 75 rounds. Cylinder jammed closed. Took about 2 months. Runs really well now. Didn’t bother me. First issues I’ve had with a S&W or PC gun in 20 years.
Sorry for this, I hope that you get a new gun shipped out that you really like. I have a 686 that I bought right before covid that Im happy with. I wish it did not have the lock but it has not given me any trouble.
I received a new S&W Model 27 last Tuesday 3/2/2022 and looked at it before I filled out the 4473 at my gun shop. I Made sure everything looked and worked properly. Got it home to start cleaning all the shipping oil and noticed that inside the barrel, around the forcing cone and cylinder was so dirty, it looked like my model 686 after I put 50 rounds thru it. Started looking at it closer and the finish, except for the barrel which was beautifully finished, looked like an old gun. It was not polished properly under the trigger guard and the sides of the frame. It was missing bluing (in one little tiny spot), had the burn marks on the front of the cylinder (they still use the short screws that leave a space in the screw hole for the rear sight hold down just above the forcing cone) that will not come out because the bluing is missing. There is no telling where the gun got used, my gun shop, the online supplier or did it get shipped by mistake from S&W? Needless to say I will always look at a new gun, before accepting it, with a magnifying glass and not assume it is new gun and not a used one. They did sent me a shipping label and it is on it's way to Springfield, Ma. I will update when I get the gun back.
Tuff break, if you are anything like I am, when I buy new, I expect perfection. Curious to see how you’re treated. Surface damage is usually an indication of the way that gun was handled before you got it (such as being dropped) this damage appears to be a result of mishandling, those look like tool marks of some kind. Good luck, I’ll be waiting to hear an explanation or a fix. Very odd
Sad that Performance Center Quality Control could miss that ! Though I am not a fan of S&W pistols, I have always been a fan of their revolvers and own some. Thanks !
HR, this week I made an online purchase of a new Model 19 CC. Today when picking it up from my FFL I inspected the gun, and much like yours, found gouges on the front face of the cylinder as well as the yoke near where the cylinder slips on. They look like file marks made during assembly. Anyway I refused delivery and the FFL is sending it back to the vendor. The PC line should be a step up in quality! I’m disappointed in S&W.
I have had similar experience. I ordered a 686 from a local gun shop and come to find out that it wasn't straight from the factory..it was from another gun shop that had it on display and the display pistol holder caused damage. I had purchased my own similar holders to investigate and sure enough it matched the scratches and damage to my barrel. Now when I order especially revolvers I will state New as never been touched by the public.. "factory purchase!" There are cheap non rubberized pistols holders with Sharpe edges that shouldn't be used. I have witnessed some things at several gun shops that you just shake your head at. I to am a S&W fan and own several. Customer service was a 4 1/2 out of a 5 for me for that one negative experience. Hope all goes well with your outcome.
That is terrible. My 43c was dead out of the box just like Lucky Gunner’s copy. But like his, mine was fixed in a month or so. A big pain, but they will fix it for you.
As a corporate veteran of @35+ years I blame it on a fundamental shift in management philosophy. I call it an "MBA disease". Today's executives are entirely driven by bonuses tied to the quarterly bottom line. They care very little about company's long-term success because their corporate life span is 2-3 years, then they move somewhere else. This leads to focus on short-term profit, and is ultimately damaging or even destructive to the company.
I was my department’s armorer when we got our shipment of some of the first L frame 686’s that S&W turned out. We received approximately 70 revolvers. Every single one of them had long ratchets. Some were so bad the cylinder would not index to the next round. After working on about six of them , I got tired of doing the work that should have been done at the factory. We sent the lot of them back and told them to do it right. That said, I still believe S&W puts out the best revolvers. Their QC folks need to stay on their toes though.
Having carried a Revolver for the first 4 years of my LE Career, first a S&W Model 66 in .357 then a Ruger GP100 in .357, I am a big Revolver fan!!! I still carry (sometimes) a Ruger SP101 2 inch in .357. Sorry this happened to you especially for the $$$$ you paid. As a former Marine we would call that "Poor Attention To Detail". I hope they make it right ASAP.
My recent buy was a new model 586. Miserable QA!. Hillary hole was clogged with hardened debris or burr of some sort. But even worse- I could not slip in a round in one cylinder hole!. 5 would drop in, but not 6! I should returned it, but I picked out he hillary hole to make the lock operable and I used a stiff brush to clear the cylinder hole that has some sort of obstruction or blockage in it.
I understand wanting a different “workhorse”, but I am not a fan of the two piece barrel construction. Just me. I believe your summation is correct: tool marks in the muzzle. Sad that this got out of their “custom shop" in that condition. Maybe because of their impending move?
I had a similar experience. Model 66 Combat Magnum about 5 years ago. Wasn't much more than $700 but for me that was like $3,000 as I am not rich. Got it home, all through the forcing cone and frame that holds the forcing cone, there was about a 2mm deep/2mm wide cut. It was significant. The gun store actually took it back, said they didn't know how that even got out the door in that condition. I was not inspecting my purchases closely at the time, but that experience changed that.
I have the Model 60, 66 and 686. My Model 66 CM was just bought last year. I received it and inspected it (looked for canted barrel, tool marks, muzzle burs, etc). Seemed fine. Got it home and actually put both hands on the grips and they literally fell off in my hands. Turns out the place were the screw goes was disintegrated. Contacted S&W and they sent me a pair of new grips without question. Slapped them on and been rocking every since.
Smith & Wesson would send a call tag and fix the issue no charge come on man things happen they slip through the cracks on occasion
When it happens on a production model its expected once in a while that it slips by. But on a performance center model that is supposed to be hand fit and inspected closely, thats just unacceptable. Ive been hearing a lot of bad stuff from the performance center lately. Wonder what happened that has them doing this more and more the last couple years
That is a good question.
Because they're cutting corners like all manufacturers today
@@sgtstedanko7186 There is a huge demand for pistols because of the pandemic and riots and stuff. Add to that, there is a shortage of people who want to work.
