Really dissapointed with Smith and Wesson.

[commando74]

Thank you all for info, I think what I will tell this person at this other site to do is shoot the gun about a thousand times with frequent cleanings, for my own information you guys said a lot since I have just got back into shooting and reloading after about a 15 yr. hiatus, I was just curious about where the company had gone to in quality all these years, I want 2 smiths right now and one of them is either a M21 or a M22, the other will be a used M15 which I think could be the best 38 ever designed. I've always personally felt that factory springs should be left alone.

[Dee]

So what your saying Chris is speculation on L.E. and Glocks? I still know a lot of cops even though I retired 17 years ago, and I see a pretty healthy mix of Sigs, Glocks, Springfields, and a few 1911s. Not to argue, but seriously doubt that 65% of the the country's cops carry Glocks, and it would be difficult to determine that without a count from all depts. As far as reading, gun rag writers are notorious for making assumptions to fit their own mind set.
I have nothing against Glocks and am a Glock armorer, and I consider the Glock in ABOVE 9mm caliber to be very reliable, if not the most out of the box reliable pistol on the market sans the 9mm.

[texagun]

.... In the central Texas area it is all Glock .40's with the Texas Highway patrol and Rangers using SIGS, nothing else. 

I think you will find that the Texas DPS as well as the Texas Rangers issues the Sig P226 in .357 Sig.  They switched from .40S&W to .357 Sig some time ago.

[Mohawk]

I agree that the parts should work as perscribed..... but in reality..... is the smoothness of a trigger important in a six round gut punch to save your life? In my opinion going bang solves any debate....

[Bill T]

I keep hearing the reason Glocks are so widely used by law enforcement is because they get them for "almost nothing". They use Glocks because they are one of the most, if not THE most dependable handguns in the world today. Yes, Glock offers discounts to law enforcement. However, so does S&W, Sig Sauer, H&K, Colt, Bushmaster, and just about every other company that sells to them. And why shouldn't they? In the case of large city police forces, we are talking about thousands of guns over many years time. Remember, few cops are marksmen and gun enthusiasts. A Glock pistol is as easy to learn to operate and shoot as a double action revolver. No safeties, decockers, and other levers and buttons to confuse the operator. They are extremely easy to field strip, clean, and maintain. The Glock pistol is a law enforcement success because of it design, not it's cheap price. Besides, police departments are spending the taxpayers money, not their own.  Bill T.

[SHOOTALL]

If you are honest with your self you will note most major brands are reliable. And when a budget is made the cost of any hardware is lower it becomes attractive as it allows more for less or in most cases it allows for other options like more ammo to pratice , better holsters , lights etc. I have shot with several police officers that were involved in training and selection and cost was a major concern make no mistake. Go in any gun shop and watch people buy guns cost is a major concern there also. I have friends who will buy Glock because they can have more of them due to cost.

[Bill T]

Glocks are more expensive than Springfield XD's, and several other makes as well. They still outsell all of them. That dog won't hunt.  Bill T.

[pepi]

I bought a new S&W 638 a few weeks ago.  Took it to the range and with 25 shots the trigger and hammer started to malfunction    Brought it home and took it apart and there was a piece of aluminum shaving in the sear.  Not only that, the whole gun was bone-dry with NO LUBE.  I pulled all the works out and cleaned them and lubed the touching point with my Swiss watch oil and the gun was smooth as could be.  No big deal with someone that knows how to work on guns but what about the poor Joe-Blow that don't know snit about tearing down a gun     They would have to send it in to S&W and wait who knows how long.   Shame on you S&W 

[SHOOTALL]

Glocks are more expensive than Springfield XD's, and several other makes as well. They still outsell all of them. That dog won't hunt.  Bill T.

you are lucky here they cost less new and used .

[Bill T]

And just where would "here" be?  Bill T.

[SHOOTALL]

Va.

[Mohawk]

Remington has issues with the safety button. Willing to write them off too? If you don't like Smith buy a Ruger or something.

