Springfield, S&W, & Kimber Warranty Questions

[Martowski]

I've heard good things regarding both S&W and Springfield when it comes to warranty service (paying shipping both ways, fast service, etc.). I know both offer "lifetime" service on their products. However, I do have a question. Does the warranty only apply to the original purchaser of the gun, or if you buy one used is the warranty also in effect?

Kimber, from my understanding, only has a one year warranty, correct?

I'm looking at buying a 1911 (probably the Springfield Loaded, Kimber Classic II, or a SW1911), and warranty support is a concern to me if something were to need fixed.

Thanks.

 

[wrc]

1911 Warranty

The only pistol of any kind I've had to return under warranty was a Kimber. The first time I shot it, it turned out to be a full-auto 1911. Kimber took care of all shipping and tuned the trigger on top of everything else. My S&W never had a problem. For the record, the Kimber Stainless II has not had a single problem since. I have not yet owned a Springfield.

I bet like most other industries, there's a curve where the most severe problems show themselves in the first month/first few hundred rounds of operation. With my limited knowledge of 1911 mechanics, I suspect that the major problems that occur fall into:

* Bad Parts
* Incorrect Assembly/Fitting

With that in mind, I'm betting serious problems probably shake out within a year or less even with minimal use. Long-term problems, like part longevity/MBTF issues are a different matter. With a "perfect" gun, you hope everything lasts as long as you legitimately expect. With a gun that uses shorter-lifespan parts, you either have a longer warranty based on the vendor's risk analysis, or you have a discounted price to make up for the probability of repairs in the future.

 

[Martowski]

WRC: very good points.

Does anyone happen to know if the Kimber, Springfield Armory, and S&W warranties cover only the original purchaser, or are they still valid for someone who purchases the firearm new?

Did any of you who have had warranty service through any of these companies have to provide date of purchase, or proof of purchase?

 

[Martowski]

WRC, by the way, what part of the state are you located in? I'm in Central IL.

 

[doubleg]

The only pistol of any kind I've had to return under warranty was a Kimber. The first time I shot it, it turned out to be a full-auto 1911.

and you sent it back?

 

[bandoo]

I sent my Springer GI Micro back today under warranty. Point of impact was a foot below point of aim at 25 ft. I phoned the company and was told to ship it UPS next day, send them a copy of the UPS reciept and they'd send me a check to cover my shipping costs. Turn around time was 3-4 weeks, with most returned around week 2. We shall see...
Stand by for further updates.

 

[bandoo]

Got my Springer back today. Point of aim is point of impact now. 12 days from shipping out to getting back. Haven't gotten reimbursed for shipping charges yet, but service was quite swift and I'm a happy customer.

 

[Walkalong]

My EMP was shooting way high and the chamber was close to if not out of spec ( on the small side). I am waiting to get it back from Springfield.

 

[Fun2Shoot]

Here's a resource

This may help:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=246252

 

[Martowski]

Thanks!