Any problems with Weatherby service?

D

dmcdam

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I'm looking at picking up a new inexpensive semi auto shotgun and the Weatherby line has caught my eye. Most online reviews have been very positive but my LGS has told me they've had nothing but problems dealing with service and warranty work on Weatherby products. He described 3 incidents where they sent stuff back and had really unreasonable wait times of 6-12 months. Interestingly most other info I can find online says that Weatherby is noted for their great service. So, I'm a bit confused and thought I'd put it out to this community for feedback on their experience.

Thx

dmcdcm
 
Weatherby and service are never used in the same sentence. Most of weatherby shotguns are actually made by someone else and simply rebranded.
I had 1 many years ago turned out to be an SKB in disguise, and when it came time for parts they were not available as SKB had discontinued the shotgun I owned.
Honestly when it comes to shotguns, there are better brands that actually have after the sale service available.
 
no-one special said:
Weatherby and service are never used in the same sentence. Most of weatherby shotguns are actually made by someone else and simply rebranded.
I had 1 many years ago turned out to be an SKB in disguise, and when it came time for parts they were not available as SKB had discontinued the shotgun I owned.
Honestly when it comes to shotguns, there are better brands that actually have after the sale service available.
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Yeah I know that the Weatherby line is made by ATA and has been for years. That said, they still seem to garner pretty high praise in all the reviews and online opinions I've read (even Randy Wakeman). Plus people seem to talk about great service from Weatherby, that is, everyone except my LGS.
 
My experience with Weatherby service had been positive. I had a SA 08 12 ga that developed a problem with one of the pistons - a piece chipped off the o-ring. Called the 1-800 service number, explained the problem, supplied the serial #, etc - they said no problem we'll just send you a new piston - that is until they realized I was in Canada. I'd have to deal with the warranty centre up here, the nearest being Ellwood Epps. Ok, I contacted them via e-mail. They responded within a couple of days asking for more details etc. I sent the requested info along with pics and added that the US centre was going to just send me the part. Got a package couple of weeks later with the new piston - didn't even have to take the gun in. That's good service in my books.

Now the flip side. Decided to trade the gun in (2018). Went to two different LGS - both refused to even look at it citing the problems you mentioned. Both said they stand behind the products they sell and wouldn't take a chance on the semi (one said their pump was a great gun and wouldn't hesitate to take that). Eventually did find a store that would take it but it had me worried if I ended up keeping it.

Quite possible that the LGS service problems are more typical than what I experienced (a good anomaly ?) but you'll have to decide for yourself.
 
FIMMICS said:
My experience with Weatherby service had been positive. I had a SA 08 12 ga that developed a problem with one of the pistons - a piece chipped off the o-ring. Called the 1-800 service number, explained the problem, supplied the serial #, etc - they said no problem we'll just send you a new piston - that is until they realized I was in Canada. I'd have to deal with the warranty centre up here, the nearest being Ellwood Epps. Ok, I contacted them via e-mail. They responded within a couple of days asking for more details etc. I sent the requested info along with pics and added that the US centre was going to just send me the part. Got a package couple of weeks later with the new piston - didn't even have to take the gun in. That's good service in my books.

Now the flip side. Decided to trade the gun in (2018). Went to two different LGS - both refused to even look at it citing the problems you mentioned. Both said they stand behind the products they sell and wouldn't take a chance on the semi (one said their pump was a great gun and wouldn't hesitate to take that). Eventually did find a store that would take it but it had me worried if I ended up keeping it.

Quite possible that the LGS service problems are more typical than what I experienced (a good anomaly ?) but you'll have to decide for yourself.
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I don't really put too much stock in resale values as I try to buy things and keep them forever. That said, your experience with the gun shop reactions to the semi have me thinking I should think about another brand.
 
I do have to say that while I had the SA 08, the only real issue I had with it was that mine wouldn't cycle light target loads (1 oz) reliably. Other than that no complaints. I also have an ATA Venza that I really like and haven't had any problems with. It cycles any target loads and like the SA 08 has very good reviews. So the issue may not be with the ATA made guns themselves but with the service behind them (not sure who services the ATA's). If you are concerned with possible servicing then Beretta and company are the way to go. Any issue with my Beretta's have been resolved very quickly (yes they do have problems). I'm in the GTA so can drop off and pick them up saving a lot of time and $$ (though they do ship back at no cost).
 
FIMMICS said:
I do have to say that while I had the SA 08, the only real issue I had with it was that mine wouldn't cycle light target loads (1 oz) reliably. Other than that no complaints. I also have an ATA Venza that I really like and haven't had any problems with. It cycles any target loads and like the SA 08 has very good reviews. So the issue may not be with the ATA made guns themselves but with the service behind them (not sure who services the ATA's). If you are concerned with possible servicing then Beretta and company are the way to go. Any issue with my Beretta's have been resolved very quickly (yes they do have problems). I'm in the GTA so can drop off and pick them up saving a lot of time and $$ (though they do ship back at no cost).
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Good to know. I'll want this gun to handle target loads for casual flags shooting so the trouble your sa-08 had with target loads is a concern. The ATA Venza looks pretty slick and glad to know you've had good luck with it. I can't seem to find much in the way of negatives for it online, except for the typical warnings about Turkish made guns.
 
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