I've always had good experiences with S&W's customer service and repair. That being said, I wish their production quality control would step it up. Someone needs to do a final check on a Performance Center gun before it gets packed up for shipment. And that person's name has to be on a tag that goes with the gun.
I agree.
I bought a M69 some years ago, and I had the gouges in the barrel also. Mine was deeper in the barrel. I sent it in and when I was able to fired it the cylinder would locked up. The trigger pull would be too heavy to pull to fire. After four times back to smith and Wesson it was finally fixed, but only after a S&W representative took personal care of it to insure the revolver was serviced properly. My take is S&W is not the company it once was. Needless to say I will not be buying any S&W revolvers again. I had good luck with the M&P 15, so they know AR type rifles, just not revolvers.
Seeing HR's revolver, makes me suspect S&W may be sending their revolvers off to Taurus for assembly! ;-)
Thanks for stepping up to notify your following of this experience. I too share your affinity for the short barrel K frame carry S&Ws, and to preserve the good + condition of my 64s and 65 bought a 66-8 with the 2.75" barrel when that first came out as the beater shooter trainer plinker in the collection. I concur with your diagnosis of the chamber mouth scouring and muzzle interior blemish, these look to me like tool marks rendered by an apprentice level assembler force fitting components where a master should have been patiently and skillfully working the magic. In old postings on various forums I have read about problems with that barrel retaining nut working loose causing issues and in one case one blew out and later observed a 2nd hand 4" sleeve barrel being for sale cheap from an agency gun that blasted apart. Have yet to extensively shoot the 66 but will pay attentive inspections to it while doing so. Much Good Luck to you and hope all will be well with your 19 Carry Comp, if that's offered on a 66 I would consider one if your circumstances are positively remedied by Customer Service.
Hi,HR Im sure they will take care of it . I purchased a model 19 with the 4 1/4 in barrel about 18 months ago and have been very happy with it . You are the one who turnd me on to the model 19 by the way . Thanks . Hope you get it back soon
Thanks Steve. I'm glad you got a good one!
That's interesting. I would not expect to see that come out of the S&W factory, let alone the Performance Center at the Performance Center price tag. This is an interesting gun and I look forward to seeing you shoot it and determining if it is a tack driver!
Thanks Frank.
Thanks HR
Always appreciate learning to be aware
Thanks for the video, I have been considering this same model. Have an early 19-4, 6" target, nickel finish...beautiful! Think I'll stick to my Ruger LCR .357! ✌
Very nice, well made video. You are a excellent speaker. I have a brand new 500 mag performance shop revolver that that had two screwdriver marks/slips on the frame, sent it back and they made it like new. Great service
That’s really good to hear. I hope with their new facility coming on line, things like that will no longer occur.
Honest report on your revolver, Mr. Funk. Thanks. I would have thought after the poor engineering on the old 1970’s Dan Wesson sleeved barrels, no gun company would produce barrels like that. I used to hike on weekends with a co worker who carried a 6” Dan Wesson. His revolvers’ inner sleeve would back out and freeze his cylinder, after so many shots. Very frustrating for him. My S&W model 19 ran flawlessly until I burned it out after a couple thousand hot .357 magnum reloads. I was a new reloader. 21 years old. Had a lot to learn.
I had the same problem with my Dan Wesson. I found re-tightening the barrel nut after six shots fixed the problem. But that negated the flexibility of swapping barrels.
I had a few in both 357 & 44 , with different barrels Never had an issue . If I shot the 44 a lot the nut might get slightly loose . The 44 has shot into 4" @ 150 yds on a good day with a scope 8" HV . Only my 44 rifles shoot that good . They work great !!
The Dan Wesson Revolvers were very popular with Target Shooters. I haven’t experienced the tension screw unfasten while shooting. I have an older Monson Massachusetts with the Zebra wood Stock with the 2.5 inch and 8 inch barrels. The blued finish is absolutely beautiful on these Dan Wesson revolvers. I bought my revolver in like new condition for $450.00 with the extra barrel and tool to remove the barrel nut. I never considered buying the new Dan Wesson stainless 715 model.
@@boostimalaka1 I think they called that Black Chrome if the nut is an issue use blue loc tite I never did
@@danoneill2846 The Blued finish was called Bright Blue. They say because of the EPA, the high luster blued finish is not available.
I had the similar experience with a ‘new’ 66. The cylinder notches were dinged and showed a lot of wear every where. I think it was not S&W’s fault. The damages probably occurred at the distributor where it was used as a demo unit and sent to the local FFL as ‘new’. It pays to inspect the gun before paying.
I believe you are correct about the source of the damage in the barrel, and the cylinder imperfections look to my eye like tool marks
Hopefully this is straightened out quickly
Hope it works out for you. I like picking up the older Smiths. Expecting to pick up a 66-1 this evening. I have two older Model 19s with pinned barrels. They really feel good and get on target quicker than the N frames. I can see why police loved them.
Thank You Sir !! fer sharing,....this is VERY important & pertinent info.
You're welcome.
That looks like the cutter on whatever CNC lathe or milling machine they used to bore out the cylinder dragging on the face of the cylinder as it went from one chamber to the next. A cutting tool can have a tendency to be "pulled into" the work ever so slightly as it's cutting, however the CNC machine will be unable to detect this and will continue to feed the exact same coordinates/commands as if the cutter had not shifted. The same thing can happen if the work shifts while it's being cut.
Since it looks like the damage occurred after the cylinder was blued, I wouldn’t suspect the milking machine.
@@hrfunk Good point. Might have come from the machine they set up to clean up/polish the chambers after bluing.
Hey HR! I actually own one of these. Mine is a little over a year old. After watching your video very closely, I inspected mine very carefully. It doesn’t have any marks inside the front of ported end and is nicely finished. I also inspected the face of my cylinder and it has no marks other than delightful powder burns. S&W needs to fix yours. Over the past couple of decades, I’ve sent two guns back to the factory. Both times were a very positive experience but one of the times took 2.7 months before I got the gun back. BUT in addition to fixing the one issue it had, they replaced the nightsites and barrel. What I got back was a nearly new gun. So I give them an A+++!
