UPDATE: My defective S&W E Series 1911.....HAS BEEN REPLACED by S&W - Page 2

Handguns » Handgun Discussions

Site Notices

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - UPDATE: My defective S&W E Series 1911.....HAS BEEN REPLACED by S&W (Page 2 of 6)

Posted: 5/31/2011 5:25:47 PM EST

[#1]

Thanks for the report!

Posted: 5/31/2011 5:59:57 PM EST

[#2]

I took the pistol to the range again today in the hope that my new Smith and Wesson E Series pistol would somehow run properly before contacting Smith and Wesson for another shipping label to send it back to them a second time.

I particularly wanted to shoot at least one more box of Winchester RA45B which had already refused to run in the pistol after I got it back from customer service, as well as a box of Federal P45HST2 which I had not tried in the pistol after it was returned to me from Smith and Wesson.

Unfortunately the pistol couldn't go through a magazine without choking with either of those loadings.

In addition, The gun started having difficulties running 230 grain PMC Bronze FMJ all over again.

Bottom line, after a trip back to Smith and Wesson for warranty repairs; my new railed Smith and Wesson E Series 1911 sku # 408411 is still a total jammomatic and worthless to me for the purposes for which I bought it.

I'll post a more detailed range report with pictures when I have the opportunity.

I also took some of the types of pictures of the feed ramp and barrel throat that were requested from the group.

Thanks to all for your assistance and advice.

Any and all future suggestions will be sincerely appreciated.

Posted: 5/31/2011 6:54:35 PM EST

[#3]

Quoted:Bottom line, after a trip back to Smith and Wesson for warranty repairs; my new railed Smith and Wesson E Series 1911 sku # 408411 is still a total jammomatic and worthless to me for the purposes for which I bought it.

Sorry to hear that. It's just disappointing to read so many positive reviews (because it raises expectations and increases ownership anticipation) and then upon delivery find that yours failed QC checks. I realize that no manufacturer is capable of perfection 100% of the time, but never-the-less it's a hard pill to swallow when it happens to you. Obviously you have no other choice but to return the pistol and hopefully S&W will do what ever is necessary to regain your loyalty. Demand that your pistol be perfect and don't settle for anything less. I know that you already know that, because this is not your first rodeo and you've been around firearms for quite some time. But, if S&W can't get your pistol right, then I don't feel it would be inappropriate at all for you to demand a replacement. Best of luck.

Posted: 6/1/2011 5:17:47 AM EST

[#4]

Well that sucks. Send them a link to this thread as well as the documented problems with the SD ammo. Sometimes the culprit with not feeding SD ammo on traditional 1911's is the extractor. Since the E series pistol uses an external extractor...... I am not familiar with that extractor type in a 1911. I am willing to bet there is a problem with the barrel throat and frame feed ramp not being within spec. S&W has good customer service so I'm confident they will get you fixed up. I would ask to speak to a manager to make that person aware of the problems before you send the gun in so he will know whats going on with the pistol.

Posted: 6/1/2011 5:21:03 AM EST

[#5]

Well that sucks. Send them a link to this thread as well as the documented problems with the SD ammo. Sometimes the culprit with not feeding SD ammo on traditional 1911's is the extractor. Since the E series pistol uses an external extractor...... I am not familiar with that extractor type in a 1911. I am willing to bet there is a problem with the barrel throat and frame feed ramp not being within spec. S&W has good customer service so I'm confident they will get you fixed up. I would ask to speak to a manager to make that person aware of the problems before you send the gun in so he will know whats going on with the pistol. Looking forward to seeing the pics of the barrel throat and feed ramp.

Posted: 6/1/2011 3:19:32 PM EST

[#6]

Quoted:
Well that sucks. Send them a link to this thread as well as the documented problems with the SD ammo. Sometimes the culprit with not feeding SD ammo on traditional 1911's is the extractor. Since the E series pistol uses an external extractor...... I am not familiar with that extractor type in a 1911. I am willing to bet there is a problem with the barrel throat and frame feed ramp not being within spec. S&W has good customer service so I'm confident they will get you fixed up. I would ask to speak to a manager to make that person aware of the problems before you send the gun in so he will know whats going on with the pistol. Looking forward to seeing the pics of the barrel throat and feed ramp.

Thanks to Smith and Wesson's "good customer service", I'm going to have to send the pistol back to their factory a second time because it is still a worthless jammomatic after being worked on by them the first time I sent it back.

