Gentlemen...I really need your help

[orangeninja]

I am trying to ship a non-functional Charter Arms undercover back to the factory for repair. I already spent 38 bucks at a gunsmith, just to have him tell me that he cannot fix it. I called UPS for ground pickup, but was told over the phone that I will have to take a "nonfunctional" firearm, a pistol, to the customer service center WAAAAYYYYY downtown and pay a little over 40.00 in shipping to have it sent back OR go through an FFL dealer, pay 20.00 shipping and 20.00 handling. Anyone have any suggestions as to how I can ship this peice of absolute crap? The gun cost 250.00 BRAND NEW.

BTW...the dealer I bought it from has gone out of business....can't take it back.

 

[4v50 Gary]

What's the problem with it and are you mechanically inclined?

 

[Master Blaster]

I shipped my CZ-85 from Delaware to Kansas for repair.

It cost me $12.85, with $500 insurance and I am not an FFL.

I used FedEX Second day air. 5 lb or under midsize box.

No problem clerk didnt even blink when I said it was a handgun, they just asked if it was loaded and I said no.

 

[lee n. field]

I used FedEX Second day air. 5 lb or under midsize box.

2 Day? I thought all companies that ship handguns required next day.

When I've had to, I've shipped UPS Next Day Saver (afternoon delivery), at the suggestion of our local UPS.

 

[orangeninja]

Thanks

I just can't believe how

1. uncooperative these companies are about shipping handguns. I think I would get less hassle trying to ship hydrochloric acid.

2. They gouge you on the price.

3. They change their policy every 15 minutes.

 

[Coot]

When I'm returning fireams for repair, I always use the U.S. Postal Service- insured, of course.

 

[airborneranger]

just sent my colt to wilson combat for some tuning, as long as the recipeant is a ffl holder he can send it back to you no prob. it cost me like 23 bucks to send it with 800 buck insurance. That was like three weeks ago. I sent it ups 2nd day.

 

[TarpleyG]

Don't know how Coot sent his USPS. Thought only long guns could be sent. Anyway, it has been my experience that UPS has their head's firmly inserted in anal cavity when it comes to shipping firearms. Better to go with FedEx.

GT

 

[Jim Watson]

I shipped a revolver back to S&W last week. The Fedex clerk was very pleasant and helpful, a welcome change from the UPS hassle, but would only take it next day air for $33.

I know of people who have shipped guns second day air for less money, like Master Blaster and Airborneranger.

Either Alduro's rule 3 applies, the employees don't know their own company policy, or it is so loose they can read things into it.

My FLD will let me mail guns on his FFL at no extra charge, but it is a real pain getting through the post office, even with all the paperwork done right. The last I mailed, the postal clerk required me to tape over every edge and seam on the box. I guess so they could tell at a glance if one of their employees was pilfering. Which is why UPS put in the air freight requirement in the first place. More records are kept on air shipments and it was to reduce theft by their own employees.

 

[usnavymasterchief]

COOT: Do you hold an FFL? As I understand the law, only authorized holders of a current FFL can use the US Postal Service to ship a hand gun. And they have to complete a special form before the gun will be accepted. If you don't hold an FFL, be careful, you may be breaking a Federal law.
My local FED EX agent has always been very helpful and courtious, she can't gouge the price because Express Overnight rates are charged by the pound and the agent has to go by what's in her book.

 

[Master Blaster]

2 Day? I thought all companies that ship handguns required next day.

The only requirement the shipper has, is that it be sent so that there is tracking done. My local FEDEX told me that I did not have to ship it overnight, that I could save $20 by doing it second day. since the tracking is the same.

 

[Jim K]

I have said this before, but maybe it bears repeating.

I keep on good terms with several local dealers. I buy from them when they have what I want, and help them with advice and information when they need it.

What does this get me? Aside from building friendships, those dealers will lower or forget about a handling charge for ordering out of SGN or off the net. And they will ship a gun for me by mail with no service charge (I make up the package and pay postage, of course). Plus, I get first dibs on some good stuff that turns up. And I have good places to buy small stuff that wouldn't be worth trying to buy mail order, like brushes, cleaner, etc.

Sure, I could get a C&R license, order everything off the web, and loudly demand that the dealer handle transactions for me. But I think I come out ahead in the long run.

Jim

 

[Traveler]

Going back to the original question...

Charter Arms has changed ownership several time in recent years. Along with that the designs of their weapons has also changed. This makes it very difficult to guarentee that they will be able to repair your problem.

Frankly this is indicative of the major problem with inexpensive, and lesser known, firearms. Many "gunsmiths" don't have the training to fix types of problems, just manufacturer specific problems they have been trained to recognize. And gunsmiths who can, and do, fix most anything are backlogged, and usually expensive.

You saved your money on the purchase, expect that you will pay (in time, cash, and fustration) for that earlier economy.

If you're willing to pay $60/hour plus parts and shipping I can give you some recommendations.