Dirty bolt on new savage gun expected?

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os2firefox

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Picked up a Savage 16fcss from a local gun store and just had the time to sit down and clean it.

I noticed that there were some rust spots on the trigger housing, the magazine had deposits on wedges and some rust, and the bolt was dirty. The gun was sold to me as new, but I was wondering if it was normal for savage rifles to come like this?

20120929_124405.jpg
 
Looks like someone put 100 rounds through it and decided it wasn't for them.

I have purchased many new guns in my life, including Savage with the identical bolt. I have never seen anything that dirty before, even when looking at the used guns for sale!:eek:
 
I'm also thinking the "new" rifle was really a return that just never got cleaned. I would definitely be taking it back.
 
Really surprised you didn't catch any of that in the store. Definately should be taken back and if not returned, at the very least 'cleaned and lubed' by them. What is the store's return or warranty policy if any?
 
If my LGS was selling a rifle with that dirty a bolt face and rust spots as "new" I'd want a pretty good discount over "new" price.
At this point I wouldn't expect them to do much for you. Once money changed hands and you took the rifle out the door, your negotiating position on appearance (as opposed to function) evaporated.

Tinpig
 
Quote:
"Picked up a Savage 16fcss from a local gun store and just had the time to sit down and clean it."

Most quality, new guns from reputable manufacturers will show signs of having been test fired, some will even come with a test target.

From the appearance of that bolt face, I'd say that weapon has seen a lot more use than a factory test firing, but I'm with Tinpig on this one, it's not like that's hidden damage or something.

How long after the purchase was it that you started cleaning the weapon?
From your "just had the time" statement, I'm guessing its been a while.

Clean it, shoot it and get on with life.
BUT, be wary of any future purchases at that store (really ANY purchase anywhere).

Good luck with your "new" rifle, I hope it shoots well for you.
 
You got seriously rookered if you bought that rifle as "new".
But, since you took it home unless you know the people at the shop well and have done a lot of business with them, you're probably stuck.
If the bore's good and the rifle has no problems try to forget about it.
 
Every Savage I've bought (4, all new) as well as my Browning X-bolt has looked about like that. Clean is highly over-rated. There's no damage there, just some (light) carbon fouling. There's not even a ring of brass transfer as is standard from a rifle that has been fired more than a few times. Normal for a rifle that has been assembled, hit with a proof load and then fired for function and accuracy.

ETA: I'm speaking specifically about the carbon in the bolt face, not the rust spots. The rust spots are a transport and storage problem. That Savage doesn't oil the gun prior to shipping doesn't help any.
 
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My new Savage Axis had a ring on the bolt face about 1/16" of black whatever.
I used a tooth brush & flitz & it cleaned up fast
243 Win--super accurate with supplied--3-9 scope
 
Update:

I went down to LGS and told them that Savage said the gun looked used. The manager stated that only I think the gun is used and it does not matter what Savage says. His distributor gave him a new gun.

After some talking, my options were 1) to keep the gun as is, 2) get a replacement gun from his distributor, or 3) return the gun and be charged $40 for their mistake.

I went with option 3, because I didn't feel it was right to pay for a new gun and get one that been "shot quite a bit" in Savage's opinion. Also, didn't feel like waiting for so long to get a replacement from the same distributor as it would've taken them 5 weeks to deliver the gun in the condition I paid for (especially with hunting season going on).

Savage, on the other hand, were really nice and asked if I wanted a shipping label to have them inspect it and to make the situation "right". Will definitely be getting a gun from them in the future.
 
My bolt came dirty, but not nearly that dirty.

Glad Savage at least tried to make it right for you. They've always impressed me with their Customer Service stories and the couple times I've called.

Personally, I'd clean it and remind myself to check out guns more thoroughly in the future. But then, I do understand buying a firearm that you think is "new", and seeing that that isn't the case, no matter how unaffected the gun is.
 
Probably some "cherry picking" or just plain blasting down at the range by the boys going on at that gun store. unforgiveable
A gun store gets new guns shipped to it. Since logic holds that they maintain chain of custody/status of that artifact/article and it miraculously is found to have been not so, they are at fault/swindlers.
 
they know where they bought it from, it is on their books if it came in from a private citizen. If you really feel this is the case stay on them and they will refund the last $40 when they get sick of hearing from you. Google and local search engines that they pay money to advertise with have feedback. Leave appropriate feedback and use it as leverage.
 
Savage runs a proof round and a few sighters through like most of the makers. I would do a quick cleaning of the bolt face and run 4-5 rounds through the gun and see if it matches the same dirtyness that you took a photo of.

Andy
 
Swampman said:
Quote:
"Picked up a Savage 16fcss from a local gun store and just had the time to sit down and clean it."

Most quality, new guns from reputable manufacturers will show signs of having been test fired, some will even come with a test target.

From the appearance of that bolt face, I'd say that weapon has seen a lot more use than a factory test firing, but I'm with Tinpig on this one, it's not like that's hidden damage or something.

How long after the purchase was it that you started cleaning the weapon?
From your "just had the time" statement, I'm guessing its been a while.

Clean it, shoot it and get on with life.
BUT, be wary of any future purchases at that store (really ANY purchase anywhere).

Good luck with your "new" rifle, I hope it shoots well for you.
Click to expand...
this^^
 
I think your LGS is try'n to pull one over on you. NOT savage arms. Clean the rifle well. Bore also and good shoot'n.
 
I have a similar problem with a new Savage 25 I purchased last week. Both Savage customer service and my dealer confirmed that Savage test fires their rifles and doesn't clean them. My bore was severly fouled, the chamber corroded and the bolt face stained permanently from carbon blow back. It seems to be perfectly normal practice from Savages viewpoint. I told Savage that this is disturbing and they were unfazed.
 
I wouldn't have kept it either...depending on how much money changed hands, I might have gone to small claims court too.

I wonder if that gun shop will try to see it as new again....
 
I have a similar problem with a new Savage 25 I purchased last week. Both Savage customer service and my dealer confirmed that Savage test fires their rifles and doesn't clean them. My bore was severly fouled, the chamber corroded and the bolt face stained permanently from carbon blow back. It seems to be perfectly normal practice from Savages viewpoint. I told Savage that this is disturbing and they were unfazed.
Click to expand...

They don't clean them, but they also don't come with corroded chambers. I'd be more wary of the store.
 
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