Quality of Smith and Wesson nowadays?

Uberfiend

Uberfiend

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Calgary, AB.
I really want a S&W .44 and I'm looking at get a current production Model 629, as I can't seem to find an old-school Model 29, but in my search I have found a lot of articles saying that quality is an issue with current runs. Bad lock-up, wiggle, not heat treated components, cast components and poor machining are the biggest complaints. Are Performance Center pistols made with better materials? Better manufacturing? Or just fancier looking with some extra add-ons? It's really got me second guessing my decision. Any CGN folk out there have any horror stories? Praises to sing? A Model 29 to sell? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Uber
 
Well I'll be honest,

Last week I had to return my new M&P R8 revolver, which btw is a performance center gun. No problems with lock-up or anything like that, the action was actually quite smooth. I had cosmetic flaws all over mine, the barrel ano was blotchy and not consistent, just terrible. I also had some tooling chatter on the cylinder arm as well as a fairly big gouge out of the finish of said cylinder arm. These 3 major flaws were enough for me to send it back, for the money spent I was expecting better...

Now, luckily I was able to track down another one, I called the dealer, talked to one of the sales guys there and explained to him what I had just gone through. He was nice enough to go over it for me and he assures me that this new one is indeed flawless, no cosmetic flaws exist like with the previous one. So I bought it to give it another try, it's been shipped and I'm expecting it in a few days.

I think with anything mass produced there's always a chance of a lemon, what's important is S&W and our dealers will look after you if you are not satisfied. They looked after me and I'm sure the new one will be just fine.


Edit: This is the model I sent back and re-ordered

170292_01_lg.jpg
 
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I hear ya, when you drop near $1500 on a pistol, you want it to be worth it. Worst part of my scenario is the place I can find the one I want is Cabelas, so no chance of a guy checking it for me, and I have to order it online. This is half the reason for my trepidation. Thanks for the info 50. Cheers.
 
I would encourage you to keep looking for a nice used Model 29 or 629. The new ones are just not as nice in my opinion. You should be able to find a nice used one for way less money than purchasing new. Be patient, one will turn up.


SW629001-1.jpg
 
I agree, find an older one. Pre-lock doesn't always mean better, as in the 80s the quality suffered variably. However besides not having that blasphemous hole on the frame the 80s guns are preferable to the newer models IMHO. Prior to that they only get better.
 
There has been occasional snippets on other US based forums about major QC problems at a major US handgun manufacturer but I haven't seen who they were referencing. I have heard and seen lots of examples of poor QC from S&W lately, especially with revolvers, but also with most of the products. My buddy just got a Model 629 that had to to right back due to barrel problems.

I much prefer the older S&W revolvers and perhaps we will start to see them appreciate in value as they have in the US.
 
tobin said:
I much prefer the older S&W revolvers and perhaps we will start to see them appreciate in value as they have in the US.
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There is an increasing number of people willing to spend on a quality revolver.

The S&W Performance Center may have wet the appetite, but that doesn't mean they own the market.

There's a company in Florida ready to produce a custom S&W frame and cylinders.

If S&W don't satisfy the market, I won't be surprised to see another manufacturer filling the void. How many high end 1911 manufacturers can the US support? Does anyone doubt a custom N-Frame would sell enough to justify the investment?

The common logic used to be that what I described couldn't happen. The cost of forging was too expensive. Then S&W moved more of it's product to CNC and MIM parts.
 
Uberfiend said:
The big flag for me was the article by Chuck Hawkshttp://www.chuckhawks.com/smith-wesson_dark.htm

I have an ad in the EE, I'll keep you posted on what develops.
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Thanks for posting that article, very interesting. I tend to find Chuck Hawks rather cautious in dissing anyone so think that it's a fairly credible opinion.

I've owned 4 S+W revolvers in the early 80's and most were very good in QC sold all of them and now regret it.
 
At our range, the only thing I liked about the S&W versus my Ruger GP100 was the trigger, which I improved. Outside of that, my Ruger impressed me more than the Smiths. There's a guy there with a Colt Python, however, and I have to say that is one nice revolver! :)
 
pisces-guy said:
At our range, the only thing I liked about the S&W versus my Ruger GP100 was the trigger, which I improved. Outside of that, my Ruger impressed me more than the Smiths. There's a guy there with a Colt Python, however, and I have to say that is one nice revolver! :)
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I have a sweet Python, and they are the Cadillac as far as I'm concerned, I just want a .44. I had an Anaconda, the quality was nowhere near the Python. I also had 2 DE .44's, They were ghetto fabulous but finicky with ammo and was like holding a 2x4. I think the 29-2 is the way to go.
 
Uberfiend said:
I have a sweet Python, and they are the Cadillac as far as I'm concerned, I just want a .44. I had an Anaconda, the quality was nowhere near the Python. I also had 2 DE .44's, They were ghetto fabulous but finicky with ammo and was like holding a 2x4. I think the 29-2 is the way to go.
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Dont u have a nickle plated python? Im sure i saw it on the EE once.
 
I'm still waiting for my 629 to come back to me. bought it brand new at the end of last year. Very first 25 american eagle factory rounds screwed up the frame and barrel. for a $1200 investment I was not impressed. And I still cannot believe cabela's edmonton wouldnt pay the $35 to send it to S&W to get it fixed. slimeballs. They(S&W reps in BC) estimated 6 months in feburary. so maybe july ill have it back.
 
Last year I picked up a mint condition freedom arms revolver from gunbroker.

Even if you are not a SA guy you owe it to yourself to at least try one.

Uber do you shoot at the mcmurray gun club???
Me too.


Uberfiend said:
I hear ya, when you drop near $1500 on a pistol, you want it to be worth it. Worst part of my scenario is the place I can find the one I want is Cabelas, so no chance of a guy checking it for me, and I have to order it online. This is half the reason for my trepidation. Thanks for the info 50. Cheers.
Click to expand...
 
Bile said:
I'm still waiting for my 629 to come back to me. bought it brand new at the end of last year. Very first 25 american eagle factory rounds screwed up the frame and barrel. for a $1200 investment I was not impressed. And I still cannot believe cabela's edmonton wouldnt pay the $35 to send it to S&W to get it fixed. slimeballs. They(S&W reps in BC) estimated 6 months in feburary. so maybe july ill have it back.
Click to expand...

So glad you posted this. That's where I was gonna buy one.
 
ruger22 said:
Last year I picked up a mint condition freedom arms revolver from gunbroker.

Even if you are not a SA guy you owe it to yourself to at least try one.

Uber do you shoot at the mcmurray gun club???
Me too.
Click to expand...


The Freedom Arms revolver is probably the best firearm made in the world today.

And today's S&W guns are poor imitations of what they used to be.

I shoot at the McMurray club and if we meet you might want to try out my 1978 vintage S&W Model 27-2
 
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