GunGuy34, the Model 27 is one of the greatest handguns ever made in my opinion and having a 5" version is completely boss. I'd buy it if I didn't already have a stainless .357. I'm looking for a used blued one right now to accompany it's husky young bother the 686.
As far as S&W quality, in general I think you hear a disproportionate number of stores of lemons now compared to back in the day because of a few factors.
1) Gun owners now are more informed, mostly because of the internet. It's not just the ability to access tons of good websites and e-books for research, but also being able to network with a huge number of other gun enthusiasts. The amount of knowledge you sponge up passively is incredible, so the average handgun owner is more likely to look for something like peening, machine marks, and so on.
2) Because of the networking I mentioned, gun owners also have more of a voice when they complain. Before, a dude sent the gun to the factory and complained to his friends. Today, a guy sends his gun to the factory and posts the problem where it can be seen thousands of times, forever, sometimes without good context or exaggeration. Since hearing "I got a gun and it's perfect" stands out less than "I got a gun and it sucks", the complaints echo louder and more times. It just makes them seem more prevalent.
I don't doubt that some QC at factories is down given the rush to produce product, and there are always going to be lemons. But now negative complaints carry father and longer and have a bigger impact on people's perception. This is good because it holds the manufacturers accountable, but it can also lead to some paranoia or distorted views.
As far as S&W quality, in general I think you hear a disproportionate number of stores of lemons now compared to back in the day because of a few factors.
1) Gun owners now are more informed, mostly because of the internet. It's not just the ability to access tons of good websites and e-books for research, but also being able to network with a huge number of other gun enthusiasts. The amount of knowledge you sponge up passively is incredible, so the average handgun owner is more likely to look for something like peening, machine marks, and so on.
2) Because of the networking I mentioned, gun owners also have more of a voice when they complain. Before, a dude sent the gun to the factory and complained to his friends. Today, a guy sends his gun to the factory and posts the problem where it can be seen thousands of times, forever, sometimes without good context or exaggeration. Since hearing "I got a gun and it's perfect" stands out less than "I got a gun and it sucks", the complaints echo louder and more times. It just makes them seem more prevalent.
I don't doubt that some QC at factories is down given the rush to produce product, and there are always going to be lemons. But now negative complaints carry father and longer and have a bigger impact on people's perception. This is good because it holds the manufacturers accountable, but it can also lead to some paranoia or distorted views.
