Remember, There are HUGE issues with using aftermarket parts. I had a customer ask if I would maintain our certification if they installed 3rd party glazing. The answer: "No".

These guys are not going to put together ANYTHING using non standard parts they cannot warantee.

Here's the old part number for a 338 barrel from Winchester, ( Price is $85.95 ), 0100A7240, and here's the new part number for the same barrel, U350107240.



If you go to Winchester's web page you can download the same Adobe file I did, and you can also see that you can order a receiver and barrel for $166.95. The part number for that receiver and barrel chambered in 338 Winchester Magnum is U350129630, that's for the right hand receiver. The left hand part number for the 338 Winchester Magnum is U350121510. Price for the left hand is $178.95.



http://www.winchesterguns.com/services/parts/index.htm



Scroll down and you will see the file for Model 70's Sporter LT's, Supergrades, etc. Make sure you choose the Left Hand Model

I heard they've got the .375 in LH again. Get one of those. With the 260gr Accubond or partition they shoot as flat as a 30-06 & with the option of the 300 you have a DGR rifle.

Recoil would be a non-issue if you can shoot a 338 Win Mag.

Heck I've got 3 x .375's - 2 H&H's plus 1 RUM. Got only 1 338 a Win Classic S/S from the custom shop(this one is a freak & shoots factory 200gr BST Winchester Supreme ammo 3 shots into 1/2 inch). Somehow � always reach for the 375. 2 reasons - the 338 has a 26 inch barrel which I find 2 inches too long & secondly if I want that kind of power, why not a .375 if you have one.

As for a Browning, I know they are accurate but I can't get excited at all those little pieces that the bolt comes in. I'm just old fashioned.

Regards
JohnT

They can do your 338 in the custom shop. Go up the food chain until they comply.

I'd give Winchester the url to this thread, and ask them if they really want to lose so much business? The thread now has 590 reads, and one can assume that most of these are serious shooters & hunters, not your average gunstore wannabees.

Tell them that you will accept an identical replacement, a similar one from the Custom Shop, or you will continue to post here (and in other internet fora). I'd be polite, but firm and cc your email to everybody at Winchester that you can.

Good luck!

jpb

I don't understand what the problem is he's having! If they have a left handed barreled action as a repair part listed then it's as available as they want it to be. If the new barreled action costs less than $180 why is he / they willing to risk loosing so much business?

He could have the custom shop build you a fitted rifle with a hand picked stock in the caliber of your choice for far less than the cost of the Bad PR !!!

I'd follow the above advice about emailing and linking to this URL. Real people talk about experiences good and bad, the shooting sports is a small world. Can they afford to look bad?

Steve:
Agree with most that Winchester can't afford this type of publicity. Are they in the gun making business or not?

I'd politely, but firmly insist on a suitable replacement in the caliber I originally purchased, and keep asking to speak to the "boss" if unable to get satisfaction at each level. Sooner or later you should reach an individual who has the authority to take the necessary steps to make it right. Referal to this thread can't hurt your cause, as previously pointed out.

Keep us posted as to their response. Good luck, and hang in there.

Regards,
hm

Go Ray Go!!!
seafire

EldeG:

You were not one of the guys I was referring to.

You mom taught you Manners. A lot of other guys on here, evidently did not have parents that took the time to teach them manners. It is kind of a generational or geographical thing. Too bad not enough parents think manners are part of raising a child now a days.

cheers
seafire

When I read this thread I found myself asking, what is my strogest feeling about this? Is is anger? ..Or is it disgust? No, no, I've got it!
It's nausea. This kind of crap makes me sick. The varmints at USRAC should think black burning shame!

I feel your pain. I've been screwing around with Winchester for 2 years with my .375. Same basic problem. Action, barrel, and scope screws misaligned to the point I ran out of scope adjustment before I could get on paper. After two times sending it back they replaced the barrel and action. Guess what? SAME DAMN THING with the new one It's now back to them and I'm waiting to see what run around I get this time.

Jeff

I'd tell Winchester to toss that piece of junk in the trash and send me a new rifle in 338 caliber as that is what I purchased and that is what I want, I would go to the top if I had to and tell them you'll go on the internet and tell the world what happened..They owe you a new .338 even if they have to get the custom shop to build it...or a complete cash refund for gun, dies, brass etc. Perhaps a letter from an attorney would surfice.

I'm definately with all the others here who believe that USRAC OWES YOU a 338WM. That's what you bought and that's what they're replacing! Please keep up the good fight. I'd be proud to stand behind you on this!

I've never had a beef with Winchester before, but if they don't treat you right I'll have one.

In the event they don't do the right thing I'd say go with the 375H&H.

I feel if they absolutely cannot give you a replacement for your 338 they should give you either two rifles of your choice or a rifle out of the custom shop built to your specifications and your choice of wood. I feel this would compensate you for the trouble they have given you.

I would also get on the wire to Winchester and ask for the president of the companies direct email address. Than I would email him directly explaining the situation and the run around you have been given. I would save a copy of all correspondence between you and Winchester.

As of this post, there are over 800 "hits" to this thread. Something else you might consider if Winchester continues to stonewall you, is to give Winchester the address for this thread. If that doesn't work, start another at 24 Hour Campfire. This subject will get the same attention there as it has here. If they still don't want to provide customer service to you, then start another thread at Hunt America.

