S&W Issues Recall for Walther PPK/PPKs Models
- Thread starter FrankZappa
- Start date
Ssgt Savage
New member
Give em a break...
Smith and Wesson is an excellent organization. I own a few Nazi PPK's and one of the new PPK/S from Walther/Smith&Wesson. They are feeling the economic squeeze like everyone other than the bail out CEO's giving themselves raises and parties! (another subject, Obama...grrrrrr)
Can you imagine the number of these things coming back in that set off a backwards chain reaction for a manufacturer. They have to staff up for incoming calls, shipping and receiving, service and repair and a dedicated team to resolve the recalls.
The problem is that they aren't staffing up, they are calling Betty in accounting over to answer calls from ****** off, aggravated, abrasive and sometimes nice customers wanting their weapons back or sent in. Look at the recent recalls that are lagging way beyond estimated times already with Taurus' new Judge and the Ruger LCP's.
I would definitely stay on top of them with weekly calls. I'm sure everyone knows it already but if you kill them with kindness they will most certainly be appreciative. You may even get your piece bumped over the "jerk files" they have for unruly and nasty customers!
This just sounds like an opportunity for all those with the recalled PPK models. Go out and buy a new one! Better yet check gunbroker for a 100% still in box 1945 PPK blued. I might know someone selling them on there....
Smith and Wesson is an excellent organization. I own a few Nazi PPK's and one of the new PPK/S from Walther/Smith&Wesson. They are feeling the economic squeeze like everyone other than the bail out CEO's giving themselves raises and parties! (another subject, Obama...grrrrrr)
Can you imagine the number of these things coming back in that set off a backwards chain reaction for a manufacturer. They have to staff up for incoming calls, shipping and receiving, service and repair and a dedicated team to resolve the recalls.
The problem is that they aren't staffing up, they are calling Betty in accounting over to answer calls from ****** off, aggravated, abrasive and sometimes nice customers wanting their weapons back or sent in. Look at the recent recalls that are lagging way beyond estimated times already with Taurus' new Judge and the Ruger LCP's.
I would definitely stay on top of them with weekly calls. I'm sure everyone knows it already but if you kill them with kindness they will most certainly be appreciative. You may even get your piece bumped over the "jerk files" they have for unruly and nasty customers!
This just sounds like an opportunity for all those with the recalled PPK models. Go out and buy a new one! Better yet check gunbroker for a 100% still in box 1945 PPK blued. I might know someone selling them on there....
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David the Gnome
New member
Just got this today...
IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY WARNING AND RECALL NOTICE TO WALTHER PPK/S PISTOL OWNERS
------------------
IMPORTANT NOTE: As mentioned below you will receive your prepaid shipping label in a SEPARATE EMAIL. This email DOES NOT include the prepaid shipping label, you will receive it AFTER this email has been sent out.
------------------
You have been identified as a purchaser of a Walther PPK/s pistol. This notice contains important safety information and we ask that you carefully review and follow the instructions in this notice.
On February 20, 2009, Smith & Wesson announced a recall of certain Walther PPK/s pistols. A copy of the important safety recall notice follows below.
At Smith & Wesson, we are constantly evaluating the safety, reliability, and performance of our products. As part of this process, we have identified a condition that may exist in certain PPK and PPK/S pistols which might permit a round to be discharged without the trigger being pulled. When the manual safety is disengaged, we have determined that, in certain pistols, the possibility exists that lowering the hammer may cause a chambered round to fire. We initiated this recall campaign in the interests of safety, since any unintended discharge of the pistol has the potential to cause injury.
PLEASE STOP USING YOUR WALTHER PPK/S PISTOL. We are asking that you return it to us immediately so that all necessary repairs can be completed.
To accomplish this task, please proceed as follows:
1. STOP USING YOUR WALTHER PPK/S PISTOL.
Any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential for causing injury, and we ask that you stop using your pistol immediately.
2. To facilitate the repair of your pistol, you will receive a prepaid shipping label from us in a separate email message. Our shipping instructions are included on page 2 of this correspondence. Once you receive it, please print the label right away…it will only remain active in your "in-box" for 10 days. If you have any difficulty please contact Smith & Wesson's customer service department at 800-331-0852.