I hope that’s the type of experience I can report soon. Thanks for the info!
First let me say this, I'm sorry your new purchase was filled with disappointment.
Now you know why older S&W revolvers are steadily going up in value. Look at the finish, the blue is what used to be found on the budget model 28. My S&W revolvers are pre MIM, pre keylock, I like pinned barrels and hammer mounted firing pins.
Thank you , Sarge I hope it gets resolved for you
I had a fairly good experience with S&W warranty service. It took almost two months but I was told that they were backed up due to COVID and it did arrive when they said. They did fix the problem and my S&W M&P Bodyguard is running like a champ. Thanks for the video.
May I ask how long ago that was?
@@hrfunk I sent it in 8/19/2021and they shipped it back 10/4/2021.
Thanks! I was just trying to gauge about how long it might take to get mine back.
@@hrfunk It may be a little quicker now. Good luck 👍
Thanks for your review I enjoy your very informative videos. Most definitely does are defects on your s&w 586 L comp performance center. I bought one a month ago and my doesn't have any of does issues that you mention. But I did have one issue with mine. The trigger gard stop did cause a gouge on the trigger guard. I called s&w and they told me that's normal. So make sure to check that aera when you start shooting it. Good luck and I hope s&w take care of the issues. It's a pricey revolver and it shouldn't have any issues. Is so sad how quality control has gotten bad in the gun industry.
Thank you. I will report on this revolver when it returns to me.
Several years ago, I worked in a gun shop. I remember at least three times people brought back S & W revolvers that the barrels had become loose and unscrewed from the frame.
That is very troubling.
I mentioned this in the live chat, along with another commenter; the marks on the cyl. face is typical tooling chatter. Should have been polished out before bluing. If the marks didn't polish out under standard polishing? Either reject it after bluing (its easier to see) or during final assembly as DCU (didnt clean up). The nut damage? When the tool slipped like that? The gun should have been set aside, and wrench inspected
Thanks Nathan. I take it you have experience in this area?
Yes Sir. I work for a gearbox design firm, everything from 600hp 4spd muscle car transmissions to NP205 transfercases. We have access to a metrology department for measuring and qualification. My father worked in QA and auditing as well. Its a shame they let that firearm out of the barn. Lack of attention to detail, and an unwillingness to admit the damage, choosing to think "eh he'll never notice" instead. In my opinion? If you work in the Performance Center? You should be allowed to take your time, and reporting mistakes should be encouraged. You should be PROUD to put that together.
I have no doubt SW will exceed your expectations, but its a damn shame
I ordered a new 686 3 inch in 2021 and was there the day it arrived. Right out of the box it had scratches on the cylinder. Bought an M&P 45 in 2020 and the slide had machining marks under the finish. S&W called them "machining artifacts". Both went back to the factory and the problems were corrected. I love S&W firearms but the QC needs more attention.
So sorry to see this! I have personally had to send back numerous Performance Center revolvers to S&W over the years. Their QC is terrible now. I think what happened was that whoever assembled the barrel assembly overtorqued the barrel when screwing it in, leaving those hideous gouges inside. The cylinder face is anyone's guess, but clearly it happened prior to assembly. I've had both Model 19 Carry Comps (2), and a 586 L-Comp. I refused delivery of one Carry Comp because the cylinder was jammed at several points, and you had to beat it with your palm to get it to open. Also, it had a "clocked" barrel, meaning that the front sight was off center by several degrees to the left while looking down the sights. I returned 3 other revolvers over the years for the very same defect! My 586 L-Comp was initially badly canted. I sent it back, and it was returned about halfway fixed, forcing me to send it in yet again to get it properly centered. It was finally done, and it has since been my favorite carry revolver. The trigger is excellent, as well.
In your case, I would demand a new revolver. Also, I would hope that you checked for a canted barrel before sending it back to S&W (it is actually the shroud which would be canted), because I doubt they'll bother to check on that, either.
At least that didn't appear to be a problem with my revolver. Although, I'll have to double check it when it comes back.
Hello Mr. Funk. I know this is an older video, but no matter what, i always enjoy your informative videos, and can see your vast experience in firearms demonstrated in your channel.
I was on a mission to find a very good 357 revolver for about 1 year. I had Smiths, Taurus, Rugers, a Python, in the past when revolvers were the norm. My favorite were the Smiths. I looked at the Carry Comp model you purchased, and others along with the competitor brands, but just didn't see the quality i used to see in the older models. I finally
found a model 19-2 with 2 1/2 inch barrel made in 1966 in mint condition. It is a beautifully crafted pistol, showing the importance of quality as one of S&W's main goals. I'm totally satisfied with the Model 19 in the older versions compared to the newer versions.
Thank you for your videoes.
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching. I’m glad you found that Model 19. I have a newer version of that same revolver (19-6 circa 1980). Mine is also a beautifully made revolver. Nowadays it’s semi-retired so as to keep it in that pristine condition. Since S&W repaired my Carry Comp, it’s become my “go-to” carry wheelgun.
@@hrfunk Glad S&W took care of you. I'm have the same thought on my 19-2 in seldom firing to keep it in great shape. The Carry Comp still has my attention. I like the design with the comp built in and I'll probably end up purchasing one to fire magnums. I only fire 38's and 38+P when I fire my 19-2.
Please keep up the awesome videos sir, and Happy Shooting.
I have been looking for a few years for this gun I hope to find one in good shape thanks for the review
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!
Good honest review and information.
Gig line perfection sir!
That sucks hopefully S&W fix the issues. I bough a S&W 45 Shield Performance Center a few years back. The gun worked great, but one of my magazines was out of spec & would not eject out of the pistol. I contacted S&W Customer Service I informed them of the issue & told them that I wanted them to send me a return slip so they could fix it. They stated they could not do that. After several more emails trying to get them to fix it. They finally said yes, when I got the mag back it still did not work. So I just bought a new one & said never again will I buy a S&W product. Don't get me wrong my pistol runs great & all my S&W wheel guns run fine. That being said I have had mag issues with another brand & they sent me a return slip immensity & fixed the issue. Good luck hopefully they fix your issues with your revolver. It looks really nice.
