Blemished new gun, options

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chickenfried

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Went to get the paperwork started on a Colt 1911 that I ordered through Davidson's. The good news it's costing me $60 less than stated on my invoice from Davidson's.But something troubles me. There's a scratch on the gun on the frame around the safety a little less than 1mm wide and about 4mm long. I didn't really make a fuss about it at the time thinking oh well it's a gun, it's going to get plenty more. But now I'm thinking I'm paying $600 something total for this thing, there shouldn't be any scratches on the gun besides the ones I put on them. Any advice guys? Am I being a little too anal?
 
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Ah, the Colt curse continues...

Tongue-in-cheek reason for such scratches on their new guns is that Colt puts them there so you won't have to worry about it getting scratched and you can get on with shooting the thing like you're supposed to :)

Anyway, no it shouldn't have a scratch. Ordering another may or may not solve the problem as the replacement could be worse. Probably would be better but unfortunately you can't count on it. Besides the distributor likley won't take it back without a restocking fee.

I understand Colt covers cosmetics for one year although you'd want to verify that. I true then complete the transaction, check the gun for other flaws, functional and otherwise, and send it back. The word is that Colt is pretty good to deal with on warranty work. Everyone just wishes that Colt would fix whatever is causing these blemishes so they wouldn't haveto be sent back for cosmetics.
 
Its probably going to get scratched again soon enough anyways. I wouldnt worry about it myself but, if it bugs you then dont pay the $600. Its your money and if you arent going to be happy with it then you will never really get the full satisfaction from owning it.
 
Don't accept it and have Davidson correct it. They are the ones selling it to you, not Colt. It's up to them to have Colt either replace or reimburse them for it. They shipped you a damaged item and you shouldn't pay for it.
 
Just bought an HK Expert - not inexpensive. Came without the cleaning kit. I accepted it and had the dealer note on the receipt that it was missing. (you have the choice of refusing it no questions asked)

I was a little concerned when I went to the site and there wasn't a cusomer service email address however, I sent an email to:

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

I had a reply five minutes later:

=====================================
I just want to let you know that I received your email and will be looking
into this. You should hear back from me on Monday and my 800 number is
below in case you need to contact me!
======================================

So far I am impressed - but lets see what they do with getting me a replacement kit.

I can tell you if they don't, I will not buy from them again.
 
Upon examination, I would not have completed the
paperwork until a weapon that I was totally satisfied
with was before me, and I had the opportunity to
check it out thoroughly. Once form 4473 is completed
and the "insta-check" is recorded; well then you are
obligated my friend. Hopefully, Colt will make it right?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Thanks for the email addresses, ranger. I could only find the comments email address on their site. It's weird but the more I think about it the more I dislike the fact that the new gun had a scratch on it, that I didn't put there. When I first saw it it wasn't that big a deal to me.
 
I bought a bright stainless Python almost 20 years ago. Didn't notice when I bought it, but the bolt timing was funky. Sent it back to Colt three times, but they never got it right. Finally traded it for a beautiful Custom Shop blued Python a year or two ago. The only fly in that ointment was that the old one had a 4" barrel while the new one has an 8 3/something barrel. It's kind of a different proposition, having the barrel halfway to the 25 yard line while the grips are still on the bench... ;)

Anyway, whatever you do, sending it back to Colt to be fixed under warranty may not be the best gamble...:uhoh:
 
Thanks for the email addresses, ranger.
Click to expand...

I'll let you know how I make out - her note made it seem like I'd hear something tomorrow.

Re Scratches - I'm the same way. If I wanted a scratched gun I'd buy a used one. Even for a carry gun that will most certainly get scratched . . . . well less important I guess, but still . . .

Was looking at a smith 329pd (Zirconium 44mag) the other day with a scratched sight. Annoyed me. Counter guy's explanation was: guns get taken out and put back every day, handled by customers, it happens.

I guess it does . . . . but still!

(didn't buy it)
 
chickenfried

Have your dealer contact Davidson's .

The "Davidson's Guarantee" will replace it . Don't wait around . They'll take good care of you !
 
Bryan Tucker president and owner of Davidson's called me today - left a voicemail saying that they were trying to get the missing cleaning kit from HK, but whether they got it from them or not, Davidson's would make it right.

Sounded like a nice guy.

Also wanted to talk about my experience (bad) with the dealer I picked up the gun at . . . . I am going to try to get him tomorrow.

Realize I am buying a gun in the PRNJ, but when I spend $1500++ on something, the least I expect is not to be abused!

(Bought the 3" Lew Horton S&W PC 329PD today through a Lew Horton dealer. Lets hope that goes well!)

So far Davidson's is doing the right thing . . . .
 
Any advice guys? Am I being a little too anal?
Click to expand...

No, your expectations are right... they just aren't in line with gun maker's QA policies for product going out the door. I ordered a new Para 1640 LDA LTD (about $1000) and it looked like it had been shipped in a bag of hammers. Luckily it was stainless and I can pretty well take scratches out without a problem. On blue guns, you're screwed if they get gouged.
 
hmm still no reply from Davidson's I also resent the emails on Wednsday. Wonder what's going on
 
It's perfectly reasonable to expect a new gun without any scratches on it. I'd give the seller the benefit of the doubt that they didn't know about the scratch, and give them opportunity to fix the problem.

Scratches are like scars - they build character. :D
 
fried
Are you trying to contact Davidson's ? Your dealer should be the one contacting them . All he has to do is call his acct rep and they'll send a FedEX call tag . I've done this several times . It's no hassle .
 
Spoke with Mr. Tucker Wednesday, nice guy, said he'd make the problem right, whether HK took care of it or he did.

If they haven't responded, then maybe something is up; try calling them directly. I have the phone number somewhere if you need it but it should be on the web.

PS He did mention they were hectic preparing for the SHOT show so maybe they are all over there . . .
 
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