PSL recall (what to send back)

[buck00]

I have seen very little about the PSL recall by Century International Arms Inc (even did a search) so I wanted to post about it.

I bought a PSL last fall locally and really like it. Of course let’s not get into the whole “the PSL isn’t a real dragunov” argument. Overall it is a fun rifle to shoot.

Last week I got a certified letter from Century informing me the ATF has determined that PSL rifles “are not suitable for domestic distribution” and must be recalled. The ATF “will be notified of customers who do not respond.” They are going to adjust/fix it and send it back. Ok, no problem I’ll send it back- in fact I already called Century and made arrangements (they are paying for all shipping costs).

When pressed, Century refused to say what the problem was, but apparently it has to do with a welded hole that makes it a “machinegun” although mine only fires semi-auto. I don’t even rapid fire it.

* The main point of my post is this. When I asked the customer service rep at Century if I should send back accessories too (scope, mags, sling) she goes “yup, yup, everything.” I call the gun shop I bought it from, and the owner (who spoke to higher ups in Century) told me DO NOT send anything back except the rifle. Century only needs to replace the receiver. They DO NOT need the scope or anything extra, and if you send it, you may not get it back.

I just wanted to send that out in case anyone is subject to the PSL recall.

 

[skypirate7]

I don't own one of those but I am curious as to what would happen if someone was never notified of the recall... for example, if a guy moved after purchasing it (and Century wouldn't be able to find his current address if they contacted his gunstore) or if a guy sold it to someone else in a private sale.

It would suck to find out a decade later that your rifle has been wanted by the ATF all along.

 

[buck00]

read between the lines

or if a guy sold it to someone else in a private sale.

In PA, selling a rifle (hunting or military surplus) to another PA resident is the same as selling your lawn mower at a garage sale. No FFL or paper work is needed. So in theory, there could be some guns out there they won't be able track down.


But then I began to ask, how is this happening in the first place?

Did the ATF screw up originally and allow the rifles do be imported or did Century screw up?

I think some THR members are missing the mark with the precedent this sets. What would you do if you got a certified letter (from either the wholesaler or ATF) saying your AR-15 (or favorite mil rifle) was deemed "no longer suitable for domestic distribution or ownership" and you needed to send it in?

I have a feeling we might be seeing a lot more "recalls" (including permenant ones) after 2009 when the Dems take office.

 

[Punisher_Paul]

Same Problem

Buck00,

Thanks for bringing this issue into the light. I have done some research to no avail as well.
I recently called Century Arms about the letter I received. They stated that there was an open hole near the bolt, that should have been closed. I thought that this was kind of strange that this is an ATF issue, so I called the ATF here in Denver and the inspector I spoke with had no knowledge of the recall. The stranger thing is that my rifle has been sitting boxed by my door for more than a week, waiting for UPS to pick it up. If this was such an important matter, I would think it would be gone by now. I also removed my upgraded 30x scope and flash supressor from my rifle, because I know I wouldn't get those back.

Thanks.

 

[Ethereal]

PS hell

From what I gathered by talking to Century when I spoke with them about sending my rifle in, they asked for the rifle and all the accessories because you were to be sent another rifle package as replacement. You were sold the rifle with all the accessories, so they all should be returned together. After Century gets your package they will send you a completely different PSL rifle with the same goodies you had before. I won't recommend to anyone whether or not to include everything as I was told, but if Century is willing to swap out the rifles to correct their mistake I'll try to be as helpful as I can so this situation is resolved as quickly as possible. I could be wrong, who knows, maybe Century will take my stuff and send me nothing but the rifle back.

 

[50 Freak]

So far I saw a pic of a "replacement" PSL and it had mismatched furniture and was shoddily made with rust spots.

I plan only to send my receiver and barrel to Century. I'm keeping everything else. I spent good money to get a excellent condition matching serial numbered rifle. No way am I going to get back a POS rifle put together by the monkeys at Century.

 

[Punisher_Paul]

Reply

50 Freak, where did you see this replacement PSL? That's one thing I was worried about; getting a crappy rifle back, when mine was in almost perfect condition.

 

[hexidismal]

50 Freak, where did you see this replacement PSL? That's one thing I was worried about; getting a crappy rifle back, when mine was in almost perfect condition.

There is another very current thread here on THR on this subject where the poster shows what he currently had as compared to a picture someone had on another forum of what they got back. I'm not sure where that thread is, but the results certainly didn't look promising.

EDIT: Ah here it is - http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=267971&highlight=psl

 

[gaweidert]

On another board the poser sent a letter back asking what would happen if he didnt' send the rifle back. They said that they would then have to send a notification to BATF. .

 

[precisionshootist]

I hope when they notify BATFE that they also include the fact that it was them (CAI) that has sold dozens of illegal rifles. This thing has an odor to it.
I haven't seen anything official from BATFE. Also "not fit for domestic distribution". Is that their way of saying "according to BATFE, we've been selling illegal machine guns". If I owned a near perfect all matching (including the magazines) fantastic shooting PSL, their terms would NOT be acceptable.

This is my first post, sorry about the rant.

 

[TheDisturbed1]

i wonder if it would be very painful to just go to Bucharest and get one over there and just bring it back...

and Welcome to THR precisionshootist!

 

[Avenger29]

BuckOO, the main issues that people are having with the PSL recall is that the replacements that Century provides are crap. On the other thread, the poster handpicked an excellent rifle and did not want to deal with getting a crappy one from Century

How did Century find out that you owned the PSL, since you purchased it locally?

 

[Xtro]

For those that are concerned...

It took Century 3 weeks door-to-door on mine, and the replacement is nicer than the one I sent back.