Quality of Chaparral Arms lever action... ????

exseparatist

exseparatist

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Does someone get one of these Chaparral lever action in 66 or 73 ???? They are on the Marstar Website.

Few months ago I decided to go ahead with an old dream and to buy a quality 66 or 73 in .357, just for the fun to shoot and for the pleasure to handle such old delicate and complex mechanics, but that won the west !

The problems is that since the last two months I read many US forums were many customers of Chaparral were not really happy about the quality of their rifle. Ok, I know we shoud be carefull with the Web because usually we find often only negative opinions and we don't ear positives. Also, these forums were done 2 or 3 years ago and maybe they are not anymore a reflect of the Cahparral actual production. But there is another problem. Few months ago, I read, here on CGN, I think, someone discussing about the fact that Chaparral Arms gave a very bad after sale service here in Canada.

On another way, Uberti has an excellent reputation, makes nices products (I already own two of their SAA revolvers and I a really happy with them) but I am not really hot about the possibility to wait 15 years to find for a second hand Uberti 38/357 66 or 73, or to break my bank and buy a brand new 66/73 (that cost almost two times a Chaparral)...

Well, what I should do...?

Your opinions please...

Desesperated Ex
 
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I was in the same situation as you, driven more by the price. After reading reviews on them like you, then actually talking to a couple of guys that had them and not hearing much excitment in their voice in regaurds, I decided to avoid them. I started to read up on Puma, and check reviews I found that alot more people were familiar with them and there was alot of positive feedback on them there was of couse negative but far less. I am now waiting for my brand new stainless M67 1892 in a .45LC to come in the mail. Wound up getting a great deal.
 
EXSEPARATIST;
Good morning, allow me to clear up some misconceptions here....

"many customers of Chaparral were not really happy about the quality of their rifle."
These were US customers, it should be noted that these rifles were assembled in the US by an American firm that did only a fair job of it.... They were NOT finished in Italy....

"someone discussing about the fact that Chaparral Arms gave a very bad after sale service here in Canada."
Lets be very clear on this, like all products carried by Marstar, the garantee and service is given by Marstar NOT by Chaparral.... The customers deals with us not an offshore factory.... Please take a moment to read our warranty policy....

AS FOR COST, remember that Marstar buys from the factory and sells to you the customer. No agent, no importer, no wholesaler, etc, etc.

Should you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us
John
 
Morning, al1000 and John...

About the Rossi 92 (Puma, Legacy) I saw many of those in my life and all look well made. If you consider they were offered in 454 Casull, they are possibly overdesign to handle 45 Colt and I like it !!!! - Just like that, I think I know were you bought your Puma stainless with a 24 in octagonal barrel; Roger had only one and yesterday he told me it was sold.. I missed it !!!!!! (just to precise, on reality I want to buy a 92 in 45 Colt and a 73 in 38/357).

John, About the Chaparral 73 .357, I am not a closed minds men. What you said may be real. I own an italian made Lyman Trade gun flint lock and considering it low price, it is impressive. The fit of parts, the finish, all surfaces look grounded, no flaw and a georgeous walnut stock... I know Marstar does not accept any customers in it warehouse, but is it possible to go to see one of your Chaparral (I suspect your are from MC) ? I am located in the Montreal area and I am ready to go. If the gun look acceptable, I buy it on the double.

Ex
 
Two issues here:

1. My personal experience with Chaparral was not good, gruesome rifle, lots of issues. Found a Uberti the day after, sent the Chappie back for refund, bought the Uberti. Now Happy.

2. Marstar. Bought the Chappie mentioned above from them. Returned it no problem (since it did have some obvious and noticeable issues) and got my money back. Marstar's guarantee is the best part about making sure you are happy and can see if you like it. So in other words, while I may have had a bad experience, I have heard from others who like their Chappies. At least with Marstar you can see and if not, send 'er back!
 
Could it be that certain models of Chaparral are not up to par ?
I bought a Mod.76 NWMP carbine in 45-75 and couldn't be happier with it.
Function is very smooth and accuracy is excellent with any cast bullet tried so far... :D
 
Kevan said:
Could it be that certain models of Chaparral are not up to par ?
I bought a Mod.76 NWMP carbine in 45-75 and couldn't be happier with it.
Function is very smooth and accuracy is excellent with any cast bullet tried so far... :D
Click to expand...

The model I was talking about in my experience was the Chappie 76 NWMP....gruesome. But as evidenced by your post, mine was obviously a lemon, but others are good.
 
Today, I talked with the Canadian distributor of Chaparral Arms, Marstar Canada, and the gentlement on the phone, John, told me interresting things.

Supposed, a few years ago, the US importer received Chaparral firearms from Italy not completed, partially finished. The rest of the job was done on american territory. The target of this operation was to avoid to the importer US Customs fees and also to save the Italien state fees for the firearms proof test ($35 for each firearms individually tested). Supposed that the lack of quality control was in the US Chaparral plant. Johan said that his Chapparal were 100% Italian made and he buys full containers directly from the manufacturer.

John also mentionned that he has all replacement parts and provide a total and complete guarantee.

All sound logical and just before the end of the discussion, I decided to buy from him a 73 in 38/357.

I will comeback to provide my comments about my new baby. I bought my first book on firearms at the age of 13, I shoot since 29 years, I reload since 23 years, I am a technical men specialized in mechanics and I know the value of labor so, I will be critical, but honnest.

See you later

Ex
 
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I must say that I have bought guns in the past from Marstar and it is hard to beat their gaurantee. They do stand behind their products
 
I just received my Chaparral 73 from Marstar this morning....

Quiclky, with the exception of the wood finish, all seem to be good. I will give it a closer look in the next days and for shure, I will shoot it.

More comments and pictures will be here soon.

Ex
 
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