[Land_Owner]

...but what about the poor Joe-Blow that don't know snit about tearing down a gun... 

My name is not Joe-Blow, but I resemble this remark.  I don't know 'snit' about tearing down my handguns to their finite parts and pieces as I am nearly 3 decades into long gun use/ownership but only 730 days into handguns.  I don't know 'snit' about honing or springs and would consider these actions, by myself and on my own, as a DANGEROUS PRACTICE for me to attempt without a MENTOR or EXPERIENCED friend as a side-by-side guide.

I do not shoot every day (sometimes not for weeks) nor do I need to continuously "qualify" to carry.  However, I too like a crisp trigger, clear sights, a handgun that goes "BANG" each and every time when properly maintained, and, if I do my part, the bullet should land on or somewhere very close to my point of aim.  I don't think I should have to be a gunsmith to get a good trigger out of the box or when purchasing used.  If all handguns OFF THE SHELF (both new and used) are suspect, then there should be a plethora of gunsmiths dedicated to polishing and re-springing...but. IMO, there are not.  Or if there are, then I am not turning over the right rocks...

[Range Rider]

Things have changed a good deal in the lives of older handgunners.  The S&W and the Colt all steel all American made were the choice back in the day.  There were cheaper lighter firearms back then as well.  The folks who bought them used them very little.  These were the folks that like to impress others with a chrome plated IJ "Owl Head" that they always kept handy in a drawer.  In later years American firms like Smith and Colt as well as car companies and other old U.S. firms fell to the low paid workers in socialist countries.  We started seeing the antiAmerican gun adds cliaming U.S. arms were inferior.  One of the classics just posted here, was the Mdl.19 top lawmans side arm of the day was a failure. I like others would like to see one of these old 19s that was wrecked???  Yes, Rugers improved "Pot Metal", pistols sold far below a machined steel Colt SA.  THe Smith DAs were over shadowed by mostly imported alloy and plastic handguns from many 3r world countires.  Has the world of fine handguns improved? Hell no. It is just once again dumbed down Americans are buying mostly poor off shore handguns.  The good news is that for some extra a fine old Mdl. 29,19,27,28 Clot Officers Match can still be had.  And yes they are worth those extra bucks.

RR

[Doug B.]

I guess maybe I expect too much quality right off the shelf. I figure if anybody lays out good $$$ for a firearm, or anything for that matter, it should work as expected. But........knock Sunday, Monday and Tuesday off the calendar week and what are you left with? (This sight doesn't like one letter abbreviations for Wed, Thurs, Fri)

Excrement occurs.

[shotgunner]

I have some advise. Never, ever put grease on a S&W revolver you plan to shoot. Any grease that can get on to or under the ejector star will accumulate unburned powder and tie the gun up. This is true of all of them, early and late, steel and aluminum. You should not let oil build up in that area either. Keep the cylinder clean and dry. Powders like 2400 were known to cause this problem also. Shotgunner

[Mohawk]

I think redardless of manufacturer I have been disappointed by several companies. I have had uneven forcing cones by Smith and Taurus, easy fix at home. An H&R shotgun that did not want to extract a spent shell while getting charged by a hog. And the Smith in question, I have the exact same series that is my go-to gun and the forcing cone is perfect. I used to own an American firearms .45 Colt that was smoother than any Ruger, Colt, or Berretta. I learned to choose guns based on nothing but the individual specimen, not brand or reputation. When I used to sell guns I had a Ruger that was nothing but shabby. Almost like it had sand in the lockwork. But I like Rugers and have not been disappointed with them since.

[jcn59]

I wouldn't be afraid to buy a 50 year old mail-order S&W Model 10, sight-unseen, @ $225.    Try that with an import revolver & see what you get.  Might be slightly less risky with an import pistol, maybe not.