Thanks. I’ll let you know how it goes.
I bought a 6" Model 27 Classic a couple of months ago and on the barrel there was a patch of bluing that was discoloured, one of the side-plate screws was almost falling out and the side-plate bluing was a different tint to the rest of the revolver and very patchy with what looked like staining. This was brand new, special order, straight out of the box from the dealer. Where I live (not in the US), the process to return to the distributor for inspection and repair is a pain with licensing laws and requires dealer handling. Like you I am a big S&W admirer as dad's duty issue and later my first duty issue were S&W revolvers. Since it was cosmetic, I decided to leave it and consider it a lesson learnt. Just unfortunate in this case and hopefully not an indication of a larger issue at the factory. Hope your issues get sorted out satisfactorily.
Thank you. I hope you still enjoy shooting your Model 27.
I bought a new 686-6 last year & the barrel is slightly canted to the left maybe 0.045" thought about returning it but it is very accurate & no other issues so far although I have not fired many magnum loads through it yet. Think I'll just leave it alone for now. I blast around 30 rounds of .38 through it every week. Love it other than the Hillary hole.
Even it wasn't a Performance Center revolver, it should have never left the factory. The last revolver I bought new from them was a M63 with a 3 1/2" Barrel. It had been on order for quite some time. I took it to our indoor range and shot several cylinders of ammo through it. I was rushed as we had some things that just came up, or I would have gave it a closer inspection. The revolver was not as accurate as I would like it to be. I took the pistol home after work and shot it some more. I started looking at the barrel and how it was timed to the frame. The barrel was canted to the right. Contacted S&W and the revolver went back to the factory about a week before COVID hit. I figured a long wait. About 5 weeks later it was back fixed with a new barrel. Prior to that, I sent a M617 back in 2007 that was out of time after shooting several thousands through it. Less than two weeks later the revolver was back. The list of parts they replaced was long, one being a new cylinder, they also smoothed out the action too when they replaced some of the internals. I think they will take care of your problem. I carried a 2 1/2" M19 off duty for a long time until we switched to automatics, one of my favorite revolvers. I live in Knox County, Tennessee, which borders on Blount County, the future home of S&W pistols, hopefully they will be bringing the revolver manufacturing here too. The last new centerfire revolvers I bought new from them were a M29, and two M686's, that was back in the early 80's. Recalls on the 686's. No problems with the 29. Since then, like you, all my revolver purchase have been used S&W revolvers. Most of my purchases are from the local Glock distributor who bids on old duty weapons and confiscated firearms. Nothing pretty but all pre mim parts.
Good luck with the repairs or replacement. That is normally an excellent revolver. I am confident Smith will step up and you will have a great gun. Thanks for showing and alerting us and keep us posted.
Will do. Thanks for watching!
Totally shocked that this passed a Performance Center inspection process. So appreciative for your making your viewers aware. Hopefully your next update will find you reporting a satisfactory and timely solution.
I have been unwilling to purchase a new S&W ever since the blasted hole safety abomination. This report just put another nail into my resolve to never buy their products.
Never is a long time. Let's see how they handle this situation.
I would not pay their premium price for unacceptable quality issues. I wish that I had spent my money( a lot for me, once in a lifetime expense I thought) on a different brand.
Hey CPL. SGT. here 1st. one 325 Thunder Ranch came perfect, R-8 broken ( right out of the box ) called S&W wanted to talk to a Performance Center Armorer told NO, got a return slip, waited 3 months, got it back, good to go. I don't know what is up with they're Quality Control. Talked to some former employees at a Pistol Shoot & that was a reason why they left. I'm willing to pay for a good product, but it needs to be up to a higher standard. Semper Fi.
Semper Fi Sergeant! I hope with the opening of their new plant, we see the quality standards return. Time will tell.
It is strange how new revolvers coming from the manufactures are having quality issues. I purchased a new Ruger SP 101 3" stainless steel revolver which had very sharp edges where the frame attached to the barrel. Also the cylinder would get stuck and would not open. Since the gun was stainless steel I repaired the gun. I found burrs which i removed and polished. The trigger pull was so stiff it took two men and a boy to pull. I was disappointed with the quality. The gun works great now. I remember how great S&W revolvers where back in the 70s.
So do I. Some of the ones I own are from that era.
I got one of these revolvers a few years ago as an anniversary present. I've been very happy with mine. I've added VZ grips, a C&S fixed rear sight, and am now looking for new front sight. I really hope yours comes back good to go.
What type of rear sight did you get from C&S?
@@hrfunk I got the following: CS0123R - Extreme Duty Fixed Rear Sight Square Notch without Dots for K-L-N Frame Revolver. Now to find a good front sight.
I've been very pleased with my PC 637. I own 6 brand new smith revolvers and none of them have had any problems. I'm sorry you got a dud. Yankee Marshal had some finish inconsistencies on his L-comp, but smith fixed it for him. The guns should be perfect from the factory, but I hope smith makes it right for you, and I hope you give other Smith revolvers a try too. Personally, I'm really interested in the 627 Snubbie PC. That'd be a chunk of a snubby! =)
Well that sux... I am sure S&W will take care of you. I just picked up a 686 plus, just a few rounds through it but all seems well. ( Doesn't like steel case ammo,but I expected that).. all the guns I owned , I have only had 2 guns that crapped the bed - GSG 1911 .22 model... & M&P . 22 compact I sent the .22 compact back to S&W & they fixed it- it was literally one of the most reliable.22's I have ever had.
Sorry to see your problems with the gun. I have heard that a lot of performance center guns are regular production with some extra features added. No hand fitting or finishing. The bean counters don't like that. Quality took a nosedive long ago when they were owned by a British company.
