Issue with new USFA 12/22

[drjdog5150]

So I got the call that my new USFA nickel 12/22 came in today, picked it up and gave it a quick once over, looked flawless, went home and went to pull the hammer back and started to check everything out up close...looks great, went to de-cock it and the hammer squeaks and rubs  pull it back again and the hammer (nickel) was now horribly scratched  de-cocked really slow and saw it was rubbing bad.  Now from looking at it, the right side gap is right on, but the bottom half of the left side is super tight and the top has a gap like the right side!

Now this makes me look the gun over even closer and I found some other fit flaws, I'm getting very concerned now, I have never, ever heard anything but praises on fit and finish from USFA...what should I do?  I really want this firearm to be flawless and perfect; this is the most expensive pistol I have ever bought.  Should I send it back to the Dealer for a refund or to USFA to see what they can do...I'm so bummed about this right now, any suggestions would be HIGHLY appreciated.  Also have any of you other USFA owners had any issues, and if you have how long does it take to get the firearm back from USFA, days, moths?

Thanks,
Jason

[Doc Sunrise]

Call Gary Granger at USFA.  USFA is excellent about correcting any issues, and in quick time.  It is unfortunate that every once and a while something goes wrong, but experience has shown USFA will make it right.  I know USFA does not take problems lightly.  In the past Gary has asked people to closely inspect certain areas after hard usage to verify dependability, and when a problem occurs, USFA quickly looks into it to make whatever adjustments are needed.

[drjdog5150]

Thanks for the reply...got ahold of the dealer and they told me the same thing, I'll call Gary 1st thing on Monday, thanks again!

Jason

[drjdog5150]

Update: Got a Fed-ex label in the mail yesterday and mailed the gun out today!  I will post when its back and fixed up!

Jason

[drjdog5150]

Update #2:

Well got a call from Gary yesterday to let me know they had fixed one of the frame issues, asked him about the hammer rubbing and he told me that was just how they are...he said it was in spec?  But they would check it again, sounds pretty good so far...but I have a concern based on the following comment he made.  I mentioned to Gary the main reason behind my purchase was USFA's reputation for a superior quality firearm and the outstanding fit and finnish they are known for, he replied to me that its kinda like when I joined the Army I thought I would get all the best equipment, but then I found out it was all from the lowest bidder!  WOW, I was kinda shocked by this and told him "USFA is NOT the lowest bidder by far, this gun cost around $1,300, probaly the most expensive 22 SAA in production...anyways, kinda worried but I will not make any conclusions till I get my firearm back.

Jason

[Doc Sunrise]

My son & I recently shot our new 12/22 in Nickel and found it to be perfect.  We shot several hundred rounds through it without any problems.  It easily shot very tight groups.  After cleanup, there was some typical light hammer rubbings and nothing on the cylinder knotches.  We were very pleased.

As far as Gary's comment,

First:  Looks like he was just on vacation after all.

Second:  I know from time to time USFA has had some small issues that popped up, and usually it fell back to a supplier of metals that would have been chosen for low cost, but then also fell out of spec somewhere along the line.  I have yet to see a company that didn't have a problem because of some supplier.  Thankfully, USFA stands behind their product and makes it right.

[Recon]

I will be watching this thread with great interest.  Please keep us updated. 

I got a NIB Colt with several fit and finish problems, sent it back, got it back with one problem fixed, some problems remaining unfixed, and some new problems.  I sent it back one more time.  It's been un-fired and out of my hands for damn near half a year now.

People here and elsewhere had me convinced I should go USFA.  But I'm beginning to think I need to personally fly or drive back east, walk right in (Colt or USFA), and finger-flop each gun personally and hand/cherry pick the one I want.  THEN, ask for permission to work the action.  If permission is granted and the action works fine, THEN ask for permission to shoot the hell out of it.  If granted and it shoots fine, then give somebody some money and drive or fly back home.

It's a damn shame, really.

[Doc Sunrise]

I can personally state that that amount of trouble is not warranted.  I have 65 firearms from US Firearms and I am very happy with all of them.  I have only had issues with 3.  2 were due to a recall in early 2006, which the turn around time was less than 30 days.  The third was sent with a polished side hammer when I wanted a Case Colored hammer.  USFA fixed that issue immediately.

I have shot most of them, some made it as safe keepers, and they have been exceptional firearms.  I would not hesitate in the least in purchasing a firearm from USFA.  If you run into an issue that you are not happy with,which is rare but does happen, my experience is they stand behind their guns and take care of their problems.

[Blackpowder Burn]

+1 Doc Sunrise.  I have 5 USFA's so far, and not a single problem.  All are outstanding firearms.  My next goal is to have a pair of Rodeo II's specially made up in 32-20 - saving my nickels now.

[drjdog5150]

It seems from everyone here that they will make it right, I have my fingers crossed and will definatly keep everyone updated...I completly understand sometimes things happen, and I will always give the company the oppurtunity to make it right. 
Again I will let you guys know how this plays out, I really hope it comes back 100% so I can get out and enjoy it!

[drjdog5150]

Update #2:

Few months later and nothing yet...no phone call email or GUN!  Hope all is well with this company, guess I better give them a call and see how the progress is coming.  Great thing is now that its been so long I forget that I had bought this and it will be a surprise when it shows up!

