Into the Great Unknown with Marlin Warranty and Customer Service...

[SuperstitionCoues]

I was the happy recipient of a Golden 39A for Christmas. 

Happy, that is, until I began to wipe down the firearm with a oiled rag and get a good look at it.  There were multiple scratches and gouges around the take-down screw, along the barrel, and magazine.  There were also dents and dings on the end of the muzzle; I asked them to re-crown it.  What really gets me is that this was sold to my wife as "New In Box".

So, I packed it up and sent it off to Marlin with a letter asking for all of this to be corrected.  My question is, has anyone ever had experience with Marlin in this area, and what is the likelihood of them standing behind their warranty and making my rifle "New In Box"?

[SuperstitionCoues]

Because the vendor broke the original seal on the box when my wife purchased it.  He had never opened it, so the damage had to have been done before it left the factory.  It becomes Marlins problem at that point.  Also, that was the last and only 39A in the area.  Even the distributors were out of them.

[bscman]

I've heard nothing but good things from them...
Odds are you'll end up with another, brand new rifle in your hands in a short while...seems to be the results from the other stories I've heard.

I've never had a problem with their rifles...All I've bought "new" have been VERY new in terms of condition.
Marlin will always have a place in my safe--they make some great "budget" rimfires!

[SuperstitionCoues]

AN UPDATE -

Marlin received the rifle from UPS on Wednesday.  Spoke with the woman (Joann?) at Customer Service and, so far, it is slated to have the barrel replaced, be re-blued, cleaned, function tested, etc. and sent back to me, although they couldn't specifiy how they were going to eliminate the scratches and gouges on the receiver.  The shop is running about 30 days per item right now.  If this is what it takes to restore the firearm to NIB condition, I'm all for it. 

I really don't want a different gun with a different serial number.  Call me superstitious, but it would seem to take away from my wife's gift if a different gun were exchanged.  Funny, I know, but I really liked that gun! 

Anyhow, Marlin Customer Service has been nothing but great to deal with so far.  I can't complain...it has been a totally different experience than having to deal with Winchester a few years back.

Matt

[22shooter]

The Marlin folks did good for me.  I had and still have a Model 25MN bolt action rifle.  It did not shoot less than 2.5 inch groups at 100 yards.  I check the barrel twist and it was wrong for a 22 magnum.  I sent it to Marlin and they replaced the barrel. It now shoots 1 inch groups at 100 yards. It took them about two weeks to retrun it.  I consider that good serivce and it was free.

[wsjones]

My experience with Marlin has been exceptional.

One rifle was a new 1897 Cowboy 22LR purchased by my then-wife that had a really substandard stock for a $600 rimfire (others I'd looked at had lovely wood).  This was her first purchase on her own, I was out of town, and it was the last one in stock; she simply didn't know the rifle ought to have had nicer wood.  Talked to Marlin and then sent it to them with an explanation and received the gun back, in short order, with a gorgeous new stock and forearm.

Second was a used 1895SS I'd purchased that was out of warranty but had a defective part that caused it not to feed.  Sent it to them with the reasonable expectation that they'd fix it and I'd pay for it.  Got it back within 2 weeks, fixed, no charge.  One's hard pressed to imagine better customer service and I'll be surprised if they don't treat you right as well.

Good luck.  -WSJ

[SuperstitionCoues]

I need to update this, it would not be fair to Marlin if I didn't...

I got my 39A back last week.  I have to tell you, judging by the fit and finish that Marlin gave it, they did a wonderful job!  I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but I have a week off starting on Friday, and I intend on finding out how well it works. 

Marlin Customer Service though, was exceptional and the repairs are outstanding.

[wsjones]

Good for you and Marlin.  I've been hoping to see an update and hear they treated you right.  Nice to know customer service still exists.  Shoot, your story might just be the thing that tips the scales and causes me to go ahead and buy that 1894C 357 I've been wanting!  -WSJ

[Demonical]

Interesting. I have wanted a Marlin 39A for years and Monday I finally placed an order. Coincidentally the company I ordered it from, S.I.R. out of Winnipeg, Manitoba (www.sirmailorder.com) had just 1 39A left in stock and noone else in this neck of the woods had one.

S.I.R. always gives excellent service; I hope to have my 39A by Friday. 

[MI.sabot]

Just completed my first Marlin Warranty and Customer Service experience and all I can say is.....they were ourstanding.
All items were addressed and they went above and beyond what they needed to do to keep their customer happy.

[DaveShooter]

I need to update this, it would not be fair to Marlin if I didn't...

I got my 39A back last week.  I have to tell you, judging by the fit and finish that Marlin gave it, they did a wonderful job!  I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but I have a week off starting on Friday, and I intend on finding out how well it works. 

Marlin Customer Service though, was exceptional and the repairs are outstanding.

You have just delt with one of the best in the firearms biz.I have nothing but praise for Marlin and how they have always taken care of me.
That is why the magority of my gun collection is Marlin. They are the Best!!!!
DaveShooter