I'm waiting for the shipping label.

Here are some pictures I took yesterday of the areas some people asked to see; my picture taking skills are limited and my camera is an old Canon Powershot S 50 but i did the best I could.

Yesterday was the second range session with the pistol since it came back from Smith and Wesson customer service; and the pistol choked all day on Winchester RA45B, Federal P45HST2 and it even began choking again on the 230 grain PMC Bronze FMJ as well.

I wanted to re-lube the pistol one more time and give it a second chance before sending it back to the factory again and I wanted to take some pictures to document the malfunctions as well, since unfortunately, I expected the pistol to work when i got it back from Smith and Wesson the first time so I didn't bring my camera to the range.

I'll get some of those pictures up when I have a chance but suffice it to say, after being returned to me from customer service, my Smith and Wesson E Series 1911 is still a jam-omatic.

.

Posted: 6/1/2011 3:46:54 PM EST

[#7]

I know you tried 2 different mags, but that looks like a possible mag problem. If there is one thing i have learned about 1911's, mags can make or break it. Friend of mine had a high end 1911 that would have feeding problems and I sold him my Checkmate mags and the problems diappeared.

Posted: 6/1/2011 3:50:08 PM EST

[#8]

OP,

first of all, i hate to hear about your problems.....NOTHING is worse for a gun owner to buy a new piece and right off the bat have problems with a NEW GUN....

i went through this bullshit with Glock a few years back,,,, bought a brand new Glock 32, 357SIG and was a jam-0-matic from the beginning......

sure, Glock shipped it on their dime (THREE TIMES) but i spent a god damn fortune in ammo "testing" it to make sure it ran......i got so frustrated with that fucking gun i basically gave it away......

you drop a grand on a gun like yours, you should NOT have to spend a god damn fortune in ammo "testing" the damn thing to make sure it runs.......

if i were you, unless you truly LOVED the gun would be to demand a replacement or a refund.....

UNACCEPTABLE Smith and Wesson......UNACCEPTABLE

Posted: 6/1/2011 3:52:15 PM EST

[#9]

The feed ramp doesn't look ridiculously out of spec. Have you checked the slide stop with a loaded mag to see if the rounds are bumping the slide stop on the way out?

Posted: 6/1/2011 4:15:01 PM EST

[#10]

Quoted:
The feed ramp doesn't look ridiculously out of spec. Have you checked the slide stop with a loaded mag to see if the rounds are bumping the slide stop on the way out?

Ken I've done all I can and spent a small fortune on expensive duty ammunition to try to get it working.

I'm guessing that the pistol is under sprung (all springs) which may or may not account for some of the problems my gun has, and I think that the solid extractor pin which is migrating down the slide and into the frame is an important issue as well that can lock up or even destroy the pistol if it falls too far down its hole, and I don't want to deal with it on my own.

After doing some research and talking to the factory, it's my understanding that there are "teething issues" with these pistols and I fully expect Smith and Wesson to fix it rather than try to do it myself.

I also believe that there have also been production changes to correct those "teething problems" since mine was shipped, and additional changes are being implemented on a rolling basis.

I paid $1200.00 for the pistol and I feel that I'm entitled to one that works rather than one I have to troubleshoot and fix myself.

So far as I am concerned; Smith and Wesson customer service needs to either step up their game or give me another new pistol.

I bought this new railed E Series 1911 pistol based on the reputation of Smith and Wesson customer service figuring it may be a new model, but their customer service will stand behind it.

The way things stand now it's safer to stand in front of it.

ETA: I will be contacting James Debney; President for Smith and Wesson Firearms Division I'm pretty sure he will be interested to know what is going on in his plant and customer service division as a an important new product is being introduced to the market.

Posted: 6/1/2011 4:28:16 PM EST

[#11]

Quoted:
I know you tried 2 different mags, but that looks like a possible mag problem. If there is one thing i have learned about 1911's, mags can make or break it. Friend of mine had a high end 1911 that would have feeding problems and I sold him my Checkmate mags and the problems diappeared.

Thanks, but the 2 ACT factory and 2 Wilson 47D magazines were tested in another working pistol and they are fine.

Also, the magazines which were sent back to Smith and Wesson along with the pistol were "allegedly" tested at the factory as well.

Posted: 6/1/2011 4:37:39 PM EST

[#12]

Time for an HK if you ask me.

