Page 1 of 2

looking for advice regarding purchase of new under lever

Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 8:22 pm
by spartan7510
I purchased a brand new Marlin 38/357 CSBL with xs sights, not going to name the importer since everyone knows. I had issues with zeroing, the POI is about 5 inches above POA with the sight dialled right down (on advise from Marlin themselves) I had 2 seasoned shooters from my club try it out just incase it was my eyesight at request of the importer - with the same result as mine. Rifle was sent back to the importer, they tested and confirmed the same problem even after swapping out the xs sights. So in effect the rifle, been brand new was sold to me in what can only be considered defective. The importer claims this is the first probelm they have come across with this rile in the UK, so that further reinforces the notion of a factory defect. As I understand from conversation today they have sent it off for a warranty repair which they will be using aftermarket sights and not the factory original. Im not happy about this considering it is a brand new rifle with less than 50 rounds through it, never used properly since could not be zero'ed. Would I be within my rights to ask for a brand new replacement or in the alternative a refund? What would other members do in this case?

Re: looking for advice regarding purchase of new under lever

Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 8:37 pm
by Sim G
It doesn't perform as it should and the importer has as much agreed there is an issue as they've taken it back for warranty work.

Unfortunately, it's a Remington made rifle. Quality control over the last couple of years is well documented to be at best sketchy and at worst appalling. This has been demonstrated more with Marlin branded Remington rifles, than anything else.

I'm a huge Marlin fan. I have 19 at the minute although double ups will be getting culled, but, despite how much Remington are improving, I still wouldn't buy one. I said at the beginning they've as much as acknowledged there is an issue, I'd want a refund as there's no way that rifle is going back to Ilion. If anything, it'll have gone to Riflecraft who have been doing Remington's warranty work for a few years now. My VSSF went to them. I'll not comment any further....

Re: looking for advice regarding purchase of new under lever

Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 8:40 pm
by Sim G
Oh, BYW, I have a couple of JM rifles that I retro fitted XS sights to, absolutely no issues at all with either. Zero'd perfectly...

Re: looking for advice regarding purchase of new under lever

Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 8:47 pm
by spartan7510
Sim G wrote:It doesn't perform as it should and the importer has as much agreed there is an issue as they've taken it back for warranty work.

Unfortunately, it's a Remington made rifle. Quality control over the last couple of years is well documented to be at best sketchy and at worst appalling. This has been demonstrated more with Marlin branded Remington rifles, than anything else.

I'm a huge Marlin fan. I have 19 at the minute although double ups will be getting culled, but, despite how much Remington are improving, I still wouldn't buy one. I said at the beginning they've as much as acknowledged there is an issue, I'd want a refund as there's no way that rifle is going back to Ilion. If anything, it'll have gone to Riflecraft who have been doing Remington's warranty work for a few years now. My VSSF went to them. I'll not comment any further....

Thats correct, they said sent to riflecraft for warranty work. What are the alternatives ot Marlin which are recommended?

Re: looking for advice regarding purchase of new under lever

Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 8:58 pm
by Sim G
Alternatives for warranty work, or alternatives for the rifle?

Re: looking for advice regarding purchase of new under lever

Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 9:33 pm
by Dark Skies
The Sale of Goods Act 1979 is your friend - the fact that it's a rifle makes no difference to that of a duff electrical product. It's not of satisfactory quality and it's not fit for purpose. Chuck it back at them and demand your money back. If they refuse it's a simple process to initiate a small claim via county court. You can do it online now.

In the past I've written a letter outlining why I want my money back and sent them a pre-filled N1 with it. I explain I've already filled out the form and am ready to rock. I've found that effective. I certainly wouldn't want a rifle that's had to be fitted with after market products to get it to work because come the time to sell it may be a limiting factor - a lot of peeps want bog standard.

Re: looking for advice regarding purchase of new under lever

Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 9:46 pm
by walesdave
Sale of Goods Act has been replaced by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.....and to the surprise of many gun shops it applies to firearm purchases just as much as to buying a telly from Currys or a pair of jeans from Next!

I'd be using the short term right to reject which gives the consumer the right to demand a refund if goods are faulty and the retailer is notified within a 'short term' - usually taken to be 30 days. Note: the 30 days is for when you FIRST make the retailer aware of the issue. Don't deal with anyone other than the retailer....this isn't a warrenty claim or an importer issue....you bought the gun from the retailer, your rights are only concerning them.

Fyi: if you'd notified the retailer of the issue after 30 days, then they, generally, can choose to repair (to original spec), replace or refund the item....

Re: looking for advice regarding purchase of new under lever

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 7:40 am
by David TS
spartan7510 wrote:What are the alternatives ot Marlin which are recommended?
Henry :good:

Re: looking for advice regarding purchase of new under lever

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 9:36 am
by Mike95
5 inches above poa? Is the barrel bent....

I bought a new Remlin last year in 30/30....the basic model...horrible woodwork finish but otherwise a good shooter...no problems...I would estimate that the microgroove rifling is considerably deeper cut than some of the JM models I have owned...no problem with the sights...just pot luck unfortunately when buying a Remlin. You do have a number of alternatives to Remlin for a 357.....Rossi...Henry...bolt action Ruger...Uberti...

Mike95

Re: looking for advice regarding purchase of new under lever

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 2:26 pm
by jimbo303
Oh sorry to hear that it is so far out.....

Picked up a new Uberti 73 the other month. Interesting differences between 38 Spl and 357 Mag at 20 yards

38 Spl was grouping about 2 inches higher that POA - 357 Mag was spot on and both types slightly to the right. Was easily able to drift foresight slightly and now spot on. Even at longer distances its very much POA.

Sorry to hear your situation - hope it gets resolved in a swift and satisfactory manner.