Bought a K31 from Empire Arms. Efficient ordering, super fast shipping, well packed. Upon closer inspection I found a crack in the stock (not mentioned in the description). Very disappointed. No apparent damage to the outside box. Reached out to Dennis, haven't heard back yet. Paid $825 for it. They do have a 3 day inspection policy and return allowed for any reason. I'm inclined to send it back and eat a loss of a 100 bucks or so. But I'd be interested to know what you think. Pics below. BTW, otherwise a very nice looking rifle.
(https://i.ibb.co/kcQbDmC/IMG-8530.jpg) (https://ibb.co/128yXzW)
(https://i.ibb.co/nwhPJyZ/IMG-8529.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kGYmCTk)
That's a real shame, looks like recent damage. Eating 1/8th of what you paid would suck, but if you're not going to be happy with it, might as well spend the remaining 7/8th you have left on something you'll be happy with.
Bummer :( but I doubt it would affect anything. I would almost hesitate to say what you have is the last of them, they pretty much have all but vanished. I would see what he says and go from there, he is a stand up fella.
And truthfully, I'd keep it, and just fix it, but thats just me, wanna talk about a truly sweet shooting accurate rifle... in bolt actions, in my experience... only two others can equal the accuracy, an M39 when set up right, and a M96 Swede. thumb1
If it were me, I would send it back for it having a cracked stock and having had to pay $825 for it. I have owned 3 of them in the last two years and never paid over $650 for any of them and none of them had cracked stocks or any other issues. Not bashing empire arms but, the ones I bought did not come from them, they were bought from gunbroker.
Thanks for quick responses! Still nothing from Dennis but they've released a new batch today, so he must be busy. If he doesn't offer a discount I will send it back. It's a very nice looking rifle but the crack will just bother me every time I will look at it. I kept a "hand select" Beretta Olimpia from Classic with multiple hairline cracks (and it's a very fun .22 to shoot), but it was a very different level of investment.
I was on a lookout for a K31 for a while now. Edelweiss Arms still get them regularly and they do pop up on GB for 700+, so I think I'll get another one before too long.
If you return check out Simpsons Ltd., only hear great things about them and they have a plethora of Swiss rifles.
I'm very interested in the outcome with Empire.
Had a nice chat with Dennis. He said it was NOT like that when it left their shop, so it must have been UPS. He's offered to take it back for full refund (and pay for return shipping) or pay for repairs. Seemed like a stand up guy on the phone. I'll take a look at the rifle again today to decide what to do now that I've slept on it. It's a crying shame, though. Such a nice rifle otherwise. I forgot to mention it also has a micrometer rear sight.
Edited: "it was NOT like that". I should proofread my posts.
Glad to hear that he is wiling to work with you and make things right. Sounds like they have good customer service.
Since they got another batch in, maybe see if they will do a swap for an equal condition (minus the crack) K31 with you.
Either way, good to hear that Empire is going to make it right, I like happy endings. thumb1
Quote from: running-man on December 15, 2020, 04:07:59 PM
I like happy endings. thumb1
Happy endings..... :o :) oh yeah.... Now we're talking... they really are the best aren't they. thumb1 dance3 rockon
Quote from: Greasemonkey on December 15, 2020, 06:37:36 PM
Quote from: running-man on December 15, 2020, 04:07:59 PM
I like happy endings.
Happy endings..... :o :) oh yeah.... Now we're talking... they really are the best aren't they. thumb1 dance3 rockon
thumb1 thumb1 thumb1
Glad to hear they took care of you.
Like others have said... great company... good guy to work with.
Everybody likes a happy ending..
Obviously, some are much happier that others......
Yeah, I wish I could keep it, but I ended up sending it back. I just hated to see the damn crack on the otherwise very nice rifle. Dennis sent a label, it was picked up by UPS and now it's on its way back to sunny FL.
Many thanks to @Bob_The_Student for the heads up on Simpsons Ltd. They sure have a nice selection of Swiss stuff. I might have to give them a call soon :)
Cz, I think you did the right thing sending it back. That wasn't a small crack. I'm glad Empire took care of you though.
Yes, my experience with Dennis overall was very positive. I would definitely buy from him again.