Gun Purchase Policies

[caleb]

Gun Purchase Policies (update)

Hello all, just a question concerning the purchase of a defective firearm. If you were to purchase a washer, dryer, freezer that when it was plugged in didn't function the way it was designed and manufactured too, would you not get a new one; my experience has been yes. Does the same apply to firearms? I recently purhcased a weapon that did not function as designed. Never experiencing such a situation I thought I would ask the forum. Thanks

 

[Mr. Mysterious]

We need more info...

New or used?

What brand?

What model?

Where did you purchase it?

 

[raz-0]

with new, the answer is generally yes, but with a process complicated by various laws. The law really doesn't care if you are in posession of washing machine with SN:34156 or not. But with a new gun, with a problem that occurs withing a certqain timespan determined by law and warranty, problems should be remedied.

As far as used. Well, it's a whole different story, just like with the old washing machine. It all depends on how you aquire it, transferability of warranty, and other stuff. However, it wouldn't suprise me in the least if I had no recourse on a used purchase in very short order.

 

[caleb]

It is a Springfield WWII GI . 45 purchased new from a local shop who participates in shows. The issue is similiar to the one posted in the auto section concerning the SS Springfield posted by Dontshootme. Half the time the first round doesn't full seat into the chamber when racked and every last round doesn't full seat (you can still see about half the brass, the rest is in the chamber but not fully seated. This problem may be fixable, but can a gun be exchanged for one that functions? I want what I paid for, not a fixed version, nor do I want to wait six to ten weeks for the company to fix a new gun. I've have no confidence in this gun and that is one product you need the assurance of function. I have total confidence in my washer and dryer, but their hard to conceal. I've never had this situation before and have more than a few flawless weapons. I don't fault a gun for a few FTE or FTF's, but not as a predictable habit. Does the gun industry generally have a return policy?

 

[George S.]

How long ago did you get it? Have you contacted Springfield to see what they can do? The shop where you bought should return it for you for repair or replacement by Springfield. that way you don't have to pay for shipping out and the hassle with UPS or FedEx.

Did you ask the shop about a straight-across trade for another one? That might be a better deal than having SA do any repair or replacement. A reputable shop will want to keep you as a returning customer. If they say that they cannot do anything, then work with SA on getting the problem fixed.

SA has a pretty good reputation for fixing any problems. Might be worth a phone call if nothing else.

 

[Old Fuff]

Caleb:

How the dealer and/or manufacturer handles this is up to them, although the manufacturer is bound by the terms in their warranty. The usually practice is to return the gun to the maker for repair or whatever is necessary.

It has been my experience that its better to work out the problems, rather then get a new gun and start over. That however is up too you. The inspections and adjustments as well as any parts that may be replaced are much more carefully done then that which occurs on the average production line. Besides what ever is causing your problem other aspects will be checked too and corrected if necessary.

If the maker finds that for some reason the gun can't be fixed (which is unlikely) they will replace it. I suspect the problem is something that a minor adjustment or replacing a lesser part will cure. I would sooner trust my neck on a gun that gone through the repair department of a major manufacturer then another one out-of-the-box.

 

[Valkman]

You're probably better off calling SA - you'll have to send it to them but they'll reimburse you for the shipping.

Have you tried different mags just in case it makes a difference?

I had to send in my brand new Mil-Spec, and I wasn't happy either, especially since I didn't get it back for 7 weeks. But in the end they can fix it and fix it right. I've had no problems since I got it back.

 

[Mr. Mysterious]

I'd send it in for repair, most people are extremely satisfied when a gun comes back from the manufacturer. They often do things like polish the feed ramp, which would cost you money out of your pocket.

 

[9x19]

Having an extractor tuned, or a recoli spring replaced, is akin to having a flaky lid switch (yep, my GE just went thru this ~ dang magnetic reed switches!) replaced on a washing machine, IMO. Doing either doesn't mean the whole item is bad, just that it had a minor problem, easily remedied.

Sounds like your extractor may have too much tension... or perhaps you just got a wimpy recoil spring.

 

[sturmruger]

I am sorry you are having problems with you SA .45. If I were you I would let SA fix the gun you currently have. Guns are allot like cars. No matter what car you buy sooner or later you are going to have one that needs some work. My brand new car needed a new tranny at 5,000 miles. Does this mean I think any less of Ford? No in fact I am really impressed how well my local dealer handled the whole situation, and am commited to going back when I buy my next car.

I have worked in the cellular industry for about 7 years now. 3-5% off all the phones we sell need to be sent in and fixed at some point. No matter what kind of product you buy it is just a numbers game. I have not heard of very many dealers taking a gun back and exchanging it. Bottom line is all they would have is a used gun that isn't near as much as a new one.

Give the service people at SA a call I am sure they will take good care of you.

 

[caleb]

Update. Took the gun to the shop and the Manager checked it out and said there was a specific defect he more than likely could fix, but the option was given to me to fix or exchange it for a new one. I took the new one. I tried several and took the one that seemed the best. If he had not offerred an exchange I would have taken the good advise I got here and sent it back to Springfield. This shop is a winner in more than just this issue. If ever in NE Florida, go to Shooters. Thanks for all the good advise.