I once bought a 617 to go with the 4" 686 that I was using in competition. It took two thumbs to cock the hammer and double action was impossible. There were burrs on the firing pin bushing scraping the cartridges. Two of the chambers weren't cut deep enough and the rims were dragging on the frame. It went back and was fixed. Hope yours comes back OK.
Thanks John. I'm glad they took care of yours.
I have sent two S&W's back for repair over the past 15 years and both were repaired and returned in good condition. S&W stands by their warranty from experience. 👍 I bet you are satisfied when you get it back Mr. Funk.
Thanks. I hope so.
I live in NYC, so buying much after I get my permit is so difficult that choosing my back up was a tough choice. The S&W 686 was high on the list, but after seeing so many posts describing barrel misalignment on that series, plus your video makes me wonder if they are backlogged on production and rushing out product. Plus I believe they are moving ops to down TN, so for 1k I think I have to spend my money elsewhere. I know Taurus isn't that great but probably the best value for $. Also a used Ruger is looking mighty appealing.
Look for used Smiths. Without naming names some competitors use soft steel in small parts, its a heat treatment issue for them. And another youtuber a couple years ago had a problem with a top of the line revolver from that other esteemed maker you mentioned. BTW, I empathize with you being a NYC licensee, was also there a long time, often the authorities there are mean, petty, and tyrannical , I had to use lawyer power for administrative fairness like simple amendments to acquiring and or dispose of itemized firearms.
Ruger and Colt are making excellent wheelguns these days.
@@FCV0511 Colt got out of the game and then reentered with stainless guns but why did they go with that godawful oversized trigger and triggerguard ? This lost the option of using established holsters by making the profile completely different. New Python got it right. Ruger always has been a first class choice but unfortunately dropped the midsized Six series, the SP101 is big for a 5 shooter and the GP100 is just big, an L-N frame. But I like and have got 'em all.
@@richardkluesek4301 I agree wholeheartedly. The new King Cobra's redesigned trigger guard looks silly, and they honestly should have used the Magnum Carry name for that gun since it looks nowhere near as nice as the past King Cobras. At least the new Python kept grip and holster compatibility with previous models. Here's hoping they'll bring back blued finishes sooner or later.
I desperately wish that Ruger would bring back the Six series one of these days though - they're significantly more svelte and pretty than comparable GP100s IMO, and I prefer their half underlugs. What I wouldn't give to buy a new, blue Service Six!
@@FCV0511 Yeah the new Cobra and King Cobra look like the 1900 Phillisines/Alaskan .45s and we know how that ended up. The Magnum Carry had the best aesthetics of new evolving from traditional. And the Speed Six is my favorite of those Six es.
Those are machining marks. Aw, don't listen to me. I don't know anything. Blessed are the individuals who acquire older Smiths.
Man, we have the same luck. I just received a brand new Rock Island 1911 in 40 S&W on Monday. When I opened the box I immediately found a mangled magazine next to the pistol. I contacted the shipper and Rock Island, but neither company has yet responded.
Well that's aggravating. I hope they get you a new magazine quickly.
@@hrfunk Today I managed to reach a RIA customer service rep on the phone after listening to mind-numbing music for 20 minutes. She said they did receive my email and had turned it over to their technical service department, but not to expect any action for up to two weeks. :-(
Meanwhile the company I bought the pistol from has failed to respond to any of my inquires. I won't be using them again, but I will leave a less than stellar review.
I doubt you will have any problems with S&W. They should make things right.
I’m sorry to hear about the lack of response you’re getting Colonel. I’ve had pretty good luck with RIA. Hopefully they will get your magazine issue rectified.
About 10 years ago, I bought a new, S&W, Classic, 4-inch Model 29. At the gun shop, I checked the hammer-cylinder operation, and to my astonishment, the revolver's cylinder locked up after six or so rotations and remained that way.
I asked the store owner to send the revolver back to Buds Guns for a replacement Model 29, which I received some weeks later. Caveat emptor!
Howard, I am sorry that you’ve had these truly aggravating issues, with what obviously should be a pristine product from Smith’s Performance Canter. I respectfully offer a few thoughts for you consideration:
1. IMHO, both identified defects are “tool marks.” As you’re aware, I am not a gunsmith, but I spent many years in Naval aviation program management (and two years in the then-McDonnell Saint Louis factory, as the F/A-18 Program Manager’s representative), and I have observed in-depth a LOT of traditional machining and manufacturing operations. Accordingly, I am confident that these are tool marks.
2. I have read (several times) that current revolver production (from the top-tier US manufacturers) has experienced considerably more defects than was typical in past years. Whether this is factual, I do not know. But I don’t doubt it, since revolvers are inherently far more “design, production and assembly complex” than most autoloaders.
3. Add to #2, Smith’s move to Tennessee. How many of their experienced workers, assemblers, QA personnel, and first-line supervisions, and so forth opted not to leave Massachusetts? How many new hires are still at the front-tend of their learning curves (perhaps without “old timers” to expedite their proficiency)? How much tooling may not yet be be optimally installed and calibrated? How many times will a newbie use brute for to install a part, or mar a surface with a hardened steel tool, or accept an “it’s good enough” attitude? In essence, a laser- or roll-mark on that revolver’s side plate that indicates “Performance Center,” may not yet convey the level of craftsmanship, quality and oversight we traditionally associate with that distinction.
4. The last new-in-the-box revolver I purchased (probably nearly twenty years ago) was a Smith 625-9, N frame, four inch tapered barrel, Mountain Gun, chambered in .45 Colt. It is an OUTSTANDING revolver, but when I bought it the adjustable rear sight wouldn’t properly align. My local gun store immediately returned it to Springfield, they discovered that a small metal burr had not be been removed and that prevented the rear sight from properly fitting into the frame, the problem was rectified in a couple days, I had the 625-9 back within a week, and all was well. BUT - and this is a damn big “but” - this was an entirely visible defect, just as your two are, which was neither identified or corrected either in S&W’s production or in inspection.
