bogie
Member
Someone paid $450 to have their shotgun painted tactical black, and then got aggravated when it came off?
Paint it again. I think that Brownell's sells some nice stuff.
Paint it again. I think that Brownell's sells some nice stuff.
Post from the FiringLine.com about Wilson Combat
- Thread starter cerberus
- Start date
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Amish_Bill
Member
One of my shooting buddies got a Wilson CQB. It shot to one side. (you could see one of the sights was off-center) Two other people at the range had CQBs too. (it was the semi-official .45 of the group) They swapped guns around and the crooked shooting followed the gun, not the shooter.
When he called Wilson to have it taken care of, he was basically told he didn't know how to shoot. He sent it back in and when it was returned, he was told that there was no problem. The sight was still off center and it was still shooting sideways. He called back and was told that there was nothing wrong with his pistol again. I seem to recall that he got so pissed with them that he wound up using a dowel and a hammer to knock the sight back to where it should be.
I was looking ot buy a CQB. After that, I'm looking at Kimber Tacticals. 95% of the gun, 50% of the price.
When he called Wilson to have it taken care of, he was basically told he didn't know how to shoot. He sent it back in and when it was returned, he was told that there was no problem. The sight was still off center and it was still shooting sideways. He called back and was told that there was nothing wrong with his pistol again. I seem to recall that he got so pissed with them that he wound up using a dowel and a hammer to knock the sight back to where it should be.
I was looking ot buy a CQB. After that, I'm looking at Kimber Tacticals. 95% of the gun, 50% of the price.
harpethriver
Member
ESS-your remarks are at best elitist. I'll bet you're the one that was always raising his hand in class to tell on his misbehaving classmates. 
A friend of mine (one of the moderators on Bladeforums) bought a shotgun from scatterguns technology and it didn't work out of the box. He had to send it back. It worked then but it left a bad taste in his mouth.
This was a couple years ago and I don't remember what exactly was wrong with it.
This was a couple years ago and I don't remember what exactly was wrong with it.
I have a Wilson SDS pistol, like it's finish, and recently sent my AR15 upper in for a coating or Grey Armor Tuff that closely matches the older pre-ban Colt grey lower I have. It looks TONS better than the old black over grey 2-tone look. I sent my upper to them parkerized, and my finish is really perfect. I've used solvent on mine several times with no problems at all. It's probably the parkerizing like you mentioned. I'm definitely NOT happy to hear your bad dealings with Wilson, and hope I don't have to try and take advantage of my "Lifetime Warranty" on my SDS.
The Last Confederate
member
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2004
- Messages
- 114
Wilson is crap, and WAY overpriced for what they give you. Vangcomp and/or Robar are MUCH MUCH better in terms of price, value, and customer service.
Check this out, I bought Robar's rogaurd + NP3 finish on my shotgun. The finish is excellent and has held up very well with little/no wear on parts. Later on, when I wanted to add a side saddle, I asked them if they would coat the screws in NP3 to match the guns finish, they did this and at NO CHARGE to me!! Later, when a part broke, they also refinished the replacement part for me at NO CHARGE!
Lately, I had some questions about possibly refinishing the barrel (since the ports near the muzzle have started to take the finish off of the vent rib). They said,
"No problem! Send it on over, and we'll refinish it for you at no charge!"
All this, and at less of a cost than Wilson's ripoff joke finish.
Why send a gun to Wilson when they don't even improve the performance of the shotgun anyway? Vangcomp will make your gun pattern tighter, kick less, AND shrink slug groups! Plus he will add ghost ring sights, metal parts, etc if you want.
My advice is, if you want to improve your shotgun's performance, send the gun off to Vang. If you want to get the best finish possible, send it off to robar. And if you want to do both, than send it to both! Vang will even send the gun to robar for you if you want his services too (which is what I did). You will not regret buying service from either of these two great gun companies.
