Replacement parts

[gwine]

In an earlier thread someone made the comment that you had to send your SA SD 45 ACP back to the manufacturer for repair.

by nitesite: But be warned, if something breaks you will be asked to send the pistol in to Springfield Armory for repair as they do not sell parts.

I asked about it but never really got an answer. What I am wondering is (a) is this common with the manufacturers to do so and (b) is this something that in the future I should be concerned with when I get a gun (after I take my class). Not that I'm going to real soon be in a position to do anything fancy but I would think that if you needed to replace a simple part that wears out you should be able to do so easily. Or do most people here take their gun to a gunsmith or send it in when they need repairs done?

 

[ugaarguy]

The answer depends on the gun. As we all know, parts can and do break; frame pins, extractors, ejectors, and worn out springs jump to mind as items more commonly needing replacement, particularly the recoil springs wearing out on autos. The deal with the SA XDs is that SA has, to this point, refused to release replacement parts, even common small parts, to the public. Therefor, XDs must be returned. Their chief competition, Glock, has made spares readily available, along with classes for Glock armorer cerification. Thus an extractor, new trigger connector to change trigger pull feel/weight, and things of that nature are easy to find, along with someone who has the knowledge to put them in for you. SA's 1911s, well they're 1911s and darn near any competent gunsmith, along with many a do-it-yourselfer, can put in replacement parts to fix or just customize the pistol. 1911 parts are also avaiable from a myriad of manufacturers. On the other hand something like a S&W revolver needs a very competent gunsmith for most work, and with their lifetime warranty many folks just opt to send them in to S&W for work. So, depending on the gun, the part, and sometimes even your preference either sending it to the factory or dropping it off at the local smith is standard.