Smith & Wesson Factory Repair Bill

[June4th]

I purchased a 70's vintage S&W 29-2 from a forum member here some time ago. The cylinder to be a bit tight during the check but I figured it wasn't a big deal considering the purchase price.

I found out during my first range trip, that the cylinder binds so tightly at one or two spots that it binds up completely.

So I called S&W and they sent me a prepaid shipping label. A few weeks later I got a letter stating that the repair would cost $165.41.

I wouldn't mind paying the bill, as it'll bring the total cost to roughly fair value (from a nice bargain), but I'm curious as to what's the criteria S&W uses to determine the repair falls under the 'life time warranty', i.e. free of charge, vs. at cost.

 

[AmmoSapien]

I don't believe Smith started giving lifetime warranties until the 80s

 

[June4th]

I don't believe Smith started giving lifetime warranties until the 80s

That explains it! Thanks!

 

[exo]

I believe that they also say that the lifetime warranty only applies to the original retail purchaser.

 

[Rotaryrocket]

I believe that they also say that the lifetime warranty only applies to the original retail purchaser.

Should have bought a used ruger and blew it up. And get a free one.

 

[AmmoSapien]

The original owner vs 2nd owner issue seems to depend on who you ask at their customer service center. I've called them a few times and they have never seemed to care much about whether I was the original owner or not. They ask the serial number, and tell you whether its eligible for a warranty repair or not.

 

[June4th]

I believe that they also say that the lifetime warranty only applies to the original retail purchaser.

I think it's true, but many NESers reported their 2nd or 3rd hand S&W were repaired under warranty. The customer service didn't ask anything about proof of purchase, and I don't believe S&W has a defined way of checking original ownership.

Should have bought a used ruger and blew it up. And get a free one.

I do have some Rugers, just haven't managed to blow them up yet!

 

[drgrant]

I believe that they also say that the lifetime warranty only applies to the original retail purchaser.

In practice though that doesn't matter. The cutoff is "really old stuff" doesn't get covered.

-Mike

 

[Len-2A Training]

I believe that they also say that the lifetime warranty only applies to the original retail purchaser.

Not true. Have had a number of S&W/Walther-S&W guns repaired by them with no questions asked, no cost.

My S&W 39-2 being 1970s vintage sheared the safety "drum" and they charged me $8x to repair it. Fair enough.

The lifetime warranty seems to be tied to a 1980s change of ownership. Anything prior to then (1986 IIRC) isn't covered but will be repaired for a charge.

 

[pj150]

Seem like any pre 90's revolvers go the performance center for fixing. Anything that goes there is always charged.

 

[June4th]

Yes PJ, I was told that the repair would be done at the performance center due to its age. They hinted that it was almost too old for factory repair: the service rep asked for the serial and told me it was manufactured in 1971 then 'yes, we can still repair it in the custom shop.'

 

[exo]

I think it's true, but many NESers reported their 2nd or 3rd hand S&W were repaired under warranty. The customer service didn't ask anything about proof of purchase, and I don't believe S&W has a defined way of checking original ownership.

In practice though that doesn't matter. The cutoff is "really old stuff" doesn't get covered.

-Mike

Not true. Have had a number of S&W/Walther-S&W guns repaired by them with no questions asked, no cost.

My S&W 39-2 being 1970s vintage sheared the safety "drum" and they charged me $8x to repair it. Fair enough.

The lifetime warranty seems to be tied to a 1980s change of ownership. Anything prior to then (1986 IIRC) isn't covered but will be repaired for a charge.

I have had experience with S&W customer service that disagree with these statements.

When I called about a new production revolver that I bought second hand, the customer service rep asked if I was the original owner - to which I truthfully replied. At that point they were insistent that if I sent it back for repair that they would bill me for the service.

After that call, I went and filled out a warranty request ticket online and received a UPS mailing label via email, and nobody ever asked me if I was the original purchaser.

So, I think it depends on whether you get someone on the other end of the line who wants to be a hardass about it.

Edit: The revolver was a new production 310 that the previous owner claims they never shot, and I believe it. It was brand new. It had a timing issue. I took a piece of bullet jacket in the face. I told all this to the rep on the phone, and they were not concerned about this safety issue (and I even used those words, "safety issue").

 

[mark056]

What AmmoSapien said .

 

[kiver]

I got a bill when my 41 was fixed. They told me it was manufactured before the lifetime warranties came out

 

[TBalls]

That's why I sent my Model 19-3 to Greg Derr.

 

[Gammon]

I have pretty much had it with S&W. I will only purchase one of their products if it the only choice I have. Any S&Ws I buy, new or used, will be purchased with the knowledge that I will be fixing it myself.

S&Ws CS used to be a major selling point. I wonder how they will fare in the future with this new policy of dismal CS.

 

[92G]

another reason i love Hi Point from Mansfield OH....they ain't gonna charge squat!

 

[dcmdon]

I don't believe Smith started giving lifetime warranties until the 80s

Correct. The late 80s even, possibly early 90s.