When you return your pistol to Smith & Wesson, we will replace the existing hammer block feature with a new part at no cost to you. Smith & Wesson is committed to producing the safest and highest quality firearms available and this recall is part of that effort.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION IN THIS IMPORTANT PROCESS.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Smith & Wesson Warranty Repair Shipping Instructions
1) Use a sturdy, unmarked fiberboard box to ship the product, and ensure that it is securely sealed. If the return is a handgun via UPS overnight service, a UPS Customer Center will supply an express shipping box upon request. Call (800) 654-3848 for the nearest UPS location.
2) Apply the shipping label to the shipping carton. Important: Write down the tracking number and save it as a reference. Smith & Wesson insures authorized returns, and will process claims for replacement in the unlikely event the package should become lost.
3) INSIDE THE BOX BE SURE TO INCLUDE A LETTER WITH YOUR NAME, STREET ADDRESS (NO POST OFFICE BOX, PLEASE) AND DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER, AND THE REASON YOU ARE RETURNING THE PRODUCT. IF THE PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED DIRECTLY FROM SMITH & WESSON, BE SURE TO INCLUDE A COMPLETED "RETURN AND EXCHANGE SLIP" THAT WAS PROVIDED WITH YOUR ORDER.
4) IMPORTANT: Do not reuse any carton that bears an ORM-D marking, or has any other unrelated address labeling.
5) UPS accepts firearm returns at UPS daily pickup accounts and UPS Customer Centers. Call (800) 654-3848 for the nearest UPS location. Important: Only Non-firearm merchandise may be returned using UPS drop-off boxes or The UPS Store. Note: UPS requires that you verbally inform the receiving UPSer (driver service provider or customer center employee) that a package contains firearms.
6) For on-call pickup of firearms at your home or place of business, call (800)-654-3848 between 8am – 8pm EST. Please mention that you are returning a Smith & Wesson or Walther item.
7) Remember that someone must be home to receive the firearm when it is returned to you. Federal regulations prohibit a driver from leaving the firearm unless an adult receives it, so you must not sign the “Driver Release” section of the Delivery Notice that UPS uses to notify you of an attempted delivery.
PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT SHIP ANY AMMUNITION WITH A FIREARM!
That’s all you have to do - Smith & Wesson will pay the shipping cost for you! It’s another feature and benefit of the Smith & Wesson Advantage™!
Notice PPK1
IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY WARNING AND RECALL NOTICE TO WALTHER PPK/S PISTOL OWNERS
------------------
IMPORTANT NOTE: As mentioned below you will receive your prepaid shipping label in a SEPARATE EMAIL. This email DOES NOT include the prepaid shipping label, you will receive it AFTER this email has been sent out.
------------------
You have been identified as a purchaser of a Walther PPK/s pistol. This notice contains important safety information and we ask that you carefully review and follow the instructions in this notice.
On February 20, 2009, Smith & Wesson announced a recall of certain Walther PPK/s pistols. A copy of the important safety recall notice follows below.
At Smith & Wesson, we are constantly evaluating the safety, reliability, and performance of our products. As part of this process, we have identified a condition that may exist in certain PPK and PPK/S pistols which might permit a round to be discharged without the trigger being pulled. When the manual safety is disengaged, we have determined that, in certain pistols, the possibility exists that lowering the hammer may cause a chambered round to fire. We initiated this recall campaign in the interests of safety, since any unintended discharge of the pistol has the potential to cause injury.
PLEASE STOP USING YOUR WALTHER PPK/S PISTOL. We are asking that you return it to us immediately so that all necessary repairs can be completed.
To accomplish this task, please proceed as follows:
1. STOP USING YOUR WALTHER PPK/S PISTOL.
Any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential for causing injury, and we ask that you stop using your pistol immediately.
2. To facilitate the repair of your pistol, you will receive a prepaid shipping label from us in a separate email message. Our shipping instructions are included on page 2 of this correspondence. Once you receive it, please print the label right away…it will only remain active in your "in-box" for 10 days. If you have any difficulty please contact Smith & Wesson's customer service department at 800-331-0852.
