I've purchased (1) new S&W revolver & (1) new Taurus revolver.
The S&W, a 6" 686 of 1989 vintage, had to go back for excessive cylinder play in the early 90's. That was fixed for free, but when I asked them to replace the front ramp insert they saw fit to charge me $25. Not a big deal, but I still feel good customer service would have replaced it for free.
The Taurus, a 2" 85 snub of early 90's vintage, was sent back for both a light hammer strike on a DA trigger pull, and the barrel was machined wrong resulting in the front sight being canted off center & the gun shooting way off POA.
Both guns, when returned, performed flawlessly. I still have the 686, the Model 85 was sold to a friend to fund another purchase. He has it to this day & it still functions flawlessly.
I'd examine product from either manufacturere closely before a purchase, but I'd only buy a used pre-agreement Smith - there are a lot of them out there.
The S&W, a 6" 686 of 1989 vintage, had to go back for excessive cylinder play in the early 90's. That was fixed for free, but when I asked them to replace the front ramp insert they saw fit to charge me $25. Not a big deal, but I still feel good customer service would have replaced it for free.
The Taurus, a 2" 85 snub of early 90's vintage, was sent back for both a light hammer strike on a DA trigger pull, and the barrel was machined wrong resulting in the front sight being canted off center & the gun shooting way off POA.
Both guns, when returned, performed flawlessly. I still have the 686, the Model 85 was sold to a friend to fund another purchase. He has it to this day & it still functions flawlessly.
I'd examine product from either manufacturere closely before a purchase, but I'd only buy a used pre-agreement Smith - there are a lot of them out there.