Posted: 6/1/2011 4:40:55 PM EST

[#13]

Quoted:
Time for an HK if you ask me.

Under any other circumstances I'd tell you to STFU and GTFO; but the way things stand right now...........................

Posted: 6/1/2011 5:02:43 PM EST

[#14]

Quoted:
So far as I am concerned; Smith and Wesson customer service needs to either step up their game or give me another new pistol.

I bought this new railed E Series 1911 pistol based on the reputation of Smith and Wesson customer service figuring it may be a new model, but their customer service will stand behind it.

I completely agree that S&W should fix it or eat it, but I can't help wanting to figure it out on my own.

Posted: 6/1/2011 5:34:07 PM EST

[#15]

At least they're offering a warranty...

Lot of good that does. Sure, they ship it back and forth, but you're still aggravated and may never trust the pistol again.

That's what happened to me. My Taurus PT1911 kept locking up... the hammer would fall to half cock sometimes when the slide cycled... I sent it to Taurus twice... it's still not right. I'm getting rid of it and will replace it with a Brown, Baer, Wilson or Nighthawk...

I hope your problems get resolved to your satisfaction

Posted: 6/1/2011 5:49:46 PM EST

[#16]

Quoted:

Quoted:
So far as I am concerned; Smith and Wesson customer service needs to either step up their game or give me another new pistol.

I bought this new railed E Series 1911 pistol based on the reputation of Smith and Wesson customer service figuring it may be a new model, but their customer service will stand behind it.

I completely agree that S&W should fix it or eat it, but I can't help wanting to figure it out on my own.

Yeah; it's maddening isn't it.

I have no doubt that if you had the pistol in your hands you would be able to fix it or at least pinpoint the various defects it has.

But I expect Smith and Wesson to fix it; I already spent enough on range time and expensive duty ammunition on the thing just trying to test it that I'm actually closing in on Les Baer territory.

Seriously, I am extraordinarily disappointed in Smith and Wesson customer service because I can honestly say that I decided to purchase the E Series 1911 pistol based on the reputation of Smith and Wesson customer service.

Posted: 6/1/2011 5:50:47 PM EST

[#17]

Get rid of it. You will never trust it anyway. Ask Smith to replace it or sell it with full disclosure.

Posted: 6/1/2011 5:55:37 PM EST

[#18]

Quoted:
At least they're offering a warranty...

Lot of good that does. Sure, they ship it back and forth, but you're still aggravated and may never trust the pistol again.

That's what happened to me. My Taurus PT1911 kept locking up... the hammer would fall to half cock sometimes when the slide cycled... I sent it to Taurus twice... it's still not right. I'm getting rid of it and will replace it with a Brown, Baer, Wilson or Nighthawk...

I hope your problems get resolved to your satisfaction

Thanks for your kind words.

You know what's funny?

Everyone; including myself, has made strongly negative comments regarding Taurus customer service and strongly positive comments about Smith and Wesson's customer service.

My brand new Smith and Wesson E Series 1911, which I spent $1200.00 dollars for, came back from their highly touted customer service like it was sent to a cave in Pakistan to be repaired.

Posted: 6/1/2011 7:12:52 PM EST

[#19]

Quoted:came back from their highly touted customer service like it was sent to a cave in Pakistan to be repaired.

Don't give them any ideas

. Because if they move their Help Desk to India, Warranty service to Pakistan could be next, followed by production in China; either one of the 3 and I'm out.

Posted: 6/1/2011 7:21:45 PM EST

[#20]

I feel your pain. At least they are a good company and pay for it to go back. Try that with the Austrian company and see how far you get.

IF they don't get it right the 2nd time, I would hammer them for a new gun.

Posted: 6/2/2011 5:06:00 AM EST

[#21]

Quoted:
I feel your pain. At least they are a good company and pay for it to go back. Try that with the Austrian company and see how far you get.

IF they don't get it right the 2nd time, I would hammer them for a new gun.

Try it with Kimber too. Especially if its a year and a day after you purchased it and see what they tell you. OP, I would be pissed too but give them another chance to make it right. If they don't this time then demand your money back and don't do business with them in the future. I am sure once you get managament involved like you say then that pistol will get all the TLC it needs to be perfect. I have had nighmares with other manufacturers trying to get warranty work done. Most of whom won't pay for shipping to, or from them, thats IF you even get them to work on their product. S&W is not perfect but their warranty service is better than most. I am following this thread anticipating a positive outcome for you.

