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I bought a brand new S&W Performance Center revolver from 5280 Armory about a month and a half ago. A couple of weeks later, while it was still UNFIRED, I took off the sideplate to put in a spring kit and saw rust. Not only on the surfaces, but inside the threads. Probably left-over coolant from the machining at S&W - not the store's fault, just a manufacturing problem - it happens...
I did not want to go through the hassle and delays of dealing with S&W and shipping, so I called the store and very politely asked them to exchange the still-unfired revolver for another one just like it.
His one word answer: "Nope", and then a long silence. Nothing else.
Again, I very politely made sure he understood that I don't think it is the store's fault, and I'm not asking for a refund, just a convenient exchange option since they are a S&W dealer and I think they should stand behind their product and go through the process of exchanging a defective gun as part of the "customer service" that sets a brick-and-mortar store apart from the internet dealers.
Again, one word answer: a sharp "Nope" and a long, long silence.
I don't know if he was the owner, or an employee. This is the guy who answers their phone by saying "I can help you!"
Anyway, Smith and Wesson emailed me a shipping label, so I'm sure they'll take care of the customer even though 5280 Armory won't. I'm not mad at them, just don't see the point of buying from a local store that offers ZERO customer service - instead, I'll just buy from online dealers at a lower price and no sales tax.
I buy lots of arms and sometimes I notice things wrong with arms when I get them home. Sadly in 10 or so times this has happened in my life NOT one dealer has allowed me to exchange the weapon. Thankfully these were all new and I was able to send them back to the manufacture. (kind of funny that recently my last three returns have been S&W) My expereinces with 5280 have been positive, and I have bought a good number of arms from them over the years. I also dont see alot of dealers carrying the inventory that 5280 except for Jensens. They are not overly friendly but I have not found a gunshop on the front range yet that is. I have found 5280 to be a bit more friendly than Jensens. I have not been cursed by either store but both can be bit short etc. I have found 5280 staff to assist you alot more quickly than Jensens. Anyways when I look at these range reviews there is always something negative about every dealer. I rather deal with 5280 than Gander or Bass Pro.