Check this out, I bought Robar's rogaurd + NP3 finish on my shotgun. The finish is excellent and has held up very well with little/no wear on parts. Later on, when I wanted to add a side saddle, I asked them if they would coat the screws in NP3 to match the guns finish, they did this and at NO CHARGE to me!! Later, when a part broke, they also refinished the replacement part for me at NO CHARGE!
Lately, I had some questions about possibly refinishing the barrel (since the ports near the muzzle have started to take the finish off of the vent rib). They said,
"No problem! Send it on over, and we'll refinish it for you at no charge!"
All this, and at less of a cost than Wilson's ripoff joke finish.
Why send a gun to Wilson when they don't even improve the performance of the shotgun anyway? Vangcomp will make your gun pattern tighter, kick less, AND shrink slug groups! Plus he will add ghost ring sights, metal parts, etc if you want.
My advice is, if you want to improve your shotgun's performance, send the gun off to Vang. If you want to get the best finish possible, send it off to robar. And if you want to do both, than send it to both! Vang will even send the gun to robar for you if you want his services too (which is what I did). You will not regret buying service from either of these two great gun companies.
Good customer service goes a long way IMHO. They should have refinished your shotgun without a fuss to make you happy. PERIOD.
Too bad many dealers only sell products but have no idea how to sell their business's if you know what I mean. Customer service goes a long way and nothing can hurt your future business worse than a unsatisified customer.
Too bad many dealers only sell products but have no idea how to sell their business's if you know what I mean. Customer service goes a long way and nothing can hurt your future business worse than a unsatisified customer.
NoScreenName
Member
The very least they could have done is offer a refinish at a discounted or half price rate...
I think that would have been a decent compromise by both sides...
I have run into similar problems in other product arenas and been offered that same deal and while it's not 100% satisfying it was an acceptable compromise I felt...
While this is total speculation, as I have always felt that Wilson''s was overpriced, perhaps the problem with them is that Mr Wilson actually spent a great deal of time building up the name over the years to what it is now and has taken a somewhat less active role in the operation and it is run by people who don't have such a stake in the company's reputation and doing right by customers...
Honestly, I wouldn't have bought any of their products or services before but this doesn't really add to their image in my mind...
I thank the original poster for sharing the story...
I think it was a wise choice disputing the charge with the CC company... those people are wicked and do their jobs well... Wilson's will wish they had offered a better resolution after the CC company gets done with them...
I think that would have been a decent compromise by both sides...
I have run into similar problems in other product arenas and been offered that same deal and while it's not 100% satisfying it was an acceptable compromise I felt...
While this is total speculation, as I have always felt that Wilson''s was overpriced, perhaps the problem with them is that Mr Wilson actually spent a great deal of time building up the name over the years to what it is now and has taken a somewhat less active role in the operation and it is run by people who don't have such a stake in the company's reputation and doing right by customers...
Honestly, I wouldn't have bought any of their products or services before but this doesn't really add to their image in my mind...
I thank the original poster for sharing the story...
I think it was a wise choice disputing the charge with the CC company... those people are wicked and do their jobs well... Wilson's will wish they had offered a better resolution after the CC company gets done with them...
springfieldmaniac
Member
Et Spiritus Sancti, My apologies to you for offending such a literary genius.In regards to the validity of my post from TFL,I honestly could care less if you believe the post or not.
To the rest of the forum members,please feel free to go to TFL to read the entire thread about my horrible experience with Wilson Combat.Thanks for your support.
Best Regards,R.Swanno
To the rest of the forum members,please feel free to go to TFL to read the entire thread about my horrible experience with Wilson Combat.Thanks for your support.
Best Regards,R.Swanno
BluesBear
member
springfieldmaniac
WELCOME ABOARD!â„¢
I am sorry to hear that you were treated so poorly. Please keep us updated on this.
I know I remember back when Wilson just just a tiny company turning out some great custom work. The recent products I have seen were much less impressive.
I am not slighting their work, it's just that I can't see paying the Dom Perignon price for a Mogen David product.
Personally, I relly like the work I've seen done by this company and, based on first hand reports, the next time I need a shotgun reworked they're the ones getting my money.
p.s. High-fives to SunBear. Tell it like it is Brother!