5. I’ll wager that your revolver - quite possibly a new one, with a different serial number - will be returned to you by mid-March (probably sooner) and that it will meet your entirely legitimate expectations. However, one has to consider that when comparatively simple, polymer frame, and CNC machined slide M&P’s likely represent 90 percent of S&W’s handgun revenues, the excellent revolver artisanship of past generations may be likely to slip. That, imho, is truly sad, although it may be near-predictable.
With warmest abiding regards (and with a prediction that you will soon be satisfied with this revolver) - Roy
Thank you Roy. I am keeping my fingers crossed. When it comes back I intend to shoot it extensively, and I will let you all know how the story ends.
Good luck with that, great video👍🏻
Thank you!
Ahh one of my favorite cartridges, this is gonna be good!
It's a shame to see how lousy quality control has become lately. Though I still think that S&W makes some of the nicest looking wheelguns out there, I refuse to purchase any new production models with the internal lock in them as a matter of principle. Here's hoping they come to their senses one of these days and ditch the things. But it's never good to see quality slipping this badly. Hopefully they make it right sooner than later.
That aside, Ruger and Colt are certainly giving S&W a good enough run for their money lately.
A friend of mine has one of these and they are really nice. I hope they get it all fixed up. It will be a dandy revolver.
I lucked out with my PC 686. But it is a shame that many Gun manufacturers have gone the wrong direction in quality control (Berreta).
The new Colt Pytons are very nice but larger than a Model 19
I have a 627 PC in 2.5" that I dearly love. I had the cylinder replaced by the Performance Center because I think fluted cylinders are prettier. Their customer service and speed was top notch. I hope that you have a similar expirence. I am looking forward to the update. Semper Fi.
Thanks, and Semper Fi!
Smith and Wesson quality has gone downhill ever since they started producing the Hillary Hole. I've seen many new S&W revolvers arrive from the factory with canted barrels. The introduction of MIM components is another negative against newer production models. Their new production of revolvers is obvious they only care about mass production at the lowest possible cost. I hope they straighten these issues out and if they're going to utilize lower quality materials they utilize the technology to build a better product.
Me too.
One of the J frames I eventually sold was a limited run no key lock model 37. It shot over a foot to the right and high, by me and two other excellent shots. Sent it back for a canted barrel which was replaced. Never trusted it or liked it and went back to my Colt Agent.
My father's 61 year old S&W 38 special police revolver still looks brand new and pristine and I can't even count how many rounds over the years I fired it and all the previous years my father used it ... the other day we put another 100 rds thru it , flawless ....
Yep. I purposely sought like new, used Smiths as I will not buy their new crap.
I received a new S&W 340 PD back in 2012 or 2013 that had a number of rifling groves incomplete. There were curls of metal inside the barrel near the forcing cone. Needless to say I returned it for a replacement. At the time this was to be my backup pistol as I was a deputy sheriff in my community. That left me wondering about their quality control to say the least.
It amazes me when things like that make it out of the factory.
In 2017 I bought a S&W 1911 Performance Center model. The pistol would not run consistently. It constantly suffered from nose dives. It went back to S&W twice and they did not fix the issue. The most frustrating part of S&W service was trying to find out what they did each time they had it. Almost impossible to do as the paperwork returned each times was BS. I finally went through it myself which I should have done instead of sending it back. Polished feed ramp, new magazine catch and always use Wilson Combat magazines and no more problems. During the same time period I was doing a lot of IDPA shooting and I won a couple of M&Ps at different events. The first was a gen 1 9mm full size from 2016 that was total junk out of the box. You could barely fire it. The trigger was so bad and didn't fire half the time. I ripped it open and threw in an Apex trigger and then it was fine. In 2017 I also won a new M&P 2 9mm full size. While functional the trigger was very heavy with lots of creep and gritty feeling. After these experiences I wrote off new S&W. Really sad because I own a ton of S&W and for the longest time almost everything I shot was a S&W.
Wow! Glad I got the 586 Carry Comp.
Ouch yeah that is definitely not normal. Shoot, I sure hope that they fix the problems and get it back to you in a timely manner so you can enjoy your new toy. I was thinking about buying a New Model 27, but might just hang on a bit.
I would say just be sure to check it out thoroughly before you buy it.
I have a 19 L Comp new that has similar scratches and I think its coming from the barrel face on closing.
Could be. As ll I know is I didn’t like it.
I have been considering that EXACT revolver. Watching now.
The jury is still out on the revolver itself. I have to wait until it comes back to complete my evaluation.
I’m sorry to hear about your new revolver. I’m sure they will make it good.
I am also a big fan of S&W revolvers and own quite a few. My collection started with my first hunting revolver, a 6” model 686 I purchased new in 1988. Many more have joined my collection since. However, after my last new S&W revolver purchase in 2015 I vowed never to buy a current production revolver from them again.
My disappointment was with a new 640 “Professional Series” J-frame in 357 Magnum. I purchased it directly from S&W as an upgraded replacement for a broken 642 (the trigger stud snapped) which was unrepairable. The new 640 arrived at my dealer direct from S&W and that’s when it all began. As my local dealer was holding the revolver while copying the serial number for the transfer paperwork, the rear sight fell off the gun! Other issues it had were: canted barrels, damaged tritium sights, replacement tritium sights either damaged or without any glow left in them, crooked etchings on the barrel, double etchings on the barrel, missing etchings on the barrel, and point of aim/point of impact differences of 6 plus inches at 15 yards.
The gun made 5 trips back to S&W and over those visits to the mothership they replaced the barrel twice, and replaced tritium sights 4 times. It is finally a “finished” gun, but before they got everything right I was on a first name basis with the customer service representatives.
Good luck with your revolver. I hope your gun is fixed in one trip.
Thank you. I’ll let everyone know how it turns out.
My friend traded in a SW 642 plus cash to get a 442 PC. Twenty five rounds and it went belly up. He sent it back where they made repairs and sent it back and all is good. I bought a 586 brand new and had to send it back because it was shaving copper off the rounds with bulging cases. My friend and I determined the forcing cone needed widening. I sent it back and we were right. I also reseated the rear sight as it was slightly crooked.
