Trying to choose a new toy, what should I get? Vote!
- Thread starter guess_kto
- Start date
I quite like my WK180. It is pretty accurate out of the box, and I haven't had any of the reported issues with it (piston rod/charging handle). Have put about 900 rounds through it. Easy to take down and clean. Easy to operate - decent ergonomics. Takes AR mags. Canadian made. Post sales and warranty support has been rated consistently top notch.
Only thing I wish it had is a bolt lock/bolt catch, though I understand this can be bought as an aftermarket add on.
I've read a lot of posts lately on how the WK's have improved since the early reports. On paper the rifle was everything I wanted and the recent posts of improved quality was enough to convince me.
So far that's been a mistake in my case. Received mine from a labour day sale. Took it out for its maiden range visit last week. Didn't make it 25 rounds before I had multiple failures. So far customer service has not responded to my warranty submission, I'll be trying to call them today I guess.
So far that's been a mistake in my case. Received mine from a labour day sale. Took it out for its maiden range visit last week. Didn't make it 25 rounds before I had multiple failures. So far customer service has not responded to my warranty submission, I'll be trying to call them today I guess.
Hi Fyn, what issues are you having with your WK? It would be good for us owners to know what to look out for, particularly if it is multiple failures.
I know recent batches have improved the charging handle with an apparent thicker heat treated one.
It seems like the rep to contact there is Owen Herold. He seems to be the go-to guy with any warranty issues. When you call, ask specifically for him. I have dealt with him for questions and he has been very responsive.
Thanks, I'll give that a try.
To give more detail regarding my issues: shot ten rounds to begin breaking in the barrel and sight in at 50 yards. Noticed pretty poor accuracy while sighting in, but since I was cleaning the bore after each shot I didn't worry too much since they were all just fowling shots.
Shot two groups of 5 (at 50 yards) with Win white box (55gr), had really bad vertical stringing (+4"), something obviously seemed wrong since most reviews seem to report good accuracy. Rechecked my optics and mounting.
Decided to switch ammo to rule out an ammo issue, pulled the trigger and the rifle fired two rounds rapidly (one trigger pull). Checked new ammo (Federal 55gr SP) and brass for any obvious issues. Pulled the bolt, checked firing pin, etc.
Loaded up another magazine with just two rounds of the original ammo, pulled the trigger with the same result. Function checked the trigger group, found that if you pull the trigger (release the hammer), hold the trigger down, cycle the action and then release the trigger the hammer will release again (and fire if it's loaded). I'm assuming a disconnector or sear engagement issue but I'm far from an expert. Stopped firing it at that point. Initially it seemed intermittent, now it seems to do it consistently when manually cycling the action.
When I got home I started to look the rifle over to inspect the trigger group, at which point I noticed the handguard was loose. Upon closer inspection the barrel itself is loose, I'm assuming the barrel nut has backed off, I can wiggle and twist the barrel easily. One of the allen screws holding the handguard on is very tight and seems like it might strip, so I didn't bother investigating further. Seems to explain the accuracy concern though.
Definitely a warranty call. Hopefully rather than troubleshoot each item they can just replace the entire gun.
The two shots per trigger pull is odd, but some people may find that to be a nice feature. But yeah, between loose parts and accuracy, sounds like a lemon may have gotten through their quality control system.
I voted "t97 gen 2", though I'd really suggest the mlok Gen 3. I had a gen3 and really liked it.
I, personally, would take a G3-T97 over a WK (and I've owned a couple of WKs as well) simply because (assuming you get a good one) they seem to suffer far fewer reliability issues. I had no issues with my WKs, but a buddy of mine who competes told me he has seen very few of them survive a day of rough running without something breaking/failing.
I, personally, would take a G3-T97 over a WK (and I've owned a couple of WKs as well) simply because (assuming you get a good one) they seem to suffer far fewer reliability issues. I had no issues with my WKs, but a buddy of mine who competes told me he has seen very few of them survive a day of rough running without something breaking/failing.
To be honest I don't have a lot of confidence in this particular rifle based on multiple issues happening so early, so I'd much rather have them replace it, but I don't have super high hopes of that happening, that being said, we'll see what they say. I want to like the gun.
That being said, can't recommend the WK at this point. I did have a first gen T97 that I liked, shot quite well and seemed robust. Never had any functional issues with that gun.
Munkey1973
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Regina, SK
I don't know if its possible to get a 180 for $1,000 ?
They are bullet hoses anyways. Spend less and get an SKS... you'll have some money left over to buy extra ammo.
They are bullet hoses anyways. Spend less and get an SKS... you'll have some money left over to buy extra ammo.
I think your assessment is based on objective experience and very valuable for future prospective buyers. Some people just judge the gun on hearsay, rumours, perceived reputation, etc. It is great that you gave the gun a chance and your account showed what you did to confirm repeated behaviour and what you did subsequently (contact manufacturer). Hopefully they will stand behind their product. Things happen. I remember years ago I had a lemon of a car, a Honda Accord. Since then whenever I read all these Consumer Reports or Car and Driver reviews that universally praise many generations of Accords, I scoff and laugh. But then I realize even though I had a really experience, it turns out it was (unfortunately for me) a lemon. I found the vast majority of people have nothing but positive experiences with the Accord. Still, no one can convince me to buy one based on my experience.
Not saying the WK is like an Accord - it definitely hasn't been around long enough and it has had reported problems with certain parts...BUT I do know that overall in Canada 12,000 of them have been sold. How many of these are problematic, we don't really know. But people generally don't post about how much they like the gun and how reliable it is; usually people will post online when they have a question or problem with the gun.
Anyways, hopefully they will take care of you. Do report back as to the outcome.
You are right. I don't think so, unless you are buying it second hand. Typically the prices haven't really shifted much from the standard WK180C for anywhere between $1150 + tax to $1199 + tax and the Magpul edition of the WK180C for about $1299 + tax
Thought I would update this thread, I don't want to derail it further than i have, but for those interested; I contacted Kodiak today, Owen was very easy to deal with on the phone. He was very apologetic and seemed like he was genuinely concerned, and even pretty frustrated by my experience. Rifle will be heading their way.