[drjdog5150]

Update #3:

Called and spoke with Gary, he told me that the gun is all within tolerances and that some of the screws were put in wrong and thats what caused the frame to handle alignment to be off...same with the trigger guard.  He also told me the hammer was in spec and had 2k spacing on each side now.  He appologized for the time this took and said it will be mailed to me within the next week.  I asked him about the grip fitment and he went and looked at the gun, saw what I was talking about and mentioned they will look at it, but they (USFA) just are not that good at fitting the grips...again I was kind of amazed by this comment, I just have ALWAYS heard how exceptional the quaility of USFA's firearms are.  So I am awaiting the arrival and will let everyone know the final outcome.  I am hoping he just keeps making these off the wall quality comments to me to keep me guessing, and low and behold it will come back and be 100% perfect!  Heres hoping!

Jason

[drjdog5150]

Update #4:

Almost a month later and no Gun or anything from USFA, have tried to call them for the last 2 weeks and nothing, hopefully all is well or they are on vacation!

I have know saved up a few $$$$'s for another SAA purchase or two, but am holding back till I see the outcome of the way USFA takes care of this issue.

Jason

[Deadeye Don]

Sorry to hear about your issues with USFA.  Something is just not right with that company these days.   As for Gary's unusual comments to you;  he may need another "vacation". 

[J.D. Yellowhammer]

I hate to say it, but I'm having the same kinda problems.  I contacted Gary in August about a headspace problem with my special order Rodeos and he said they'd send a fedex label and check 'em out.  They didn't send the labels and I had to contact them again.  Finally got the labels and sent the revolvers in. They arrived Sept. 24. 

I was never contacted by USFA and tried calling many times, just trying to get info. At first I got the receptionist and left voice mails with Gary, but no call backs. Finally got Gary and he said the tech guy had been out but he was back and he'd call me back.  No call.  Tried calling again after a few weeks and couldn't even get a receptionist.  After several tries and leaving messages on voice mail, I finally contacted Gary on email and he said they were machining the cylinders and replacing the barrels, but the soldering machine that they use for front sights was down.  Now, almost 2 months into the return, I still haven't heard anything.

Before anyone starts saying that USFA has limited time for end-users and devotes their time/energy to resellers and distributors, let me say that it's a bad sign when you don't even have a receptionist to field calls.  Let me also say that I've owned 6 USFA's and I loved 'em all and still think they're the best revolvers I've ever had.  I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one, and in fact, if I can scratch up the bucks I intend to do just that.  I'll also say that I've dealt with Gary for over 5 years and bought guns directly from him and he's a great guy to do business with. 

I'm just worried that something bad is happening with my favorite gunmaker, USFA, and I hope this is just a temporary setback.

[J.D. Yellowhammer]

Two months now, and still no Rodeos and no word about when they might get fixed.  This is really disappointing. 

[drjdog5150]

Update #5:

Got word from Gary, it shipped out to me a few days back...FYI, they gave me a tracking # and it should be here the 25th, I will post pictures of the problem areas and let everyone know how it looks and how well it turned out!

Jason

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Please do let us know how it turned out.  4 months does seem to be an inordinately long time!

[drjdog5150]

Ok, finnally got the 12/22 back from USFA, looks to me like they fixed almost everything but not quite 100%...I have also now noticed the three screws on the frame below the cylinder are slightly off now, they almost look to be threaded in at a slight angle and they are not flush to the frame now.  I can almost see a thread on the screw closest to the barrel and when I checked and tried to tighten them they had no movment...

Anyways I think I can deal with that but I'm gonna take it to a local SAA gunsmith and see what he thinks just to be on the safe side.  Another thing I definatly did not like about this whole ordeal was the way USFA shipped it back to me.  I showed up at my house today and a FedEx package was sitting on my porch grab it and what do you know it was my pistol, just sitting out in the open up for grabs!!!  They sent the pistol back to me not requiring a signature per FedEx, thought that was very irresponsible of them.  Well at least it was still there and not stolen by some kid.

Here are some pics, let me know what you guys think!

Thanks,
Jason

Overall, frame to backstrap fit fixed 100%




This is one area they fixed...the gap was 3 times this size along the whole top side of the right grip, better, but not 100%



They did not re-nickel the hammer, but fixed the gap so that the hammer is now centered (left side was touching frame before).  Now it does not rub, but still has the scratch to prove that it did.


This is the best pic I could get of the frame screws, this is the only thing that I am not happy with! I can deal with the grip.



I think I might have the hammer Jeweled to take care of the scratchs and am tempted to send it back to fix whatever is wrong with the screws. 

Another small issue, no biggie but just FYI.  When I talked to Gary I told him since they needed to fix the grip fitment I would like them to install a set of the Faux Ivory grips they sell and have them fit to the gun and of course I would pay, he said they would, but they did not do this.   I think to sum it up, that after seeing what USFA says is now "perfect" I will not be buying anymore USFA's.  Sad to say, but all my $3-400 Uberti's have a better fit then this.

Thanks for any imput on this...I am I just being to anal?  It took me alot of work to buy this ($1300 is alot for a SGT in the Army) so I just feel it should be on par with my Colt Python as far as fit.  I bought this gun as a shooter and to pass on to my kids, that is why I want it to be 100% fit.

Jason

[RRio]

Sorry you have issues with the gun, because it is a beauty.

I agree, for $1300 you should be happy with fit and finish, and it should be on par with a Python. And then completely blowing off the Ivory grips makes me wonder if something is going on with USFA.