Posted: 6/2/2011 9:00:59 AM EST

[#22]

America-first... sorry for your "headaches"... I know I would be as "frustrated" as you.

Keep in mind I'm NOT a pistol smith...
BUT with that being said... maybe it is the photos...
but those feed ramps look atrocious!! (all my 1911's ramps look like mirrors)

You said you have another 1911 that feeds perfectly...
(I think you said that's how you ruled out the mags as the issue)
How do the ramps (and other parts) look in comparison to that pistol as far as finish?

I can grudgingly accept what appears from the photos to be very rough "finishing & polishing"
on the internals if it were a $400 Rock Island... but no way on any $1200 plus pistol.

Hopefully they make it right. For me though, I've lost some faith since a "upper end" pistol
was allowed to leave the factory in that condition not once... but twice. The second time after
"personal" attention. No... it's not a "custom" $2500+ Night Hawk... but it IS a $1200 premium pistol.

It warrants more attention to detail and fitting than I see in those photos & CERTAINLY better
function than you've experienced. It's nice that they seemed to have accomplished their goal
as far as "curb appeal" but seem to have forgot or ignored what really matters... that it work.

Hopefully this time they do a little more "investigation & repair" than simply swapping a few
parts, sanding a few surfaces, firing a shot or two, to make sure it goes "bang" and calling it
good, while hoping "the whiner goes away".

Posted: 6/2/2011 10:46:01 AM EST

[#23]

Quoted:
I feel your pain. At least they are a good company and pay for it to go back. Try that with the Austrian company and see how far you get.

IF they don't get it right the 2nd time, I would hammer them for a new gun.

I'd hammer them for a new pistol right now.

Keep us posted America.

Posted: 6/2/2011 1:41:15 PM EST

[#24]

Firstly; I would like to thank everyone who has offered me advice and lent support on this issue.

Frankly, I want this resolved already; there is more to this than the issue of the pistol being shipped with improperly weak springs; nor is it solely a magazine issue.

I fully expect a 100% properly functional pistol when I receive one back from Smith and Wesson after I return this one to them, regardless of the lengths they have to go to in order to make that happen.

Smith and Wesson has the full resources necessary to make things right and they need to apply them in this instance.

Let them fix it properly or replace it already; I certainly didn't knowingly purchase a "project gun" when I bought a brand new, defective, E Series 1911 SKU# 408411 at the cost of $1200.00.

I have no intention of troubleshooting the defective pistol, or rebuilding it in any way, shape, or form.

That obligation rightly falls to Smith and Wesson; and it's my understanding that the company is already aware of reliability issues with their E Series line of pistols and are taking steps to correct them with present and future design and production modifications.

I also have reason to believe that Smith and Wesson is already aware of the nature of the numerous defects inherent in my particular pistol as well; and I am going to send full documentation including photographs to Corporate Vice President James Debney, President of Smith and Wesson Firearms to ensure that is the case.

Posted: 6/2/2011 1:44:05 PM EST

[#25]

The 1911 - The most beautiful pistol, that you can't rely on.

Posted: 6/2/2011 1:50:39 PM EST

[#26]

Quoted:
The 1911 - The most beautiful pistol, that you can't rely on.

and so on and so forth................................................................................................................

Posted: 6/2/2011 1:59:48 PM EST

[#27]

I gotta say, that is one of the nicest looking 1911s I've seen. I'm really sorry to read about all the problems you've had with it. I agree that it's S&Ws responsibility to fix it right, or replace it. I certainly hope that is what happens when you get it back.

Good luck!

Posted: 6/2/2011 5:11:49 PM EST

[#28]

Quoted:
The 1911 - The most beautiful pistol, that you can't rely on.

Wow.

You went there.

Even I wouldn't go there.

Posted: 6/2/2011 5:13:07 PM EST

[#29]

Could the magazine lips be too tight when a mag is fully loaded and inside the gun seeing as everything is metal.

Posted: 6/3/2011 3:44:18 AM EST

[#30]

My new 1911TA is doing the exact same thing. I've only put 100 rounds through it but every other round was exactly the same as shown in the pictures.

Posted: 6/3/2011 5:54:10 AM EST

[#31]

That's why when you do purchase a 1911 that runs flawless for you, you hold onto it like it was gold.

I played this game a few years ago when I got into 1911's, doesn't really matter the brand it can happen to any of them.
If I had to do it all over again and someday I'd like to try again, I would sell the 1911 as soon as it choked on me twice and get another.