When you return your pistol to Smith & Wesson, we will replace the existing hammer block feature with a new part at no cost to you. Smith & Wesson is committed to producing the safest and highest quality firearms available and this recall is part of that effort.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION IN THIS IMPORTANT PROCESS.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Smith & Wesson Warranty Repair Shipping Instructions
1) Use a sturdy, unmarked fiberboard box to ship the product, and ensure that it is securely sealed. If the return is a handgun via UPS overnight service, a UPS Customer Center will supply an express shipping box upon request. Call (800) 654-3848 for the nearest UPS location.
2) Apply the shipping label to the shipping carton. Important: Write down the tracking number and save it as a reference. Smith & Wesson insures authorized returns, and will process claims for replacement in the unlikely event the package should become lost.
3) INSIDE THE BOX BE SURE TO INCLUDE A LETTER WITH YOUR NAME, STREET ADDRESS (NO POST OFFICE BOX, PLEASE) AND DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER, AND THE REASON YOU ARE RETURNING THE PRODUCT. IF THE PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED DIRECTLY FROM SMITH & WESSON, BE SURE TO INCLUDE A COMPLETED "RETURN AND EXCHANGE SLIP" THAT WAS PROVIDED WITH YOUR ORDER.
4) IMPORTANT: Do not reuse any carton that bears an ORM-D marking, or has any other unrelated address labeling.
5) UPS accepts firearm returns at UPS daily pickup accounts and UPS Customer Centers. Call (800) 654-3848 for the nearest UPS location. Important: Only Non-firearm merchandise may be returned using UPS drop-off boxes or The UPS Store. Note: UPS requires that you verbally inform the receiving UPSer (driver service provider or customer center employee) that a package contains firearms.
6) For on-call pickup of firearms at your home or place of business, call (800)-654-3848 between 8am – 8pm EST. Please mention that you are returning a Smith & Wesson or Walther item.
7) Remember that someone must be home to receive the firearm when it is returned to you. Federal regulations prohibit a driver from leaving the firearm unless an adult receives it, so you must not sign the “Driver Release” section of the Delivery Notice that UPS uses to notify you of an attempted delivery.
PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT SHIP ANY AMMUNITION WITH A FIREARM!
That’s all you have to do - Smith & Wesson will pay the shipping cost for you! It’s another feature and benefit of the Smith & Wesson Advantage™!
Notice PPK1
David the Gnome
New member
An hour after I got that first email I got another one with my shipping label.
I printed it out and followed the instructions and gave it to my local UPS service center.
Then an hour or so after getting home I got this email:
IMPORTANT - UPS LABEL SENT BY EMAIL FOR PPK RECALL.
Please delete the email sent with the UPS return label for the PPK recall. In error some of the labels were sent to the incorrect Email addresses.
We will resend the correct UPS return label within the next few days so you may return your PPK pistol for the PPK recall.
We apologize for any inconvenience this matter has caused. If you have any questions, please call us at 800-331-0852.
Thank you,
Customer Service
Smith & Wesson
My gun is already in the mail, hopefully they still get it...
I printed it out and followed the instructions and gave it to my local UPS service center.
Then an hour or so after getting home I got this email:
IMPORTANT - UPS LABEL SENT BY EMAIL FOR PPK RECALL.
Please delete the email sent with the UPS return label for the PPK recall. In error some of the labels were sent to the incorrect Email addresses.
We will resend the correct UPS return label within the next few days so you may return your PPK pistol for the PPK recall.
We apologize for any inconvenience this matter has caused. If you have any questions, please call us at 800-331-0852.
Thank you,
Customer Service
Smith & Wesson
My gun is already in the mail, hopefully they still get it...
HisSoldier
New member
Here's the way I look at this;
1. Is the problem in the Hammer block safety itself? If so,
2.Exactly why can't S&W send a replacement safety for me or my gunsmith
to put in? Is it for the purpose of legal control of the gun so they have
total control over it's function? I suspect that is what is going on here. If
they send a replacement safety (Which anyone with even a moderate
mechanical aptitude can install in a few minutes.) they would not
know that it had been installed. If they receive the gun and install it
themselves, and mark it, then in the event of a lawsuit they have
proof that can be demonstrated in court that they installed it and
tested it etc.
3. It's their problem, their mistake, and they expect me to wait many
weeks for them to repair it when they could send the part to me and I
could fix it in a few minutes at my convenience.