[demented]

  Lemons are made every day.  By every maker.  One thing I do know, Smith and Wessons service dept will at least try to fix any problem you may have, in that they are as good as any manufacturer I've seen.   I had a 4566, bought used that had problems due to the magazine disconnector/ejector sticking on the feed lip of the older design tapered .45 magazines.  In spite of my letting them know up front that I bought the pistol used, S&W replaced every one of my magazines (seven) at no cost to me.  That sort of service will ensure that I'll continue buying S&W products.

[saddlebum]

The last time I took a good look at a new S&W was about 8 or 10 years ago. A guy in a store that knew I liked the .41mag tried to sell me a Lou Horton 3" 657. I didn't like the wierd palm swell laminated grips and the gun seemed a little rough all together. I opened it up and looked at the forcing cone and discovered a rather large burr left on the forcing cone from machining it. How tacky is that! When I see things like that it makes me wonder about the rest of the gun. What else is wrong with it that is not so obvious?
I am a huge fan of the older Smiths and I own a few. I have never had to do more to a Smith than install a spring kit, (usually just the rebound spring), to be happy with the trigger. Never felt any need to hone or tweek the hammer or sear. I also like that on some of the older models they came with an inframe adjustable trigger stop. Don't know about the new ones. Like I said, I don't bother with the new ones...............But that's just me!

I used to have a S&W M39, nickel plated model 9mm. Never had a problem with it and it never jammed with hollowpoints. One of those kick yourself for selling it kinda deals. It was a pretty little sissy gun with pretty factory checkered grips...........Oh well!

My thought is that S&W used to make the finest production hand guns ever made. Today? I don't know if anybody makes a production handgun that is worth what they are asking for them. IMO, most guns need a little something to make me really happy. But these days it seems like it takes more "something" to get me there............I buy mostly used guns without added safeties and gimmicks and doubt I will ever buy a new Smith.

[jcn59]

I hope there is always some newbie out there  who doesn't think $1000. is to much to pay for a new 'Smith.  Makes for more of those pre-lock guns left for me to buy. 

I never sweat when buying a Gunbroker revolver as long as it's a Ruger or an older S&W.  I always feel better buying a gun made by real, honest-to-goodness AMERICANS, anyways.   Doesn't mean that I won't buy an import, especially if it's a good 50+ year old FN or CZ but a good 40 year old Smith is hard to beat.  I prefer American made guns, though.

I think there is alot to be said about the testimonials of LE who carried daily for years, but don't discount the casual "plinker" who plans on shooting his handgun EVERY TIME he takes it out compared to the LE guy who prays he will never have to use his.

[His lordship.]

That is why I always look a new gun over very well before buying, they are not all created equal.  I just don't like the revolver safety and the way it hits the side of the hammer on the new Smiths, and the price!  The recent issue of American Rifleman had a small frame Smith described, and it was listed at over $1,000.00 for a 3" barreled utility gun!  

[jcn59]

Most of us don't need no stinkin' revolver safety, but apparently some buyers do need it.  Regarding prices, $650. will buy an almost new pre-lock, pre-MIM  S&W on GunBroker.

[1911crazy]

I have had a ruger in 357mag since the mid 70's and the very first ruger redhawks without a problem yet.  I recently  picked up two ruger MkI and a MkII target 22's that were so badly leaded up i'm sure they couldn't have functioned.  One looked like it was once cleaned but the other one was never taken apart to be cleaned.  I never seen a pistol or gun so fouled up in my life.  Recently i got the S&W bug really bad for there classic "N" frames in 357mag, 41mag and in 44mag too.  I'm a real sucker for there nickel finish too. I recently picked up a S&W model 57 in 41mag w/6" barrel in nickel finish.  This is my holy grail of revolvers for 35+ years of wanting one. Its the key safety but most say they never had a problem yet with it.   I do plan on shooting it too a lot. I got my first 41mag and hope to get more soon too.  Some of the newer models look interesting too.  I haven't had problems with any other guns but the 1911's.  CZY

My new S&W model 57, in 41mag in nickel finish listed for $1.161 and i got it for $699  NIB thats hard to pass up even with the key safety switch.