I’m glad they repaired you revolver (and your friend’s). I’m waiting very impatiently for mine to return.
I am all for freedom of choice my choice is a solid barrel love the 3"
Very surprised at this from S&W. My experience with them over the years has been very positive and their quality has always been great. As with anything manufactured, you can get failures from time to time. I'm sure they will resolve this quickly for you and you will have the revolver back and it will last you a lifetime. Very honest review and thank you for sharing this with us.
You're welcome. Thanks for watching!
Never had that problem with my Dan Wesson when I change barrels but leave it to Smith and Wesson.
Sorry this revolver was not good to go out of the box. I bought my first new S&W revolver last year (Model 69). When it got to my FFL the grip was broken and fell apart when I picked it up. I still accepted it and took it home. I contacted S&W and they took care of me. Hope they handle your issues. I have only had to use them one other time with an original M&P Shield. They took the gun back on that one nad had it for about a month.
My brand new 500 mag with the break used for hard cast lead spits lead back at me, at one point I had a piece hit me hard enough to make me bleed, it doesn’t do it with the standard break so I just use that break exclusively, I love smith and Wesson products but it seems like their QC is slipping
It does seem that way. Thanks for watching Kevin.
My father gave me his model 19 that he purchased new in 1969. Still has that deep blued finish and smooth trigger. It came with oversized wooden combat grips that I found a little large so I installed a set of VZ G10 grips. Sad to see Smith & Wesson quality decline and produce a new model 19 with these build flaws. Hope they make it right.
Agreed! I'm surprised that S&W wouldn't do better than this, especially the Performance Center! Appreciate your honest review!
The sellers need to inspect their inventory if they really care about the customer and staying in business 😳🤣✌️🍺🇺🇸
Scratches are always upsetting. A few months ago I purchased a Beretta Tomcat. It had a little nick on the slide which I didn't think much of. I field stripped and cleaned it. It broke upon reassembly. I never even got to fire it. I hear great things about Smith and Wesson customer service. It's great you got in touch with them. Beretta, on the other hand, is non-existent. They don't care about their customers.
That’s too bad. I’ve never had to use their customer service. I have used S&W’s in the past. On those occasions they performed quite well. We’ll see how things go this time.
@@hrfunk Yeah. It's sad about Beretta. I'm sure Smith and Wesson will do well again for you this time around. If there's an issue with a firearm, that's okay. Anything mechanical can malfunction. What matters is the company stands by it and makes it right for the customer.
I feel your pain. My first carry revolver was a 442, which I bought new in 2014. Recently I experienced a ton of failure to fire. Turns out, the wall behind the cylinder was worn oval instead of round, resulting in misalignment of the firing pin to the cartridge. I had probably 9 - 10 k through it. I sent it in, and they refused to repair or replace it, saying it was worn out. I asked them about the "lifetime warranty", and they said it was worn out and therefore not covered. I thanked them and advised them I'd bought my very LAST Smith and Wesson! Currently, my carry rotation is a Rock Island Armory m206, a Taurus 856 Ultra Lite, and a Charter Arms Undercover. My local ffl has a Charter Arms Police Undercover enroute, which I plan to have my wife give me for my birthday. I've had excellent service from my budget price guns, and excellent customer service from Armscor when my m 206 was problematical. In fact, Armscor customer service was so good, when I sold my first m 206 to a friend, I purchased another one as its replacement.
Good for you. I’m glad those budget guns are working well for you!
I'm sure they'll take care of you. I've REALLY got my eye on this so I hope they make it right for you and the new one shoots great!
Thanks. I’ll let you know.
Off top but I would like your thoughts. I had a failure on my EMP/4" were a round did not ho into battery and locked up the slide. I was able to clear it by exert slow pressure on the slide to free it up and eject the round. I tried it a couple times and eventually got it to chamber. When I got home I loaded a mag with a couple of snap caps and had no problems. Then I used a live round and again no problem with multiple magazines. I am thinking an out of spec round. Your thoughts on other possibilities. Thanks.
If it is a brand new pistol, that may just be a breaking issue. How long have you had it?
@@hrfunk 2500 rounds through it. I had a couple of failures in the first 100 rounds and zero until today.
@@johnshepherd8687 it may have just been a random anomaly. If it starts happening more often, you might want to contact the manufacturer.
Sounds like what just happened to me when I had my local dealer order the Model 25 Classic. It came complete with an obvious deep scratch on the left side of the frame and the right side of the frame was marred with what looked like a series of machining marks skipping over the blueing. It also had a dime sized scratch in the cylinder window that looked like somebody had drawn circles with a screwdriver tip. How this ever left the factory is a mystery. I told the dealer to send it back.
That's horrible. They really need to improve their QC or else they're going to go the same way as Remington.
It is my sincerest wish that you have better luck with S&W customer service than I have. I'm sure you will.
I am keeping my fingers crossed. I have had good luck with them in the past.
I love my S&W 357 MAG IT IS A Hightway patrol.a bad ass gun
Poor Q/C work at the performance center.
But yeah I love the S&W revolvers. I'm a big fan of the 27&28. As you know my grandfather father and myself for a little while carried the same 4in 28.
I'd love to see at least a new 27 come out if not both.
I was at my favorite local gun shop buying a Colt M1917 this week. A person came in with a Performance Center semi auto that would not cycle. Luckily the distributor of that gun had a replacement warranty so they did the paperwork and gave the customer a new gun.
Keep the 1917! They worked in WWI and WWII, and they will do the job today.
@@thomasholohan4090 it will be listed in my will.
Not the first I'm hearing about S&W revolvers having issues. Seems to be mainly the revolvers because I rarely hear similar complaints about S&W's auto pistols or modern sporting rifles.
I think in general the semi autos are easier to build. There's probably less chance for issues such as this to crop up. The modern sporting rifles are also the equivalent to assembling a jigsaw puzzle. Again, I think there is less opportunity for these type of defects to occur.
@@hrfunk Yeah, don't a lot of these guys outsource their parts anyways? So they may not even be building all their stuff when it comes to the ARs.
