Just got a new rifle, what's the best way to get a complaint fixed?

[jpuke]

I bought a new 45-70 1895 about 3 weeks ago from Ozark Guns.  I've dealt with them before and have nothing bad to say about them.  I realize that some of you might not buy guns sight unseen but I did.  I had a good experience with the last Marlin that I owned so I trusted them.

My question is what can or what should I do about the lousy fitting job that Marlin did with the forearm cap?  I took it off to wipe down the barrel and magazine but when I went to put it back on, the hole didn't line upon the left side.  The right side of the forearm cap doesn't even come close to being near the barrel (about 2 mm off).  I finally had to put a punch in the sling swivel and torque the forearm cap to the left to get the hole to line up enough for me to get it screwed back on.  All that torque can't be good for accuracy.  Is this normal?  I had an 1895 before (never should have traded it, beautiful rifle) and the quality was much better, the fit and finish on this rifle are disappointing.  Do I bother with complaining to Marlin?

Once it warms up I'll get it out to shoot and see if it'll group at all with all that torque on the forearm/tenon/screws.  Suggestions?

Thanks

[dpe.ahoy]

Might try the Remington Facebook page.  DP

[yukondog]

I try not to take the forend cap off if I dont need to, they can be a real bear to get the screws back in. I have a 1978 94 that the forend was real lose, tenon screws striped, replaced the tenon and screws now the gun went from 1 1/2" groups to 4" at 100 yrds. Never could leave well enough alone. But the fun part is working up a new load.

[Old Grizz]

Call Marlin and tell them of your concerns. They need to hear from folks who recieve a firearm with poor workmanship. Myself I have never had a problem but over on MO there has been a number of folks complaining about poor fitting wood etc.  I know they will be more than happy to take care of it for you.

[Savage .250]

As some have suggested, make the call  to Marlin. You`ve got to start some where, 

[Spanky]

There's a few guys on here who have already made Marlin aware of their fit and finish issues and instructed the company on how to fix them.
Personally I'd shoot the gun and see how it performs.



Spanky

[jpuke]

I called Marlin yesterday.  The gentleman on the phone was very nice and I can't help but wonder if he gets tired of hearing some of the same complaints.  They're sending me a new forearm tip and screws (one was boogered up when I got the rifle) to see if that helps.  I'm hoping the snow and cold let up soon so I can cast some bullets and get some shooting in. 

[Flynmoose]

Glad you made the call and gave them a chance to make it right. I was
hesitant to call Marlin about the feeding problem with my new 1894 44.
I am glad that I did, they repaired it in a reasonable amount of time and
it feeds very well now. If I win the lottery, I will look for another Guide
gun, this time with no ports.
FM

[quietman]

Probably have the same problem I encountered with my 338MX and a replacement cap I went to put on an older Marlin.

See here:
http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,82614.0.html

Be sure to check your replacement cap as there is a chance it could have the same issue as your original. At least now you'll know what to look for.

[jpuke]

UPDATE:  I went to put a new front sight on my rifle the other night and found two different sets of holes under the factory sight.  I initially put the sight on one set only to find that the sight was now canted to about 11 0'clock.  I put the sight in the other set of holes and it set up right (mostly) but left me with an unplugged hole on the end of the tube.  I called Marlin to get a filler screw and the Customer Service rep told me to send the rifle back.  Now it's on its way....

I also went to put the new forearm tip on that Marlin had sent me (original reason for this post) only to notice that the tenon, the part that the forearm tip screw into, is completely off.  The dovetail that they cut for it is nowhere near square to the bottom of the barrel and that's why the holes in the forearm tip wouldn't line up, and never will. 

I'm not sure if the barrel they put on this gun had been cut for another gun and then placed on my gun but it's pretty disappointing that it left the factory in such a condition.  I didn't bother to check if the tenon dovetail was square to the other set of front sight holes but I'd imagine that could be the case. 

Also had to send the rifle to Ilion, NY.  Not New Haven. 
The times, they are a changin'

[grout-scout]

Yikes, I hope you get the made on Tuesday rifle this time and not the made on Monday rifle! Good luck

[jpuke]

I complained quickly about this rifle and Marlin, so I'd better get to complimenting quickly as well.  My rifle arrived in Ilion, NY on Friday, February 11th and was returned to me this last Friday, February 25th.  They put a new barrel on it, complete with a properly installed front sight and forearm tenon and tip that line up correctly.  Looks great, now I need the snow to go away so I can shoot it. 

I wasn't pleased that a rifle could have left the factory as it did, but I'm pleased they got it fixed so quickly. 

[Halwg]

Light at the end of the tunnel.

[guzzijohn]

I am glad to hear that they fixed you up in a timely manner. If this keeps happening a lot and customers demand to have these things fixed maybe they will be a little more careful at the factory. I am guessing the bean counters look at what it costs to keep high QC compared to what it costs to fix them later under warranty. If they have to fix enough returns it may prompt them to improve QC. It seems to me that fixing returns would get expensive quickly. They have shipping costs, labor costs, and part costs.
GuzziJohn