Use Davidson's for Taurus/Rossi purchases?

[Quoheleth]

I've been planning on picking up a new Rossi 92 in .357 Magnum sooner or later. Looking at on-line reviews and comments on gun forums, such as this one, I see most folks seem to really like theirs, but there is a percentage that have problems, from very rough internals (most common), to failure to feed, etc. While you always inspect a gun before filling out the 4473, there's always that chance that the problem doesn't surface until it's been taken home and shot. Rossi has the same lifetime warranty of Taurus, but that leaves the new owner having to deal with shipping and waiting, etc. From what I've seen, Rossi/Taurus will not send a shipping label, so you're out the cost of shipping even if the gun is repaired under warranty.

So, I got to thinking about ordering thru Davidson's Gallery of Guns. Davidson's has a lifetime "GuaranteeD" warranty of replace-or-repair. From their website, "'We've got you covered' -- If anything should ever go wrong with your purchase we'll provide immediate replacement or free repair. Available only on guns your retailer purchases from Davidson's, always ask for GuaranteeDSM!" http://www.galleryofguns.com/about/WarrantyReg.aspx The price difference, though, is about $40 between Buds and a couple other on-line dealers and a Davidson's gun.

So, with a gun like a Taurus or Rossi, is that $40 a good backup insurance policy? Or is it over-kill since Taurus already has it covered?

Has anyone used Davidson's warranty? Is it as smooth and trouble-free as they make it sound, or do they give you the third-degree run-around?

Q

 

[Captcurt]

I have not used Davidson's yet but I did send a 738 TCP back to Taurus. They had it back in 10 days. I paid shipping one way, but I am a dealer. I have a Ruger GP that is going back to Davidson's.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Or is it over-kill since Taurus already has it covered?

Depends on whether they cover shipping. If so, then it might be worth it. Taurus only pays shipping to them within the first 6 months. After that, you're on your own.

I didn't particularly appreciate it when I had a new Taurus that has a problem and then answer was, "Put a couple of hundred rounds through it and it should work itself out." Foolishly, I took the guy's advice. By the time I did that and called back, I was informed that I was outside the six month period and they wouldn't budge. Having something like this may not have left such a bad taste in my mouth about Taurus.

 

[Shinbone]

I have a Taurus PT92 AFS that is going back to Davidson's through the dealer I bought it from. So far, I need to come up with the $15 to ship it to Davidson's. They will then send it on to Taurus. I bought it in 2009. I haven't spent a lot of time shooting it, but the barrel crown looks to be off center. I could not get it sighted in even with an adjustable rear sight I had put on it.
I'm taking it back to the dealer on Saturday.

 

[rule303]

I am a Davidsons dealer, and you shouldn't have to pay shipping. They will send a call tag. I have only had to use their warranty a few times, but I have always had a new gun within 3 or 4 days.

 

[joecil]

Actually Taurus/Rossi is a year they cover the shipping both ways and always the return shipping. If they told you otherwise then I would of asked to speak to their supervisor.

 

[Shinbone]

It was the local dealer who told me I need $15 for shipping, not Davidson.
Is there something I should ask the dealer about that he might not be aware of? I don't know if he has ever sent anything back.
I'm not sure what they'll do with this since I replaced the rear sight. I don't mind loosing the rear sight for a new firearm, if it comes down to that.

 

[sig228]

Want a lifetime warranty from OTHER THAN the manufacturer?

Worth the double coverage.

 

[Jeff H]

The price difference, though, is about $40 between Buds and a couple other on-line dealers and a Davidson's gun.

A couple things to consider:

When you order from Davidson's, you get a price on the website that the local dealer is selling you the gun for. In my case, I have several dealers that are within a reasonable driving distance and they all sell at different prices through Davidson's. This price includes transfer and shipping costs.

When you order from Buds, you will have to pay a separate transfer fee, which i some cases is $20-50 and varies by dealer.

I've only ordered one gun from Davidson's and oddly enough it was a Rossi 92. The transaction went smooth and I actually paid less than Buds+ separate transfer fee, but I have a local dealer that didn't charge much markup on Davidson. YMMV

 

[sig228]

One other note: the Davidson's price is supposed to be all inclusive. Some dealers have tried to charge me for the NICS check call in fee. I confirmed with Davidson's that this is not correct.

 

[TennJed]

One other note: the Davidson's price is supposed to be all inclusive. Some dealers have tried to charge me for the NICS check call in fee. I confirmed with Davidson's that this is not correct.

Yes I would recommend calling the dealer before placing your order and squaring everything away. The first time I used davidson's I place the order witht the lowest FFL in my area. I had spoken with the FFl several months before to ask him about Davidson's and if all fees were included, and he told me yes. Fast forward several months later and I place the order late one night and call the FFL the next morning to let him know. He had closed down shop and moved 3 states over. I called davidson's and they stopped the order (very friendly and efficient people at Davidson's) and he was removed from their listing or dealers within the hour.

I also had one local dealer that tax would be added once I picked the gun up. I told him that the tax is calculated and figured on Davidson's website and he argued with me over it. I called Davidson's and they personally called the dealer and squared that issue up with them.

I am a big fan of the people at davidson's, just make sure the local guys are on the same page.