Posted: 6/3/2011 7:20:27 AM EST

[#32]

America-first, sorry for your problems, if you can answer a few questions it may lead to a solution though...

In a safe direction, load a mag with ball and with the slide locked back insert the mag and slowly using your force pull back on the slide and ride it forward slowly. Watch the round being stripped out of the mag, does it smoothly transition up and angle into the barrel? As this is happening does the round slide under the extractor? If not, it is popping out of the mag in front of the extractor? It it even under control not angling into the barrel?

I have limited experience with external extractor models but due to the design of the 1911 barrel link/lock-up/feed system if you do not get a smooth transition from magazine to barrel and smooth slide under the extractor you will get rounds that either "bounce" or nosedive.

If we know your pistol is cycling correctly under "control" then it comes down to spring weight, extraction/ejection, or a few other wildcards.

A lot of people don't know that a strong and positive ejection is actually key function. If the extractor is working fine but the ejector is not making good contact then the spend case will be in the gun too long and not allow the next round to properly line up for feeding...

Let me know what happens and feel free to PM me.

Posted: 6/4/2011 2:32:37 PM EST

[#33]

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Posted: 6/4/2011 2:57:38 PM EST

[#34]

Quoted:
America-first, sorry for your problems, if you can answer a few questions it may lead to a solution though...

In a safe direction, load a mag with ball and with the slide locked back insert the mag and slowly using your force pull back on the slide and ride it forward slowly. Watch the round being stripped out of the mag, does it smoothly transition up and angle into the barrel? As this is happening does the round slide under the extractor? If not, it is popping out of the mag in front of the extractor? It it even under control not angling into the barrel?

I have limited experience with external extractor models but due to the design of the 1911 barrel link/lock-up/feed system if you do not get a smooth transition from magazine to barrel and smooth slide under the extractor you will get rounds that either "bounce" or nosedive.

If we know your pistol is cycling correctly under "control" then it comes down to spring weight, extraction/ejection, or a few other wildcards.

A lot of people don't know that a strong and positive ejection is actually key function. If the extractor is working fine but the ejector is not making good contact then the spend case will be in the gun too long and not allow the next round to properly line up for feeding.....

Let me know what happens and feel free to PM me.

Thanks, but the pistol has already been boxed and labeled for another return trip to Smith and Wesson Customer Service and it will be picked up by Fedex this coming Monday.

I figure; at this point Smith and Wesson should either fix my brand new E Series 1911 TA, SKU # 408411 properly or replace the thing with a
pistol that actually works already.

I do appreciate your input and had I received it before I took the gun to the range I would have certainly given it a try with live ammunition but I did purchase A Zooms and tried to cycle them at home when I received the gun back from Smith and Wesson Customer Service the first time.

Even Hilton Yam, with whom I discussed my problem pistol online, and who has seen pictures of it in malfunction, has agreed that not only is the

pistol improperly sprung, but has also said "your gun has more going on than just spring rates though".

I expect Smith and Wesson to make things right and make me a happy customer.

All that will take is for them to repair or replace my gun.

Anything mechanical can be defective, it's how they ultimately make things right that is important, I have no emotional investment in this pistol;

only $1200.00 for the gun and a few hundred in range time and ammunition.

I just want my pistol made right, or a replacement pistol, to be delivered to my door the next time I receive a shipment from Smith and Wesson.

As I see it their reputation for customer service is on the line.

I can honestly state that I bought the E Series 1911 based on the reputation of Smith and Wesson Customer Service, if not for that I would have

never been a first or early adopter of a brand new line of pistols.

All of my concerns, including the fact that my pistol has returned from customer service and is still a worthless jammomatic, will be respectfully communicated with James Debney, President, Smith and Wesson Firearms.

Posted: 6/4/2011 3:10:12 PM EST

[#35]

Quoted:

Unacceptable.

I can imagine how disappointed you are but S&W has good CS and should take good care of you.

Keep us updated.

They should, lots of practice with warranty work over the last few years......

Posted: 6/7/2011 2:32:24 AM EST

[#36]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Unacceptable.

I can imagine how disappointed you are but S&W has good CS and should take good care of you.

Keep us updated.

They should, lots of practice with warranty work over the last few years......

Yes they certainly should; but they did not do so the first time I sent my E Series 1911 TA back to Smith and Wesson for warranty work.

