BAAAD Savage or Not

[Treborwolf]

   Just bought a new Savage 111fc with the accutrigger from a large reputable dealer in my area. I was really happy until I got home and had a closer look. First problem which the firearm has no fault, there is some indication that the rifle has been fired, the bolt end that comes into contact with the cartridge has signs of wear from cycling cartridges, barrel is very dirty and the 4 screws that you remove to install the scope are missing as if a scope had been mounted and the screws lost. The rifle came in a new box but already opened and the serial # on the bolt matches the rifle serial # and with all the tags hanging.


   Second issue upon closer inspection of the rifle, the left side of the bolt has a very light blue patch non consistent with the rest about 1 cm by 1.5 cm, the barrel has swirl marks going around the barrel as opposed length wise, starting from the end of the stock to the end of the barrel but are under the blue, resembles a wax & buffer job on a car(need to hold the barrel up against the light to see them clear) also the stock has a very bad fit, it kind of does not sit evenly at the bolts end at the rear. Hmmwhat is going on with this rifle.

I returned the rifle the next day, no exchange or returns only thing they would send it in for inspection.
Is the rifle returned to Savage or the distributor.   
Does Savage do any test firing on there rifles before shipping, or could I have been sold a used rifle for new and as for the markings what could I expect from Savage.

 

[Hairtrigger]

Did the dealer order this rifle or did you buy it from his shelf?
I would tend to blame the dealer.
I believe most rifles are factory test fired and the barrel is not cleaned after

[Skunk]

Good questions Treborwolf. Now that I think about it, the last Savage that I purchased also did not have screws in the base mount holes. I remember thinking that was pretty chintzy. However, I also know that the screws had not been removed by someone else (except for maybe someone at the factory) because I personally saw the rifle being delivered to my dealer by the UPS man, and I also was the one who opened the box. In addition, the barrel and bolt head of my rifle was also dirty, but I'm pretty sure that Savage test fires all their weapons before they are released for sale.

As far as the finish on your rifle, I'd say that it is sometimes a toss up on whether or not you are going to get a good one or a half-a$$ed one. I've heard a few reports about less than perfect finishes from Savage. For example, Jim Baker, the Savage Guru at Savage Shooter's reported his disappointment in the finish of a Model 14 American Classic in which he was doing a review. Here is a direct quote from that review:

The bluing on the other hand left a little to be desired.  While slightly better than the standard matte bluing, it did not have the deep rich luster that I have seen on other examples in the past and appears very thing in places. The Model 25 Light Varmint which we received at the same time as this rifle had a far superior bluing job and makes the Classics' bluing look dull and lifeless.

Based on personal experiences and those reported by numerous board members, Savage's bluing has been extremely inconsistent since the introduction of the high-luster option on select models in 2006.  We have seen Stevens 200 models with the high-luster finish while others have reportedly received Classic series models with standard bluing. This is one area we feel Savage could really improve upon in regard to consistency, especially when customers are paying a premium for models that are supposed to have the high-luster finish.

He's referring to the Classic model in the quote, but he also makes it clear that Savage's current bluing program might leave a little more quality control to be desired. If Savage is having problems with getting the finish correct on their top of the line rifle, what would keep them from getting the finish on their other models correct?

My gut feeling is that your rifle is new, but it came with a less than perfect finish.

[Treborwolf]

   Thanx for the replies, sounds reasonable, but how much is too much or deemed acceptable when you receive a firearm with a fit and finish which is less than perfect. Let us see what happens when the firearm is returned.
I only heard of weatherby test firing there rifles and guarantee a 1.5 group did not know savage also test fired there rifles, even at that I read some where on Graybreads that it is not the rifle but the barrel that is fired before final mounting.

[Skunk]

Thanx for the replies, sounds reasonable, but how much is too much or deemed acceptable when you receive a firearm with a fit and finish which is less than perfect.