Given all the above, I'm a bit upset, and will not send it in without more information.
The S&W forum had a post that said the gun could fire after the hammer was down, and the safety taken off (Disengaged).
How can the gun go off when the hammer is down when the safety is taken off? If the hammer is down does taking the safety off raise the hammer weirdly and allow it to fire? That doesn't wash. It has to be that the safety cannot take the battering of dropping the hammer and they are beefing the safety up. If that's the case they may actually have to open up the bore of the safety recess to accept a beefed up safety.
Another possibility is that the safety is triggering the release of the hammer before the safety's block is rotated in place, a timing problem. If that's the case they might need to have the gun to ensure safe operation.
At any rate, I suspect that lawyers will not allow any more complete information to leak out on this. Liability window, right? :barf:
1. Is the problem in the Hammer block safety itself? If so,
2.Exactly why can't S&W send a replacement safety for me or my gunsmith
to put in? Is it for the purpose of legal control of the gun so they have
total control over it's function? I suspect that is what is going on here. If
they send a replacement safety (Which anyone with even a moderate
mechanical aptitude can install in a few minutes.) they would not
know that it had been installed. If they receive the gun and install it
themselves, and mark it, then in the event of a lawsuit they have
proof that can be demonstrated in court that they installed it and
tested it etc.
3. It's their problem, their mistake, and they expect me to wait many
weeks for them to repair it when they could send the part to me and I
could fix it in a few minutes at my convenience.
Given all the above, I'm a bit upset, and will not send it in without more information.
The S&W forum had a post that said the gun could fire after the hammer was down, and the safety taken off (Disengaged).
How can the gun go off when the hammer is down when the safety is taken off? If the hammer is down does taking the safety off raise the hammer weirdly and allow it to fire? That doesn't wash. It has to be that the safety cannot take the battering of dropping the hammer and they are beefing the safety up. If that's the case they may actually have to open up the bore of the safety recess to accept a beefed up safety.
Another possibility is that the safety is triggering the release of the hammer before the safety's block is rotated in place, a timing problem. If that's the case they might need to have the gun to ensure safe operation.
At any rate, I suspect that lawyers will not allow any more complete information to leak out on this. Liability window, right? :barf:
No, I still haven't received anything either. If I don't get something in the next few days I plan to call them.
I agree with HS ...I don't see how it could possibly discharge with the hammer already down, the safety already in the down/engaged position and fire when disengaged.flipped up. Their wording does not make any sense. Some lawyer probably wrote it and they can't write anything in clear simple terms.
**latest news.....UPS emailed the label and instructions this afternoon around 2pm and I got it shipped little while ago. I just hope it doesn't take 12 weeks.
I agree with HS ...I don't see how it could possibly discharge with the hammer already down, the safety already in the down/engaged position and fire when disengaged.flipped up. Their wording does not make any sense. Some lawyer probably wrote it and they can't write anything in clear simple terms.
**latest news.....UPS emailed the label and instructions this afternoon around 2pm and I got it shipped little while ago. I just hope it doesn't take 12 weeks.
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I received both an instructional email and the email with the link to the UPS label today, and took it to UPS. It's on it's way now.
Some issues you guys might be aware of, that the UPS guy told me about.
Evidently, firearms are supposed to go Overnight (expensive). S&W negotiated a contract with UPS that these could go 2nd day air (far less expensive.) However, not all the UPS points got the email, telling them about this special deal with S&W. So there are some places that are refusing the shipment because the shipping label says 2nd day air.
If that happens to you, stand your ground. Tell them to check their email, or call their supervisor. Also, in this contract, you can call UPS for an at-home/work pickup. (Normally, you can't) Obviously, I didn't try that.
I hope to add a post in a month or so telling you the pistol is back home.
Some issues you guys might be aware of, that the UPS guy told me about.
Evidently, firearms are supposed to go Overnight (expensive). S&W negotiated a contract with UPS that these could go 2nd day air (far less expensive.) However, not all the UPS points got the email, telling them about this special deal with S&W. So there are some places that are refusing the shipment because the shipping label says 2nd day air.
If that happens to you, stand your ground. Tell them to check their email, or call their supervisor. Also, in this contract, you can call UPS for an at-home/work pickup. (Normally, you can't) Obviously, I didn't try that.