The purchasing decision was made based on Smith and Wesson's reputation for initial quality and as a company whose customer service/warranty department would resolve any issues with their products in the event a turd somehow passed through their initial quality control process and was shipped to a customer.

It came back as bad as it was when I sent it in except in addition, there were errant tool marks where there had been none before.

I never become emotionally invested in a firearm; I simply paid a substantial amount for this one and I expected it to work properly, especially since it is a Smith and Wesson product; and it did not.

I also fully expected Smith and Wesson to utilize their resources, including the services of a skilled pistol smith, to make any and all necessary repairs once it was returned to their customer service department for warranty work; and they did not.

I have to admit that having the pistol sent back and returned to me from Smith and Wesson customer service still rife with malfunctions and
stoppages, I am concerned at this point but I am still hopeful the company will stand behind its product and do the right thing by either repairing or replacing the E Series 1911 TA pistol with one that actually works.

Anyway; it's on it's way back to Smith and Wesson for a second time along with 12 additional pictures and another detailed letter outlining it's deficiencies.

And this time a respectful letter detailing my experience so far with both the pistol and customer service has been sent to James Debney, the President of Firearms for Smith and Wesson Holding Company.

I'm still of the mind that they will make things right and restore their reputation; only time will tell.

Posted: 6/7/2011 1:21:08 PM EST

[#37]

Every time I think of buying a 1911 I look at this thread and think to myself..nah...

Posted: 6/7/2011 1:36:21 PM EST

[#38]

Quoted:

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo157/Furyataurus/1911fail.jpg

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Awesome.

Posted: 6/7/2011 2:32:30 PM EST

[#39]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

.

.

.

.

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo157/Furyataurus/1911fail.jpg

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Awesome.

Posted: 6/7/2011 2:46:03 PM EST

[#40]

So, are we all feeling pretty good about external extractors yet?

Posted: 6/7/2011 3:08:37 PM EST

[#41]

Quoted:
So, are we all feeling pretty good about external extractors yet?

The external extractor is not the reason that my particular Smith and Wesson E Series 1911 pistol is unable to function Ken.

BTW; directed to no one in particular:

There is a decent chance that Smith and Wesson upper management may see this thread so I hope it doesn't degenerate; I'd really like my pistol repaired or replaced.

Posted: 6/7/2011 5:31:51 PM EST

[#42]

Quoted:

Quoted:
So, are we all feeling pretty good about external extractors yet?

The external extractor is not the reason that my particular Smith and Wesson E Series 1911 pistol is unable to function Ken.

Understood, but I'll bet the slipping pin is an unwelcome complication.

Posted: 6/7/2011 6:23:20 PM EST

[#43]

Just read through your thread what a bummer that is one sexy pistol. I was debating between the E series and the Ruger 1911 for my next range pistol. I was leaning towards the S&W but this thread worries me. The Ruger has an internal extractor so maybe I'll go that route. Guess I will wait on more reviews of both before I buy.

Posted: 6/7/2011 6:39:04 PM EST

[#44]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Unacceptable.

I can imagine how disappointed you are but S&W has good CS and should take good care of you.

Keep us updated.

They should, lots of practice with warranty work over the last few years......

Yes they certainly should; but they did not do so the first time I sent my E Series 1911 TA back to Smith and Wesson for warranty work.

The purchasing decision was made based on Smith and Wesson's reputation for initial quality and as a company whose customer service/warranty department would resolve any issues with their products in the event a turd somehow passed through their initial quality control process and was shipped to a customer.

It came back as bad as it was when I sent it in except in addition, there were errant tool marks where there had been none before.

I never become emotionally invested in a firearm; I simply paid a substantial amount for this one and I expected it to work properly, especially since it is a Smith and Wesson product; and it did not.

I also fully expected Smith and Wesson to utilize their resources, including the services of a skilled pistol smith, to make any and all necessary repairs once it was returned to their customer service department for warranty work; and they did not.

I have to admit that having the pistol sent back and returned to me from Smith and Wesson customer service still rife with malfunctions and
stoppages, I am concerned at this point but I am still hopeful the company will stand behind its product and do the right thing by either repairing or replacing the E Series 1911 TA pistol with one that actually works.

Anyway; it's on it's way back to Smith and Wesson for a second time along with 12 additional pictures and another detailed letter outlining it's deficiencies.

