Executives @ Smith @ Wesson

[MattMPA]

Hey guys...some of you may remember my issues with a new Model 29.

I can pass along the details, but the long and short of it....is that the bluing simply isn't right and it's been to S & W now three times. The second time was due to gouges placed in it when it went in the first time. This has been going on since I got it in February

Would anyone have an idea as to whom I may send a registered letter to at S & W in an effort to get this replaced, refunded, etc? (I really have wanted this piece for a long time, but I'm getting frustrated.)

I can't seem to find anything when I do a web search.

I have all the info, pics, etc. The pic attached is how it looks now. The guy that I've been in contact with at S&W suggested some CLP and a soft brush. Didn't hurt...didn't help.

IMG_7874.JPG

[zachomega]

Do you have a before it went picture? Clearly it isn't polished the same. Doesn't that have to do with metal prep before they blue it?

-Zach

[MattMPA]

Do you have a before it went picture? Clearly it isn't polished the same. Doesn't that have to do with metal prep before they blue it?

-Zach

Yes. Here's the story in a nutshell. I have to mention that I'm not trying to bash S&W, just trying to find a way to get this problem handled. I ordered this 29 in October of 2019, it came in around Feb 13 of 2020.

The fist pic shows the mottled appearance of the bluing when new. My dealer suggested sending back. Smith & Wesson CS wanted it back. My FFL sent it.

The second pic shows the gouges on the frame present when it returned. S&W wanted it back again. FFL sent it.

When it came back, it wasn't repaired and in the documentation, S&W blamed the customer for the damage. Once again, I got in contact with S&W, who told me that whomever is given the repair at their facility makes the determination. Considering I've never fired the gun, and it's only been in my hands a few days total since I took possession...I thought this was wrong. Finally, had some emails with a person at S&W who asked me to send it back directly...not though my FFL.

So, it came back again the beginning of this month. It was heavily oiled but looked OK. I even thanked my contact at S&W. Last Saturday, I took it out of the safe to look at it, wipe it down and oil. This is when I found the spot shown in my original post. I should add that other areas have a similar appearance, but not as severe as the one shown.

It's important to know that I didn't harm this revolver. It's been treated with kid gloves. I haven't fired or cleaned it. It's only had a cloth and oil.

Sorry for all this detail guys, I'm just hoping to get a letter to someone at S&W that can get this sorted.

IMG_7496.JPG#2.jpg

[zachomega]

Hopefully they'll take care of your problem. I can't believe they returned it to you scratched like that. My experience with s&w customer service has been positive, but it was always with stainless firearms.

-Zach

[bluetrane2028]

Honestly? I'm more bothered by that extra hole in the side than the finish... but that's just me. I hope everything works out for you with this. I bought one new S&W product, my first AR. Had a railed gas block that was canted to one side, back up irons wouldn't quite zero. I sent it out, they did nothing, I said eff it, free floated it with a low profile block, much happier.

[zachomega]

Honestly? I'm more bothered by that extra hole in the side than the finish... but that's just me. I hope everything works out for you with this. I bought one new S&W product, my first AR. Had a railed gas block that was canted to one side, back up irons wouldn't quite zero. I sent it out, they did nothing, I said eff it, free floated it with a low profile block, much happier.

Internal lock aside, i think the issue is that when you spend s&w money, you want the old s&w quality that the name was built upon.

Otherwise, we'd all but Taurus.

-Zach

[bluetrane2028]

Internal lock aside, i think the issue is that when you spend s&w money, you want the old s&w quality that the name was built upon.

Otherwise, we'd all but Taurus.

-Zach

That's why I mostly buy used ones... that rifle told me enough.

[MattMPA]

Internal lock aside, i think the issue is that when you spend s&w money, you want the old s&w quality that the name was built upon.

Otherwise, we'd all but Taurus.

-Zach

Agreed. I deliberately bought a new one so that if I had a problem, there'd be a solution. (Same reason I play a modern Gretsch guitar over a 1959 model)

They tell me the bluing process is different now, but I think it should be right. I mean, it's shipped with a presentation case.

My hope is to find out who's in a charge...seemingly a difficult task.

[cruzans]

Sorry I couldn’t help. My niece never got back to me . Good for you though 👍🏻

[MattMPA]

Well guys...another update. I went to my FFL to pick up the new 29, and it's no better than the original. Even the dealer suggested contacting S&W before doing paperwork. I took some pics in case I needed them.

S&W Customer Support suggested that I send my original receipt to them and they'll send a refund. I'm more than surprised by this, but it makes me believe that bluing isn't their strong suit these days. I asked the CS rep if bluing was a problem these days. He said he didn't know what went on at the factory.

So...maybe I'll find a nice vintage 29 at some point.