Chief, How that slid past Q.C. is beyond me. That is definitely strange. I'm glad they are going to repair this for you.
Had to send my L-Comp back after the first 75 rounds. Cylinder jammed closed. Took about 2 months. Runs really well now. Didn’t bother me. First issues I’ve had with a S&W or PC gun in 20 years.
I'm glad yours worked out for the best.
Very surprising. I’m interest to see how they resolve this.
Sorry for this, I hope that you get a new gun shipped out that you really like. I have a 686 that I bought right before covid that Im happy with. I wish it did not have the lock but it has not given me any trouble.
I’m glad you got a good one!
And those S&W prices!! Whew! The 66 was my first handgun. “Get a revolver for reliability and ease of use”
I received a new S&W Model 27 last Tuesday 3/2/2022 and looked at it before I filled out the 4473 at my gun shop. I Made sure everything looked and worked properly. Got it home to start cleaning all the shipping oil and noticed that inside the barrel, around the forcing cone and cylinder was so dirty, it looked like my model 686 after I put 50 rounds thru it. Started looking at it closer and the finish, except for the barrel which was beautifully finished, looked like an old gun. It was not polished properly under the trigger guard and the sides of the frame. It was missing bluing (in one little tiny spot), had the burn marks on the front of the cylinder (they still use the short screws that leave a space in the screw hole for the rear sight hold down just above the forcing cone) that will not come out because the bluing is missing. There is no telling where the gun got used, my gun shop, the online supplier or did it get shipped by mistake from S&W? Needless to say I will always look at a new gun, before accepting it, with a magnifying glass and not assume it is new gun and not a used one. They did sent me a shipping label and it is on it's way to Springfield, Ma. I will update when I get the gun back.
Here’s hoping both of our revolvers come back in much better condition.
Tuff break, if you are anything like I am, when I buy new, I expect perfection. Curious to see how you’re treated. Surface damage is usually an indication of the way that gun was handled before you got it (such as being dropped) this damage appears to be a result of mishandling, those look like tool marks of some kind.
Good luck, I’ll be waiting to hear an explanation or a fix. Very odd
Sad that Performance Center Quality Control could miss that ! Though I am not a fan of S&W pistols, I have always been a fan of their revolvers and own some. Thanks !
You're welcome.
Having done warranty repair for S&W and Colt, I wish I could tell you I was surprised by this video, but, at this point in time,
I cannot.
I noticed when you did the close up shot on the front sight there was a scratch too.
I hope all of it gets fixed right
I’m anxiously awaiting the follow up. Did they give you an estimated leadtime for its return?
No. I received a generic email informing me they got my revolver. That was several days ago, and I’ve heard nothing since.
HR, this week I made an online purchase of a new Model 19 CC. Today when picking it up from my FFL I inspected the gun, and much like yours, found gouges on the front face of the cylinder as well as the yoke near where the cylinder slips on. They look like file marks made during assembly.
Anyway I refused delivery and the FFL is sending it back to the vendor.
The PC line should be a step up in quality!
I’m disappointed in S&W.
I keep hoping this sort of thing changes as the new facility comes on line. We shall see.
I have had similar experience. I ordered a 686 from a local gun shop and come to find out that it wasn't straight from the factory..it was from another gun shop that had it on display and the display pistol holder caused damage. I had purchased my own similar holders to investigate and sure enough it matched the scratches and damage to my barrel. Now when I order especially revolvers I will state New as never been touched by the public.. "factory purchase!" There are cheap non rubberized pistols holders with Sharpe edges that shouldn't be used. I have witnessed some things at several gun shops that you just shake your head at. I to am a S&W fan and own several. Customer service was a 4 1/2 out of a 5 for me for that one negative experience. Hope all goes well with your outcome.
Thank you.
That is terrible. My 43c was dead out of the box just like Lucky Gunner’s copy. But like his, mine was fixed in a month or so. A big pain, but they will fix it for you.
As a corporate veteran of @35+ years I blame it on a fundamental shift in management philosophy. I call it an "MBA disease". Today's executives are entirely driven by bonuses tied to the quarterly bottom line. They care very little about company's long-term success because their corporate life span is 2-3 years, then they move somewhere else. This leads to focus on short-term profit, and is ultimately damaging or even destructive to the company.
It is disheartening to see that kind of thing in American manufacturing.
The very reason I retired early. Nobody cares until it's too late.
I was my department’s armorer when we got our shipment of some of the first L frame 686’s that S&W turned out. We received approximately 70 revolvers. Every single one of them had long ratchets. Some were so bad the cylinder would not index to the next round. After working on about six of them , I got tired of doing the work that should have been done at the factory. We sent the lot of them back and told them to do it right. That said, I still believe S&W puts out the best revolvers. Their QC folks need to stay on their toes though.
Agreed.
Having carried a Revolver for the first 4 years of my LE Career, first a S&W Model 66 in .357 then a Ruger GP100 in .357, I am a big Revolver fan!!! I still carry (sometimes) a Ruger SP101 2 inch in .357. Sorry this happened to you especially for the $$$$ you paid. As a former Marine we would call that "Poor Attention To Detail". I hope they make it right ASAP.
I’ve bought six S&W revolvers NIB and the only one I had to send back for service was my PC model. Weird coincidence.
My recent buy was a new model 586. Miserable QA!. Hillary hole was clogged with hardened debris or burr of some sort. But even worse- I could not slip in a round in one cylinder hole!. 5 would drop in, but not 6! I should returned it, but I picked out he hillary hole to make the lock operable and I used a stiff brush to clear the cylinder hole that has some sort of obstruction or blockage in it.
That's too bad. I hope things get better with their new factory coming on line.
I understand wanting a different “workhorse”, but I am not a fan of the two piece barrel construction. Just me. I believe your summation is correct: tool marks in the muzzle. Sad that this got out of their “custom shop" in that condition. Maybe because of their impending move?
Could be that, could be the virus, could've been the last revolver on a Friday. Who knows?