My opinion is that it's up to the customer. Some folks don't get too concerned about fit and finish as long as the rifle shoots well. Others get rather upset regardless of how it shoots. Personally, I'm like you and get justifiably upset when I feel I've been short changed. I think you did the right thing by sending it back. I'd have done the same thing if the fit and finish was really bad.

[Jim in Mo]

Treborwolf,
I would definately call Savage and ask them about this. When I received my Savage all screws were in place (had to re-torque action screws) and I'm fortunate I decided to run a patch thru the bore before going to the range because it had cosmoline in it. Bolt was clean also, no residue on it.

[the jigger]

I have 6 Savage/Stevens rifles and have never had anything like your experience. IMHO your problem is with a dealer, not Savage!
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!

[Slowpoke Slim]

My last 2 Savage rifles ( a BVSS and a Stevens 200) came without the threaded plugs in the receiver that would normally cover the scope base screw holes. These are NOT screws. Just threaded plugs. They have to come out anyway to mount the scope bases. I don't see the problem on that one.

Savage test fires all their rifles before shipping as far as I know. Both my centerfires and my rimfire rifle had been fired before shipping.

[Treborwolf]

   Savage opened up today after the holidays, I gave them a call.
Yes all rifles are test fired as a complete firearm before shipping. As for the cosmetic work, I should ship it back and all or any work will be done at the plant, and in some rare cases if it is really bad a whole new firearm will be issued as a replacement. Yes there are some issues with there fitting and finish but most are within tolerances so it is on a per case and a must see the firearm to judge. I feel, all will fine when the firearm returns in a few weeks.

[skwirl]

Trevorwolf keep us posted I'm very curious to hear the outcome

[Treborwolf]

   Well it turns out that Savage has replaced my firearm with a new one, it took a little bit longer than I expected but very pleased.  The sales man told me I have a fine weapon and that savage has the best metal
on the market today, anyone know if there is any truth behind his statement or was he just buttering me up for some potential future sales.

[the jigger]

I am not sure that any company makes the "BEST" of anything!
That said, I have six Savage/Stevens rifles and all shoot very well. The one thing your salesman said with which I can agree is "you have a fine weapon".
All of mine were very accurate right out of the box. With a very little tuning they have become "excellent" shooters. I am glad to hear that Savage customer service listens and makes good. I have never had a problem that required their attention.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!

[mountainview]

Of all the NIB guns I've purchased, the dealers invariably have let me examine the gun or choose between several of the same model (if I had any type of concern) before we started the paperwork so I can't complain. Still it is good to hear that customer support at the mfg is still around.

[Skunk]

I am not sure that any company makes the "BEST" of anything!
That said, I have six Savage/Stevens rifles and all shoot very well. The one thing your salesman said with which I can agree is "you have a fine weapon".
All of mine were very accurate right out of the box. With a very little tuning they have become "excellent" shooters. I am glad to hear that Savage customer service listens and makes good. I have never had a problem that required their attention.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!

I think the Jigger sums it up pretty well. And I'd say that Savage did very well in terms of customer service. Congrats on the brand new rifle Treborwolf.

[HogFan]

Well, you had better luck with Savage customer service than I did. I replaced my stock about 5 years ago on my 116 .3006. I ordered a prefit, only to have to shorten the screws to get it to work, and then the stock broke. I couldn't deal with the stock company, as I had removed material from the stock,(as was directed to do in the instructions, so it was not a true pre-fit). I called Savage, and told them what I needed to mount the original stock back on the gun. I offered up front to pay for the screws, as it was my fault they needed to be shortened. The customer service guy started preaching to me, about shortening the screws,..etc, etc, and that Savage would not warranty the gun. I told the guy, I was not looking for a handout, that I wanted to just purchase new screws to mount the original stock back on with. Finally after asking to speak to his supervisor, did I get the help I needed. Though I did pay $10 for the forearm screw alone. That hurt my wallet a little that day.