This was brand new from Buds. 😒I have to admit my S&W experience has been stellar. I also believe the X frame to be a specialty item. With the reputation S&W has at least with me, I can't believe they would put something out that would fail like that. I think it all comes back to today's quality control. I've owned many S&Ws over the years and only had one hand spring fail. And that pistol was abused before I got it.