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Broken gun and S&W Customer Service

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 11:29 am
by HighVelocity
I was recently cleaning my S&W model 37-2 airweight and saw something horrible. The frame was cracked underneath the barrel along the edge where the ejector rod rides when the cylinder is closed.

The next morning I called S&W and was treated very well on the phone. Not once was I asked, how this happened, what ammo was used or anything that might put the blame on me. I was simply told that this was not the first time he (the cs rep) had taken a call for the exact same issue and that a UPS label would be in the mail to me immediately to send the gun in for them to look at. S&W paid for shipping.
The label came, I boxed up the poor little thing and dropped it off at the main UPS facility.
I watched the tracking number to make sure it got there and then called to confirm SW did indeed have the gun. One week later, I get a call from the same cs rep that took my initial call and he informs me that the gun cannot be repaired and they would like to offer me a brand new 637 as a replacement. NO CHARGE
I replied that I would like one of the recently released 37's that doesn't have the lock instead since mine was pre-lock. Unfortunately, they didn't have any of those. He then tells me that I could pick another model if the 637 wasn't what I wanted as long as it was the same price and type of gun. I asked if I could have a 642 instead and he said DONE. This morning, less than 24 hours later, the UPS man hands me a NIB 642 with the test casing dated 7/24/06. :cool:

This was my very first experience with S&W customer service and even though I've been a fan of S&W wheelguns since I was a boy, I've got new respect for the company.
Who replaces a 20 year old paper weight under warranty? Aparently S&W does.

YMMV

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:01 pm
by Venus Pax
That is very encouraging. I"m glad to hear that.
I'll remember that when I buy another new gun.

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:02 pm
by carlson1
WOW! That is CUSTOMER service. I wished others had the same policy.

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:10 pm
by longtooth
That report may have put them back to 100% w/ me now.

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:34 pm
by dws1117
Sounds like a great experience. That's customer service above and beyond.

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:36 pm
by dws1117
I would like one of the recently released 37's that doesn't have the lock
You mean they are making guns without lawyer locks?

No offense intended towards anyone in the legal profession. I promise. :grin:

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:36 pm
by jbirds1210
That is encouraging......I had some problems with a S&W revolver that had some trigger work done on it, which voids warranty and they would not mess with it...very nice people to talk with on the phone and I don't have any problem with them not wanting to mess with something that is voided. I love their guns and agree that I wished they would leave the lock off of them! It is awesome that you had such a positive experience.

More than anything, I am glad you discovered the crack in a safe way!

I have had really good luck with Ruger customer service...I have had my P95 for about eight years now and they have replaced a couple of extractors free of charge...

+1 for the American industry...looks like they are taking care of business!
Jason

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 1:54 pm
by Houston1944
If you live long enough you will experience product failures. I have conducted warranty transactions with RCBS, Dillon, MidWay USA, S&W, Briley and probably a couple of others that I cannot remember. I do know of any industry that even comes close to providing the customer service level that I have found in the handgun / reloading industry. I know that some shooters will have horror stories to tell but overall you can expect first class service from most major companies in this industry.

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 7:09 pm
by JLaw
Sorry to hear about your troubles, HV. The good news you've figured out is that S&W's customer service is second to none, and what they did to keep you happy in my opinion is far, FAR above and beyond the call of duty. Examples of this is why my Smith collection just keeps growing annually.

I'm happy it worked out so well for you, hats off to Smith & Wesson!! :patriot:

JLaw

edit: P.S. - Where's the pictures?!?!?!?!