Service after the Purchase…

[L.Leon]

We all understand that at some point “all” PCPs will eventually leak somewhere. We also know that “some” might tune their new guns into a state of unbalance. Like many other shooters I like my chosen brand. So it was very interesting to hear in an interview of a very prominent person in the airgun business by the Airgun Geeks. That a certain percentage of returns was the norm, “regardless of make or manufacturer”. The second part of the statement was, that a business has to be able to deal with that reality. This was an eye opening statement for me. Which gives me a new appreciation of the efforts involved in putting out and supporting these wonderful PCPs.



PS: Winter is coming here in NYS, so please all you “year-round” warm weather shooters? Send warm thoughts out East, while sending pellets.

 

[0akhonor]

I feel you about both issues- repairs and weather changing. Out here in the West, it's (weather) turning for the better. Btw, Airgun Geeks Rock.

 

[bckyrdsnpr52]

It should be the responsibility of the dealer to "air test" for leaks before shipping. At least air up and let it sit overnight. I can fix my guns, but a lot of people cant or wont and its frustrating to send one back these days.

 

[TiredRooster]

We all understand that at some point “all” PCPs will eventually leak somewhere. We also know that “some” might tune their new guns into a state of unbalance. Like many other shooters I like my chosen brand. So it was very interesting to hear in an interview of a very prominent person in the airgun business by the Airgun Geeks. That a certain percentage of returns was the norm, “regardless of make or manufacturer”. The second part of the statement was, that a business has to be able to deal with that reality. This was an eye opening statement for me. Which gives me a new appreciation of the efforts involved in putting out and supporting these wonderful PCPs.



PS: Winter is coming here in NYS, so please all you “year-round” warm weather shooters? Send warm thoughts out East, while sending pellets.

Good post here. We can often be over zealous in our expectations of perfection, when we should take a pause and realize that issues/problems do arise and most reputable air rifle manufacturers and dealers do a pretty damn good job of minimizing and taking care of said issues when they do arise.

 

[L.Leon]

The statement on percentage of returns regardless of brand was sobering. We expect, and rightly so, as close to perfect as possible, out the box for the money spent. To be able to provide that quality and deal with issues that “will” arise is a daunting task. It shows that like in most good things, there is a love for the endeavor at hand by those providing the service.

 

[rsfrid]

PS: Winter is coming here in NYS, so please all you “year-round” warm weather shooters? Send warm thoughts out East, while sending pellets.

Luis, some of us just move to the basement and keep shooting. In January, I start 25yd indoor benchrest at our sportsman club range. While I dislike winter weather (especially this year’s promise of a bad snow season) I do like the no wind indoor shooting.

 

[L.Leon]

Ross, I’ll be doing the same, some indoor shooting while awaiting the Spring. As I get older I like the cold less and less…

 

[elh0102]

PCP rifles are relatively complicated contraptions, especially compared to most firearms. IMO, most makers to not require enough from their dealers in the way of service support capability. In some cases, that support is offered through a US distributor, and that interaction can be smooth or difficult. It's certainly not perfect, but fewer dealers would mean less competition, which might not be in the consumer's best interest. I'm generally willing to pay more, if necessary, to buy from a dealer that I consider more capable of good service. But, as with most specialty markets, service will often be limited to independent techs, most of whom focus on specific brands. Some of the dealer complaints voiced in public come from folks making unreasonable claims, or who don't understand the issues involved. But, some are valid, and valuable. I guess the good news, it forces most of us to become somewhat competent in routine maintenance and repair.

 

[markT]

I would think mfgs would take the top 5-8 reason people have issues and provide YouTube videos on how to repair such issues. ( breach blow back / leak for example. I have serviced all my air rifles when they leak and replaced the orings. I don’t mess with factory/ dealer settings which is probably why I don’t have issues. Like Ron said “set it and forget it.”

 

[elh0102]

I would think mfgs would take the top 5-8 reason people have issues and provide YouTube videos on how to repair such issues. ( breach blow back / leak for example. I have serviced all my air rifles when they leak and replaced the orings. I don’t mess with factory/ dealer settings which is probably why I don’t have issues. Like Ron said “set it and forget it.”

Great idea. Some do offer videos in their "support" section on the web site, but, it's not a consistent feature, and it would certainly be helpful.