WELCOME ABOARD!â„¢
I am sorry to hear that you were treated so poorly. Please keep us updated on this.
I know I remember back when Wilson just just a tiny company turning out some great custom work. The recent products I have seen were much less impressive.
I am not slighting their work, it's just that I can't see paying the Dom Perignon price for a Mogen David product.
Personally, I relly like the work I've seen done by this company and, based on first hand reports, the next time I need a shotgun reworked they're the ones getting my money.
p.s. High-fives to SunBear. Tell it like it is Brother!
springfieldmaniac
Member
Thanks for the welcome bluesbear.If you check out the thread on TFL and follow all my posts it gives a more detailed idea of the situation.Thanks!
Otherguy Overby
member
Wilson Combat
I've talked with three smiths in Northern Arkansas who used to work for Wilson.
All of them, stated that there were problems at Wilson.
I've talked with three smiths in Northern Arkansas who used to work for Wilson.
All of them, stated that there were problems at Wilson.
Buck Snort
Member
I don't think anybody without a PHd. in English should be allowed to post here so EVERYBODY can understand what he/she is trying to say!!
454c
Member
Bill Wilson still owns Wilson Combat.NoScreenName has speculated correctly.After the company was established,he put somebody else in charge and started living it up. I hear he still drops by every now and then.
The Real Hawkeye
member
I am not at all surprised. I had a very similar experience with Wilson Combat a few years ago, and swore never to deal with them again. I bought a Compact version of the CQB from them. When I ordered it, they said it would take between eight months and a year, as they were back logged at the time. That was fine with me. About six weeks later, I get a call telling me that my CQB was ready for shipment and that they just needed the final payment. I asked how that could be, but the guy on the phone said it just was, without explaining why it was ready so soon when I was told at least eight months. I figured I wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth and sent the check.
It arrived at the gun shop, and I came and picked it up. I looked at it in the shop, but it was dark and I was pretty eager to get it home, so I didn't notice the problems till I got it home. First off, the sights were the kind that were standard for the CQB from about two or three years previous. Since then, they had switched to Novak night sights. These had what I think were called "Cat Eye" sights, no longer part of the CQB package by this point. Next thing I noticed was that the finish looked like it had extensive holster wear on all the areas you get wear on a 1911 when it has been regularly carried for about a year. I immediately called them, and they just denied that it could have any wear on the finish, as they claimed the gun was just made brand new for me. Essentially, they were calling me a liar, so I figured I'd send it back and they could see for themselves, along with a note asking that they replace the sights and redo the finish (it looked like a well used gun). They sent it back to me with new sights, but the finish still looked like what you'd expect to see on a veteran carry gun. I called them, and they said the finish was fine, and they would not redo it at their expense.
I think I got a used demo gun. All the evidence is there. First, it was provided at least 6.5 months ahead of schedule. Second, it had the sights that had not been part of the CQB package for over two years by that time. Third, it's finish looked like it had been holstered daily for about a year, all forward corners having exposed metal, and a gradual fade from there to the areas with finish. I had never even holstered or fired the gun. That's the way it came to me. When I complained, their reps essentially laughed at me, as if to say, sue us. I would never buy another Wilson product again, short of a magazine.
It arrived at the gun shop, and I came and picked it up. I looked at it in the shop, but it was dark and I was pretty eager to get it home, so I didn't notice the problems till I got it home. First off, the sights were the kind that were standard for the CQB from about two or three years previous. Since then, they had switched to Novak night sights. These had what I think were called "Cat Eye" sights, no longer part of the CQB package by this point. Next thing I noticed was that the finish looked like it had extensive holster wear on all the areas you get wear on a 1911 when it has been regularly carried for about a year. I immediately called them, and they just denied that it could have any wear on the finish, as they claimed the gun was just made brand new for me. Essentially, they were calling me a liar, so I figured I'd send it back and they could see for themselves, along with a note asking that they replace the sights and redo the finish (it looked like a well used gun). They sent it back to me with new sights, but the finish still looked like what you'd expect to see on a veteran carry gun. I called them, and they said the finish was fine, and they would not redo it at their expense.
