Gun Parts Horror Story

[synoptic]

So, a while back (maybe a year ago?) my grandpa gave me a rifle he had aquired that never really worked. It is a .22 caliber Springfield Model 187J. It fired, but FTE'd with every shot. Figuring it would be a fun gun to tinker with, I decided to fix it myself. First thing I did was replace the extractor and magazine guide assembly (it is a tube magazine). I ordered the parts from Numrich Gun Parts. Well, they sent all but the extractor, I called them, they apologized and had it to me within a couple days. I was very happy with their customer service. Well, the problem wasn't fixed, still FTE with every shot. So I look at it for a few more days, then decide to wait until I can afford a gunsmith and set the rifle in the closet. Well, about 2 months ago I decided to try again. I took it out and after a couple days realized what (at least I think) the problem is. The detent plunger wasn't allowing the bolt to fully travel back allowing the shell to eject. I took the parts out, and ordered a new detent plunger as well as springs and a pin. Here is where the frustration begins. I ordered 4 parts. 2 were the correct parts, 2 were wrong, a spring and they sent the release plunger instead of the detent. I called customer service (which isn't even an 800 #) and they told me all I could do was send the incorrect parts back and they would return the right ones. I sent back the 2 parts, and they send 2 back, one is correct, but the detent plunger which is the main part I need is wrong again. They did send a detent plunger, but it wasn't for my gun, it didn't fit at all and was obviously the wrong part. So I sent it back again, thinking they would get the part right this time. They sent me the RELEASE plunger again, with a diagram of the gun (maybe to try and prove to me they were sending the right part?). So, this is their last chance. I have written a very polite letter explaingin exactly what has happened, the difference in the parts they have sent and the one I want, a copy of the diagram with the exact part I want circled, and the original part. If they get it wrong this time I don't know what I will do because I haven't found anyone else who carries the detent plunger for this gun or else I would have given up on them a long time ago. Needless to say, I am not very happy with their customer service.

Anyways, let's hope that the 4th time they will get it correct and I will have another working .22 by the 15th or so (their returns take about 2 weeks to get processed and shipped back).

Sorry this was so long, I didn't originally intend it to be.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Numrich has been the gun parts game of chance for years.

 

[Majic]

When all else fails take the part to a machine shop and talk to the machinist. A good machinist can make you the part.

 

[Johnpl]

I have a 187A model and know from experience that it is similar to but very different from several other Savage/Springfield/Stevens models...This makes some parts interchangeable and some not. I've had very good luck on eBay getting parts. Also, you may consider buying a complete rifle for parts, as they are fairly inexpensive, around $75 or so. Good luck.

 

[oldfart]

Strange, I've always had good results with Gunparts. They've even sent me the right part when all I could do was draw a picture of it and tell them what off-brand peashooter it came out of. I guess it depends on which clerk gets your order. Better luck next time!

 

[MJRW]

Can you hook a brother up with some paragraphs?

 

[Old Fuff]

Parts may not be your problem ...

Failure to eject is often cause by:

A dirty, or rough chamber - especially if someone shot .22 Long and/or Short cartridges through it and didn't clean it out.

Someone extensively dry-fired the rifle and there is a burr or ding at the back of the chamber. If this is the case, Brownells sells a little tool to iron out the burr or ding.

Parts for old, discontinued guns can be a problem. Sometimes the only source is another gun that can be broken up and sold in pieces. Numrich has employees that know parts from end to end. They also have new folks that are still learning - same as most other businesses.

 

[Daedalus]

I ordered a CETME sight tool and a cocking knob spring from numrich and I never ecieved it. I called up customer service and they sent a replacement set right out. I have nothing but praise for the parts and their customer service.

 

[jsalcedo]

My Springfield had the exact same problem.

I tried everything to no avail so I sold it to a gunsmith.

 

[Jim K]

Hi, Synoptic and guys,

I hate to be a bearer of bad news, but if that gun fails and you get all the right parts and put them all in, the gun will still fail. Those were, without doubt, the worst semi-auto .22 rifles ever made. And they made and sold thousands of them, under a dozen different Savage, Stevens and Springfield model numbers, though heaven only knows why folks bought them.

The design uses a system where when the gun is fired, the bolt locks back until the trigger is released, then the bolt comes forward to (sometimes) chamber a fresh round. Pulling the trigger then releases the hammer (a round piece that looks like a small bolt) to fire the gun. The spring balance between the two sears and the recoil spring and hammer spring is about impossible to maintain for very long. Couple that with a failure-prone tubular magazine with weak parts that spread out, and you have a real disaster.

The gun is a POS and it will never be anything else. Since the gun has sentimental value, hang it on the wall and let your grandfather know you appreciate his gift. But don't waste time and money trying to make it work. (Of course, your grandfather may know all about the gun - does he like you or would he enjoy seeing you going nuts?)

Jim

 

[mnrivrat]

Junk the 187 ! They are not worth fixing on and most won't work well no matter what you do.

Buying parts for it is like buying oats for a dead horse , a waste of money.

Sorry - but like the Remington Viper of recent days, the model 187 was not designed or made well.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Change ammo. 22 long and not 22 long rifle.

 

[JohnKSa]

Sounds very irritating, but it doesn't quite qualify as a horror story, IMHO.

 

[Johnpl]

Jim Keenan-
All sadly true, but it was my FIRST RIFLE!!!!

Sentiment sometimes outweighs reason.

 

[ken w.]

187

This gun has two screws that hold the lifter spring and such on.They were set at the factory and staked to stay put.Once you mess with this,it's very hard to get it back to the factory spec.These screws have to be torked down evenly and chances are good it might not ever be normal.
When you get one of these guns that shoots good,keep it,if it jams get rid of it.