Saga of the S&W Stealth Hunter

I had purchased a Stealth Hunter a few months ago,long story short it shot well but I thought about selling it just didnt warm up to it much,decided to keep it,after around 120 rnds it started shaving jackets,took 2 months to get it back with a new cylinder and barrel and then I sold it,not bad for a PC gun and a whole lot more money than I should have spent on it,oh well.My SBHH shot circles around it.

Bummer Dave. And a PC gun no less. I'll stick with my Rugers, thanks you.

My 629DX is a one hole shooter. But it was made 20 years ago almost. Don't know what's going on lately. Sometimes, no matter the company, they make a lemon, the important thing is how they stand behind it. Sounds like Smith at least fixed the problem here. Still doesn't make it a nice experience though

youre right Glenn what got me poed was it was a PC gun,they did address the problem but I did wonder how that lemon got out

That sucks. I'll also stick with Rugers.

Almost hate to chime in as I only one one recent example of a PC gun, but I also spend a fair amount of time on the S&W forums. Yes, I know internet commando stuff.....

My take on PC guns is that the PC means you are going to get a gun with more unique features. Your not getting a gun, hand built by some master craftsman with 50 years of advanced gunsmithing under his belt. Not to say that the PC cannot do some pretty cool things, the PC is not Bowen, or Harton or Linebaugh or the host of other true Custom makers.

If you want a PC gun, buy it for the unique features over the regular line production, and expect the same roll of the dice as to problems. I did a load of research before my purchase, so when mine showed up with two fixable problems (by me) I was not disheartened.

Craig

Bearbait I believe youve hit the nail on the head however the BFRs Ive owned 3 of them have been all excellent shooters the 454 I still own is an excellent piece and the price was 400 dollars less than the Stealth,S&W talks about expert craftsman and hand fitting just dont believe its so.

l have purchased a couple PC Hunters of late..My first was last year for Christmas.. l have a 460PC HUNTER enroute from a seller now..l also lucked up on a 629-4 PC Master Hunter recently..lts an early PC Hunter from 1995...While l have not shot it yet, it does seem well put together..Moreso than the 629-7 PCH l got Christmas

Dave,

Yes, agree. I have not looked over the BFR offerings, but my guess is they do not off tapered barrels, integral scope mounting options, double actions, etc. Like I said, figure out what you want in a handgun, then see who makes what you want.

Given the way all guns are selling these days, I have a hard time believing there is not some pressure to get product out the door, even for the PC. Not making excuses, more just observations.

I also wonder if all this internet sales stuff doesn't work against the consumer to a degree. When guns are going through big shops, I think the traditional method was to have regional sales reps, or something like that. QC issues would tend to have an immediate feedback loop to the maker. Now it seems the warranty/repair loop would have to be the way issues get back to the maker. If they are even paying attention.....

We're most certainly in goofy gun times. I tend to think traditional paradigms may not apply in the strictest sense. Except perhaps the idea that if you want a true custom gun, get in line with a custom maker.

Craig