So, what companies have the best track record in regard to warranties? I would have thought S&W but someone above said they don't know what they are doing?
That is a very subjective question.
I'll give you an account of my experience with Smith and Wesson.
I called them, regarding a mag binding issue I was having with my brand new M&P9c. Waited on the line for about 3 minutes. A very helpful person came on. I explained the situation to him. He said the gun needed to come back to the factory. He took my information, including email. He emailed me a prepaid UPS Next Day Air shipping label. I packaged up the M&P, including a letter stating my dissatisfaction of the gun and a request for night sights. I scheduled a UPS pickup.
The gun arrived in Springfield, MA a day later. 8 days later I got the gun back, delivered to my doorstep. The M&P was fixed and it sported a new set of night sights.
I've used other manufacturers warranties before. This was the best experience I've had, and not just because of the freeby. They were very professional and kind. Prepaid fast shipping. Quick turnaround. Fantastic.
Springfield Armory is similar. So is Glock.
I've always purchased Nikon optics and cameras. I called Nikon yesterday for a busted Nikon Prostaff 3-9X40 lense that I bought second-hand, just to verify they would fix it. They said "Yep, ship it to us. Should take us about 7-10 days to have it back to you."
These are the only ones I can vouch for, as I've had experience with each.