Atl Outdoorsmen WOW!!! This is the most untruthful story… You asked about removing 4 screws you messed up, and dropped it off without care. Hard to believe you would do that, if that was your baby and competition rifle or whatever else you said in so short of time. Plus you were told about all the possibilities that could happen anytime you work on a gun, with the screws and scope base in such bad shape. Knowing that the barrel would be put in a vise etc., chances of it being scratched, needing to be most likely reblued after drilling on the scope bases to get to the screws. What stands out the most is that only one screw hole was drilled and just the middle of the screw. This was done in order to remove the screw and save the threads. This was the second one back, not even the hole you claim this happened to. The screws were extracted by heating and removing. We found it odd that it was mentioned there was ONE drop of Blue Loctite used on the screws, considering they had green Loctite all over them. Which must have been High Strength green Loctite used for permanent applications, considering how bad the screws where messed up. Most folks would stop after messing up one screw or two, but yours had all four screws and the base messed up beyond believe. We took the gun in and extracted the screws. YOU PICKED UP THE GUN AND SIGNED THE PAPERWORK NO PROBLEM. Only to show up later saying we drilled out the chamber. The gunsmith was asked about this and said no, I extracted the screws, only drilling enough in order to grip the screws and turn them out. The scope mounts need to be drilled in order to grip the screws etc. He never had a reason to inspect the gun looking for anything else. So now you are asking for a new gun that was way more than the value of the barrel itself. The gunsmith has worked on many guns over the years. He is known by many as the guy they call to fix everything gun related or not. He has also been a preacher of the same church for 9 years. SO, when the preacher tells us “no sir I didn’t drill through”, then we believe him. In order to go above and beyond customer service, we gave you the benefit of doubt. This was our only mistake. We offered to fix the gun for you, but you insisted on a new gun. Remember, we never saw a whole gun just parts. So we offered to help you out and get you a new barrel. If you call Winchester, they will tell you that their replacement barrel for a model 70 is available through Douglas Barrels. FN Manufacturing does not sell replacement barrels for this model of gun. Speaking to Winchester, their service department informed us that there is a possibility that it could have been a manufacturing error. They actually said they have seen a few like this come in. Anyone that questions this should call and ask, the number is 1-800-333-3288. We then offered to ship it to Winchester and have it repaired at no charge to you. You requested for the gun not to be sent back to Winchester for examination/repair. RED FLAG. Still trying to offer the best service, we offered to buy the whole gun, just bring in the parts. In return you told us “there is no gun”? All we are hearing is money to buy a new gun. We offered to help by refunding your gunsmithing service and then some, in order for you to have someone else fix what you claimed we did. Just to satisfy the customer giving you the benefit of doubt that the customer is always right. We tried to help in many different ways. All of which were declined, until we offered to hand you cash. Even after we said, we know that you will no longer shop with us or use our services but we tried to help. You then said no that is not true and you still may shop our store. So all this was said, then once you have cash in hand, the slander begins.
Sorry for the loss of a quality firearm. These threads make me happy there a couple GOOD gunsmiths around here to get quality work done when it is beyond my ability. Downside is it may take a year or longer on their waiting list however.