I think I got a used demo gun. All the evidence is there. First, it was provided at least 6.5 months ahead of schedule. Second, it had the sights that had not been part of the CQB package for over two years by that time. Third, it's finish looked like it had been holstered daily for about a year, all forward corners having exposed metal, and a gradual fade from there to the areas with finish. I had never even holstered or fired the gun. That's the way it came to me. When I complained, their reps essentially laughed at me, as if to say, sue us. I would never buy another Wilson product again, short of a magazine.
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Going slightly OT, what's the story with Eezox? The guy who taught my NRA safety course years ago claimed that he used it to lift old finishes when he was refinishing a gun, and that if there were nicks or gaps in the finish Eezox was great at getting in there and taking the finish off.
I remain convinced that a lot of what this particular guy had to say about anything was B.S., and obviously this shouldn't happen with a pricey, brand new finish, but is Eezox really known to do this?
I remain convinced that a lot of what this particular guy had to say about anything was B.S., and obviously this shouldn't happen with a pricey, brand new finish, but is Eezox really known to do this?
no_morelipfrom_you
Member
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2004
- Messages
- 46
Based on this thread alone I will never deal with wilson
Bwana John
Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2004
- Messages
- 2,960
Based on this thread alone I will never deal with "The Holy Ghost".
I never dealt with Wilson's.
Even if the person was mistreating the surface, Wilson's should have redone the job, and gotten a valued customer.
Wilson also should have tested the chemicals on the gun themselves to see if it was their mistake.
As with alot of companies that start small and build a rep for quality and service, it will go down when the payroll gets bigger. Employees will also leave having their reps and values honed at their employer.
There is never, ever an excuse for treating a customer rudely.
As for Et Spiritus Sancti: Please ride your high horse over to another forum where your need for ego boosting at the expense of others can be appreciated.
BOB
Even if the person was mistreating the surface, Wilson's should have redone the job, and gotten a valued customer.
Wilson also should have tested the chemicals on the gun themselves to see if it was their mistake.
As with alot of companies that start small and build a rep for quality and service, it will go down when the payroll gets bigger. Employees will also leave having their reps and values honed at their employer.
There is never, ever an excuse for treating a customer rudely.
As for Et Spiritus Sancti: Please ride your high horse over to another forum where your need for ego boosting at the expense of others can be appreciated.
BOB
Blues Bear: Thanks for the kind words. I enjoy your posts.
Fear not. There is nothing to fear for I AM with you. Do not look around you in terror or be dismayed for I AM your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties. Isaiah 41:10
Fear not. There is nothing to fear for I AM with you. Do not look around you in terror or be dismayed for I AM your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties. Isaiah 41:10
carebear
Member
That's what happens when the 'name' that built the business goes from "owner/operator" to "beloved founder".
Now the little guy can't get any service cause Wilson's nailin' cocktail waitresses two at a time.
Somebody needs to slap him around a little.
Now the little guy can't get any service cause Wilson's nailin' cocktail waitresses two at a time.
Somebody needs to slap him around a little.
The Real Hawkeye
member
That's what Mo Green says he's doing, anyway. Oh, wait a minute, that's Fredo.
That would be "embarrassed".
I am sorry about your problem, understand your complaint, and am embarrassed that a member would be treated with such a lack of respect, not just by the offending corporation, but by another member. This is not a term paper, and should not be judged as such. Hang in there. Just hope your credit card company comes through for you.------Tom
I am sorry about your problem, understand your complaint, and am embarrassed that a member would be treated with such a lack of respect, not just by the offending corporation, but by another member. This is not a term paper, and should not be judged as such. Hang in there. Just hope your credit card company comes through for you.------Tom
johnnymenudo
Member
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2003
- Messages
- 98
Pay for everything with a credit card. If you get screwed you contact the credit card company and dispute the charges. Solves a lot of problems and forces people to take action if they think they are not going to get paid.
JM
JM
- Status
