I've got a problem with Browning

H

Huntin' Gun

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Eastern Edge of the Foothills
Last week when I was hunting Elk, right after I shot the 6x5 bull, I looked down to admire the fine firearm that took it down. It's a Browning X-bolt Carbon Fiber in 300 WSM. The only problem was that when I looked down the grip cap was missing. CRAP!

After taking care of the downed bull I looked all over the area I was walking and where I was when I shot. I can't find the grip cap anywhere. I even went back later that same day and looked all over again. No luck

Now my rifle looks awful. And I can't really get past it. I paid a fair bit for this rifle. I own 15 hunting rifles, and this one is my most expensive. So I'd really like it to not look like a piece of crap.

So I call Browning Canada, and they say it's a warranty issue, and to call Bashaw Sports right away.

I did that, and a few days later they don't have great news for me.
They tell me that the grip cap is not a part that can be sold seperately, and can't be installed.

The carbon fiber stock is a limited edition run, and they'll try to find a replacement stock for me, but it isn't likely to happen [their still looking].

I asked them if they could get a plain old Composite stock, take the grip cap off of it, and install [glue. that's all that was holding it before] onto my Carbon Fiber stock.

They tell me they it won't fit, and they're different shapes. Well, I tell them that they're wrong, because I also own a Compsite Stalker and I've compared them side by side, and yes, the grip cap from the one will fit on the other.

Well, Pud, the smith at Bashaw, says that he couldn't take the grip cap off the replacement composite stalk and glue it onto my carbon fiber stock, because then he'd be "out of a stock". I tell him that I'm out of a stock right now, and I'm the customer! Come on!

He says that if they can't find a replacement Carbon Fiber stock, then they'll just have to give me a replacement Composite stock. I say, "Fine. That'll work. I'll take the grip cap off and glue it on my stock myself!"

"Oh, You can't do that!" he says. "We'll have to keep the damaged stock."

So I ask him if I'm just supposed to settle for the less expensive stock, even though I paid the extra $ for the nicer Carbon Fiber one?

He didn't seem to mind that option. I can't tell you how annoyed I am with this.

It sure seems like they don't want to help.

It seems simple to me. If they can't find a replacement stock, then just take the grip cap off the line in Japan or wherever, and send it to me!. Failing that, take a grip cap of the replacement Composite stock and put it on mine! Why is that so difficult!!!:mad:
 
I feel for you man!
Its all about accountability.
No one wants to take responsibility for it.

I bought a Rem700 Boone & Crockett in 7mm-08rem.
Later the next day I realized the finish on the grip cap was flaking off!
I inquired about it being replaced.
Every other rifle stock they had was the same!
So I just removed ALL the flaking finish, and now it looks normal.

Getting companies to support thier products is getting harder and harder!
 
It sounds like it's more of an issue with Bashaw Sports than anything, although I'm not sure who is technically on the hook for the repair. It seems to me that Bashaw should do the work for the repair then bill Browning with whatever it took... in which case they should just give you the cap from the less expensive stock and then charge Browning for a full stock.
 
The sad fact is that when warranty is involved, the manufacturer will usually demand the broken stock to be returned to them. That is why they can't simply give you a stock,and let you keep the old one as well.
 
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Too much stuff is plastic/carbon/space age polymer these days and is just glued on, that's why i like the older guns made of steel and wood. The gun companies love using plastic and glue because despite what they say, it's done strictly to save money.
 
I don't know about your Browning, but most of the new stocks made today have no grip cap at all, or a crappy looking one. If you're between a rock and a hard place with your warranty guy, how about making a nice one yourself out of whatever material you like, or get a gunsmith to make you a custom one. It might take the stress out of looking at it the way it is.
 
I'm with you Huntin' Gun.
I'd be pi$$ed also.
Give Browning another call and see what they have to say.....again.
Just a thought.
If you had your rifle in a gun case, would it might have fallen to the tip
of the case?
 
i bought a sa-22 last year and the damn thing would jam every second shot. I called browning for warranty work and they told me to ship it to an authorized repair shop. they paid for all parts and labour and the gun now works. If it's a warranty issue, browning should send whatever is necessary to the authorized repair centre.

Not sure if Bashaw is an authorized repair shop or not. I've bought 2 rifles from them and never had any issues with service, pud was alway an overly decent fella, so far as I've experienced. I'd say call browning again and get their opinion on the facts you have been given.
 
Huntin'Gun...Man, I love my Brownings...but this stuff really gnaws at my gut!!! This is the 3rd or 4th BAD thing I've heard about Browning Customer Service in the past several months!!! I imagine they wouldn't even stoop over to pick those things up off the assembly line floor. I was seriously considering looking for a used CF Browning later on this winter...pretty sure second thoughts will be hindering my search !!...That really sucks man!!...Keep us in the loop with any updates if you can....good or bad.
 
Based on Kamlooky's suggestion I looked in the tip of my gun case. It's not there.

Here's a visual of the issue.

2xbolts.jpg


The grip cap isn't fancy at all, but I'd still prefer it to the gaping hole. I may have to fashion one myself, but it probably won't look as good as the factory one.
 
I had an issue with one of there M-12 Grade V shotguns about 10yrs back. It was the nicest single shot gun I ever owned as it either jammed the shells when pumped or cranked them out the bottom onto the ground.
I shipped it to Montreal at that time. It took about 6 months, but it arrived back home and has worked fine since.
There was hand written note in the box stating there was no charge as they fixed it as a good will gester.!!! "There all Heart at Browning".
I am not sure if Brownings head warranty depot in Canada is still in Montreal or not.

After just seeing your pictures it would be an easy fix to make one to suit your personel tastes. But then why should you..!! the original one is not supposed to fall off. I would hound there sorry a$$es on principal alone.
 
Depending on what you are doing with your rack, you could cut a section of the base of the rack. Carve and customize it to your liking and you'd have something symbolic vs. a cheap plastic cap.
 
Looks like the carbon fiber is pretty smooth on the bottom so a custom ( chose your material) fit cap that is recessed into the bottom would look better then what the other stock has on it......Easy improvement! Ask Browning if they will send you some cash towards a custom cap!
 
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