[Xringshooter]

If S&W is sending out a return kit they will fix it. I am almost certain that it will be returned with a new slide installed. They will probably use the old slide in their reports about returned/unaccepatable parts that somehow slipped by the inspectors. They will not weld it up and redrill, it is not cost effective to do that.

The return kit should tell you how to ship it back to them. You will NOT be able to use the USPS. It will have to go overnight via a common carrier (either FedEx or UPS is the most common). S&W may even Probably will)send a prepaid shipping label and that will determine who is going to be the shipper. They will ship it back to you the same way you shipped it to them. It does not have to go through a FFL as it is a repair (unless you have a FFL ship it). If it is a UPS prepaid label you will still need to take it to the main shipping point. Satellite places (Office Depot, etc.) won't take firearms no matter what your argument is, or how well it is packed (at least around here that's the way it is).