I hope to add a post in a month or so telling you the pistol is back home.
Neil, since the recall just got underway, you can bet any S&W-made PPK or PPK/S in the last seven years or so has not been modified.
Here again is the link to the story: When considering buying one, look for the modification mark, as pictured.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=10001&content=62303§ionId=10506
Here again is the link to the story: When considering buying one, look for the modification mark, as pictured.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=10001&content=62303§ionId=10506
Recall
I regestered online 02/21, and got the e-mailed prepaid shipping label yesterday. I took it to Big Brown late yesterday afternoon. The clerk was helpful and interested. When I walked in, I handed the package to him, and he looked at it, and said; "I'll take care of this for you, thanks." I told him that I was supposed to tell him the package contained a firearm. He just shrugged his shoulders. He asked if it was a Ruger because he'd accepted a ton of those, and he remembered the recall on both model Rugers. I told him it was a PPK/s and it was going back to S&W. His reply was; "Oh, the hand biter". I told him that problem had been cured in this model. When I got home, I entered the tracking number, and it showed the box was in transit, with a monday, 03/30 delivery. Let's see how long the turnaround is.
I regestered online 02/21, and got the e-mailed prepaid shipping label yesterday. I took it to Big Brown late yesterday afternoon. The clerk was helpful and interested. When I walked in, I handed the package to him, and he looked at it, and said; "I'll take care of this for you, thanks." I told him that I was supposed to tell him the package contained a firearm. He just shrugged his shoulders. He asked if it was a Ruger because he'd accepted a ton of those, and he remembered the recall on both model Rugers. I told him it was a PPK/s and it was going back to S&W. His reply was; "Oh, the hand biter". I told him that problem had been cured in this model. When I got home, I entered the tracking number, and it showed the box was in transit, with a monday, 03/30 delivery. Let's see how long the turnaround is.
Thats exactly what happened to me MartyG, I called UPS to confirm that the hub by my house would accept it and was told no problem. I get there a hour or so later and the lady very rudely exclaimed "we don't ship guns" when I told her it was a handgun, while handing her my label and box. I exclaimed, well when I called you said you do, she very admitinly kept saying that they do not. I asked for a supervisor, she smirked as she said "he will tell you the same thing I am telling you" two minutes later she came back with the supervisor who said "yea, we got an mail that said to accept these". Needless to say, she wouldn't look back at me, I thanked her for her time and told her to have a great evening as I laughed and left.
Jacobie, I'm glad you pressed the issue. Actually, the problem I described was the difference between overnight and 2 day mail. However, you can run into an anti gun type anywhere. Some people (even UPS ones, I guess) think that because you can't MAIL a gun (in the USPS), then you can't ship a gun through other services, such as UPS, FedEx, etc. What idiots! How do you think they get across the country? Personal couriers? Even her supervisor sounded less than supportive. Wait until you get your PPK back (remember you need them to deliver it back to you.) Then report these people as idiots to the UPS higher-ups. Tell them what a wench that woman was. There are millions of people in America looking for jobs, and the person at a customer service counter is supposed to have people skills without bias.
(But don't get me started! LOL)
(But don't get me started! LOL)
Mine is on its way back to S&W this morning. Let's hope they all make it home safe and soon.
One thing to note, the shipping instructions I received from S&W by email instruct to send "via UPS overnight service," unfortunately the shipping label they provided me with is a "UPS 2nd Day Air" service.
I mentioned to the UPS agent that it was a firearm and also said that it should be sent overnight.
One thing to note, the shipping instructions I received from S&W by email instruct to send "via UPS overnight service," unfortunately the shipping label they provided me with is a "UPS 2nd Day Air" service.
I mentioned to the UPS agent that it was a firearm and also said that it should be sent overnight.
Bond, read my post #68. Normally, guns are shipped overnight, and thus the boilerplate language in the instructions. However, because of the large number and cost involved, S&W worked a special deal with UPS to allow 2nd day air. So who paid? Did they charge you extra for going overnight? Or did they send the bill to S&W?
Overnight doesn't really matter too much when you're looking at a 2 -3 month turnaround.
Overnight doesn't really matter too much when you're looking at a 2 -3 month turnaround.