Just my latest experience.....

[BigShep85]

Just my latest experience.....(UPDATE)

First off I have no preference between brands. I love both equally and have had great experience in the past with S&W. I own both and this is my first dealings with Ruger CS. This is strictly my latest experience with warranty work and contacting the companies on two guns I sent in on the same day.
Ruger: Vaquero Sherriffs model 45 LC (stainless made in 2001)
Problem: Severe frame rusting on numerous locations throughout the frame
Smith & Wesson: Model 19-5
Problem: Random light primer strikes

Called both customer service departments on the same day.
Ruger gave me an RMA # to give Fed Ex but the number did not reflect in Fed Ex's system. After multiple attempts the Ruger got shipped on my dime.

S&W sent my a prepaid label on the second call by email of course. First shipping label failed to get sent somehow.

Called Ruger and S&W on week 2 both had recieved the firearms
Week 3: Ruger was on the way back to me should be here on Tuesday of week 4: No questions asked, fixed and returned.
S&W stated that the gun had to be sent to the performance center and they would send a detailed analysis with a cost estimate on the repairs. They said estimated time was 2 months can't get through on the phone line yet for an update.

I will update when I know more about the S&W & when I get the Ruger back tomorrow.

 

[hardluk1]

Try to keep the ruger well lubed this time with a clp. It does soak in to the pores of the steel. Now you know ss rust too.

S&W was ether old oil and trash build up in the trigger group and or a main spring needing changed.

 

[gamestalker]

I had one that was producing light primer strikes a few years back, ordered a new main spring from MWUSA, problem solved.

GS

 

[BigShep85]

Finally got through to S&W

AND they said that their performance shop was currently a little behind and that it would take at least two months to get an estimate sent to me for the repairs. I told them to just send it back and I would have it done locally. They said they would send a message up to have it sent back to me.
Ruger should be in today sometime.

I bought the gun earlier this month as an older model "birdshead" sherrifs model with a "spare frame" with un-original box, and since I am a BIG fan I jumped on the deal. Upon recieving the firearm I noticed the spare frame (plow handle) had lots of rust and nothing neglect would typically cause IMHO. It was rusting in random places thhropughout the frame, under handles, in the trigger housing, in between frame areas, and on the polished surfaces. I also noticed that the birdshead was not an original Ruger Birdshead frame but apparently an aftermarket. I fit extremely well, looked and felt great but since I have an original birdshead for comparison I could tell the difference. Upon further examination I noticed that the rusting frame WAS the original to the gun and matched the box they came in. I called Ruger to confirm and they stated that the plow was the original handle.
Hardluk, The rusting came before I had it but I will keep an eye on it and after the S&W gets back the first thing happening is either a mianspring change by me or taking it to the gunsmith.

 

[BigShep85]

Delivered yesterday evening

Got the gun in the mail today in NEW condition, cleaned, polished, powder marks on the cylinder buffed off. New rosewood grips on it.

Now when I got the gun originally I contacted Ruger about the rusted frame and they said of course "send it in" So I took the birdshead frame that was on it off. Took the plow frame stuck it in a ziplock with the top half of the frame (seperate) so the pieces wouldnt get lost. I forgot to put the grip frame rod and spring in the zip lock as it remained in the birdshead frame. I sent this bag of parts to Ruger and they (in a matter of about a week) put on a new frame, new grips, cleaned and polished it, and sent me back a basically new gun! Love that company and their service, they have made a lifetime customer out of this guy. I got the gun in a new box with new paperwork and reciept. I am very happy with the gun.

Because now I have an old heavy frame 45 LC sheriffs model in a plow handle to match my sheriffs model 45 LC birdshead. Been working on that set (Like Doc's) for a while. Now I have the birdshead grip frame, guess I will have to part with that as I have no other vaqueros to put it on.........might be a good reason to get another?

 

[BSA1]

Two month turnaround with S&W seems the norm.

I sent them a well used revolver a couple of years ago and it took them about two months to repair it. However this was also around Christmas so they were shut down for a while.

IF the only issue with your gun is light primer strikes then as suggested a good cleaning and new springs should solve the problem. My gun was a lot sicker . S&W charged me a little over a C note and I got back a gun with a brand bnew action. For me the wait was well worth it.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

Spent 3 months fooling with S&W one time. I couldn't complain, they fixed a broken 4006 for free, paid shipping both ends.