And this time a respectful letter detailing my experience so far with both the pistol and customer service has been sent to James Debney, the President of Firearms for Smith and Wesson Holding Company.

I'm still of the mind that they will make things right and restore their reputation; only time will tell.

I wrote letters every time my 1911PD went back to S&W. Even on the 4th trip, no comment was ever made about it. It's good to document and explain your frustrations, but it seems S&W builds gun in such quantity that they're not shocked one of these goes out occasionally, they just do their best to make it right when it happens.

Posted: 6/8/2011 1:55:01 AM EST

[#45]

Quoted:

Quoted:
So, are we all feeling pretty good about external extractors yet?

The external extractor is not the reason that my particular Smith and Wesson E Series 1911 pistol is unable to function Ken.

Understood, but I'll bet the slipping pin is an unwelcome complication.

None of the complications I've experienced with this pistol have been welcome because so far, it has been entirely craptastic and rife with defects which have rendered it absolutely worthless for training, competition, or self defense.

It has been absolutely useless except for the purposes of practicing malfunction drills.

But I'd rather have a dirt cheap Taurus for that rather than a brand new $1200.00 Smith and Wesson E Series 1911 TA pistol.

Posted: 6/8/2011 3:33:07 AM EST

[#46]

Quoted:

Every time I think of buying a 1911 I look at this thread and think to myself..nah...

Every manufacturer is going to have problems. It happens. I had to sent a Bushmaster Patrolmans carbine back 3 times, before I requested a refund. but back to 1911's...

My Kimber runs like a raped ape

Posted: 6/8/2011 4:48:17 AM EST

[#47]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Every time I think of buying a 1911 I look at this thread and think to myself..nah...

Every manufacturer is going to have problems. It happens. I had to sent a Bushmaster Patrolmans carbine back 3 times, before I requested a refund. but back to 1911's...

My Kimber runs like a raped ape

Whereas my father's department had more problems with Kimbers than any other 1911 manufacturer. Anectdotes, sample size, and all that like you said...

Posted: 6/8/2011 5:01:44 AM EST

[#48]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Every time I think of buying a 1911 I look at this thread and think to myself..nah...

Every manufacturer is going to have problems. It happens. I had to sent a Bushmaster Patrolmans carbine back 3 times, before I requested a refund. but back to 1911's...

My Kimber runs like a raped ape

Whereas my father's department had more problems with Kimbers than any other 1911
manufacturer. Anectdotes, sample size, and all that like you said...

Keep in mind that as opposed to Kimber's 1 year warranty and reputation for mediocre customer service, Smith and Wesson alledgedly provides a lifetime warranty along with excellent warranty and customer service.

Which is why I bought the Smith and Wesson E Series 1911 TA rather than another manufacturer's product.

I'm about to find out whether or not Smith and Wesson's reputation for customer service is actually warranted or if it is simply another false internet meme among many that circulate online.

Posted: 6/8/2011 5:10:45 AM EST

[#49]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Every time I think of buying a 1911 I look at this thread and think to myself..nah...

Every manufacturer is going to have problems. It happens. I had to sent a Bushmaster Patrolmans carbine back 3 times, before I requested a refund. but back to 1911's...

My Kimber runs like a raped ape

Whereas my father's department had more problems with Kimbers than any other 1911
manufacturer. Anectdotes, sample size, and all that like you said...

Keep in mind that as opposed to Kimber's 1 year warranty and reputation for mediocre customer service, Smith and Wesson alledgedly provides a lifetime warranty along with excellent warranty and customer service.

Which is why I bought the Smith and Wesson E Series 1911 TA rather than another manufacturer's product.

I'm about to find out whether or not Smith and Wesson's reputation for customer service is actually warranted or if it is simply another false internet meme among many that circulate online.

S&W's customer service is pretty good in my experience, and I've dealt with several manufacturers' CS (I'm a lemon magnet

). They always cover shipping and they never hesitate to tell you to send it in. My pistol just happened to have 3 seperate defects that surfaced at different times.

The people that work their CS line can be rather curt, but momma taught me that's just how Yankees are.

Posted: 6/8/2011 6:10:52 AM EST

[#50]

Quoted:
The 1911 - The most beautiful pistol, that you can't rely on.

after shooting IDPA and USPSA for a while, I can tell you I believe it!! LOL

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - UPDATE: My defective S&W E Series 1911.....HAS BEEN REPLACED by S&W (Page 2 of 6)

Handguns » Handgun Discussions

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us