Poor S&W Customer Service [M&P 15-22 Repair Unboxing] [Update: Thx S&W]

I love my S&W M&P 15-22, but if only S&W shared the same sentiment...

I purchased a brand new M&P 15-22 Performance Center Edition at the beginning of October. Took her to the range one time and had a great time. Then noticed the extension tube was bent, so I contacted S&W and they had the rifle shipped back to their repair center.

2 weeks went by and no communication was made. I received the rifle today, and to my surprise, no work was done on it. I will send this back again to get serviced.

Will update in a future video.



Update 11/6/13:
From S&W Facebook, they reached out to me and sent a prepaid label to ship the rifle back.

Update 11/8/13:
S&W followed up and said their engineers and production line people will look into this.

I bubble wrapped and shipped the lower back to S&W. In the box, I requested a new replacement lower.

Reports of crooked buffer tubes, during October, were reported on http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2013/10/robert-farago/question-of-the-day-more-guns-less-quality/

Update 12/4/13:
S&W Customer Service requests to send back the upper. I sent it with my FFL info. The lower was confirmed to be defective. They will now ship a new rifle.

Update 1/3/14:
I contact S&W CS for an update...

Update 1/16/14:
S&W CS replies asking for my FFL info. Also, they are "waiting on production to get one built.  It may take a few weeks due to the current large backlog." What happened over the last month?

I then contact S&W Facebook, and let them know of my displeasure of having to wait another few weeks for a rifle. It's now been 3 1/2 months.

Update 1/27/14:
S&W FB representative responds that he'll do whatever it takes to expedite the process. He gets the ball rolling in the right direction.

There is a disconnect in the level of customer service. S&W FB knows how to properly handle customer service in a friendly and professional manner. However, the warranty side does not. It would be good to have a status of a warranty repair, better communication through follow up/follow through.

Update 2/10/2014:
Rifle shipped out

Update 2/20/2014:
Received boxes of S&W swag. Knives, hats, and more. Thank you S&W for going above and beyond in customer service.

Update 2/21/2014:
After a 10 day wait from my FFL, the rifle was picked up, and all is well. The rifle shoots great, looks great. Buffer tube is now completely straight. S&W delivered, and then some. Thank you again Matt and S&W for the excellent customer service.

How to fix a MAF Sensor CEL Tutorial

Almost all cars after the 90's have a MAF sensor. The MAF sensor detects airflow thereby sending signals to the engine to adjust how much fuel to deliver. They oftentimes get dirty from years of driving, and the sensor gets clogged with dirt and oil causing poor gas mileage as well as poor performance. Your car may even throw a Check Engine Light (CEL). In my opinion, most MAF sensors don't need to be replaced, but just a good cleaning will make the MAF sensor perform like new again.

Disclaimer: This is for demonstration purposes only. Removing and mishandling the MAF Sensor can be a costly mistake. Some of these newer sensors go for a few $100. Proceed at your own risk.

Materials:
CRC/Mass air flow sensor cleaner
Flashlight
Q-Tip

Tutorial:

1. With the car off and key removed, disconnect and remove your MAF Sensor

2. Looking down the MAF sensor with your flashlight, you should see two platinum wires with two tiny sensors in the middle of them. If these are covered in black gunk, take your CRC MAF cleaner and spray it at the wires. The cleaner should evaporate quickly. You can stop here if the wires become clean.

3. If the gunk is still stuck on the wires, grab your Q-tip and spray some MAF cleaner on it and again down the hole. Carefully clean and rub the wires as they are very fragile. If you break the wire, then you'll need a new sensor.

4. Reinstall your MAF sensor. Turn on your car and go for a test drive. If there was a CEL, it should now be gone. Enjoy better gas mileage and car performance!