I think that Winchester will find the parts for you... they have everything you need, posted as parts available on their web site.

I consider Winchester's customer service as total CRAP! I bought a push feed M70 in 7x57 Mauser that shot patterns, not groups. When I contacted them, I got a snotty, "Take it to a gunsmith." I did, and he fixed it.
it is my understanding that Winchester and Browning are now owned by a French conglomerate. Apparently, once they have your money for the gun, they don't give a shit.
Paul B.

Steve,



Ask winchester to fix it, customer is always right and bad publicity is not what they need. I guess a post in one the gun rags could "help" them understand



I wonder if Winchester get their employees from the local zoo



Show them the thread from AR



Cheers

/ JOHAN

It seems that negative press on websites like these mean nothing to the Corps. I sent an email to Charles Daly with links to my original post as well as this one along with yet another description of my problems and have yet to receive even an acknowledgement.

On the plus side, the local reatiler I bought from is finally making some effort on their end to remedy this. Not quite sure yet what they wil be able to do but they have finally dropped the stance that it is the manufacturer's responsibility.

This sort of thing keeps the smith's busy but you'd at least expect to be able to mount a scope on a rifle with no iron sights. I suppose this problem is actually pretty big, just look at Burris' signature rings with their corrective inserts. That ought to speak volumes.

Any reputable company would do what Ray suggests if you can just get to the person with the authority to make it happen. Would be better than the bad publicity, which Winchester has been getting plenty of lately anyway.

The new guy I've been working with has tried to be helpful, and investigated re-building my old gun. He indicated that the guns come to them as barreled actions (but surely they assemble the barreled actions at some Winchester-owned plant, right? They can't be subcontracting them out?) and they're unable to build a .338 on an action serialized for a different caliber. Besides the mis-drilled scope holes, the barrel was significantly bent. They tried straightening it, but without any luck. I guess I'm glad: I'm not sure I'd want that rifle anyway.

Dave still indicated he couldn't get me an uncatalogued rifle. So I've given up on the .338WM. So I've shipped back the components, dies, case length gauge, shellholder, etc. I'm stuck with a box of ammo and rings and bases that may be usable on another rifle. I've got $806 invested in this rifle. Aside from shipping costs, returns, and unreturnable items, I bought the original gun at a slight premium over the $607 I'd pay (after shipping and FFL fee) for a .300WM or other LH Sporter LT since "it's a no longer available rifle".

So I've requested a Left-handed .375H&H. This is a more expensive gun than the Sporter LT, but it would handle the same chores as the .338WM. If Winchester comes through with it, it would make me feel like I got my money's worth with the shipping/returns/etc and like they're trying to make things right despite their restrictions on action serial numbers.

If they can't do it, I'll ask for the $806. If they can't do that, either, I'll be mad.

Steve

Ok,



So he say's the actions come to them as barreled actions, but they have a part number on their web site, (U350107240), that is listed as Barrel 26" Classic Sporter LT/SG 338 Win Mag.



I guess I'm confused by their response, I would be really interested in seeing what their answer was, if you called and asked to buy one of those barrels that they have listed. They have the stocks there, I just called a couple of weeks ago.

Steve,



My sympathy for your troubles. There is a lot of good advice already.



What has happened is that they talked you out of getting what you want. The serial numbers can be changed in the records as it's been done for me and so can any other physical things be made right.



It's easy to say that I would do this or do that but having been a purchasing agent I can tell you that if you use firm strong business like language with a manager there they can do anything.



As of now you are unhappy and some underling there with MBA debating skills has rolled you over.



I would call Winchester USRC back and ask to talk to the president. And then talk to the president or the presidents secretary. If they give you a hard time on any of this say that your turning it over to an attorney and that you mean it. When you talk to each person like this you need to ask their name and title and take a moment to write it down and get the spelling. Which each person as they put you on hold etc. you must be calm and have a quiet yet clear voice. Then as the person trys to dismiss you then raise your voice and ask for the president. Say that your going to turn it over to your lawyer and that you really mean it. At this point put some emotion in your voice.



At the moment accept the 375 and use it and then keep it when it's all resolved if in the end you like it.



Good luck.

A few months ago a friend of mine that owns a gun store asked me to come down and look at some rifles. He had 6 new in the box Winchester 416's. ALL were the same, the iron sights were "off center". It was very apparent as soon as you shouldered the rifle. VERY APPARENT. HOW ANY FACTORY COULD LET THESE RIFLES GET SHIPPED IS BEYOND ME.

Ya'll wonder why I recommend Blaser R-93 rifles, I have never known of any problems with accuracy, feeding, ejecting, scope mounting, trigger pull, or ANY other problems of any kind.

If I was on a hunting trip, and my rifles got "lost" and I had to go to a gunstore, buy a rifle, scope, ammo and go straight to hunting camp, mount scope and sight in, then go hunt, I would pick a Blaser R-93, Swarovski, Ziess, Schmidt & Bender, or Leupold scope, Federal Premium Ammo, and know that I would not have ANY problems from the rifle for sure and probably none from the scope or ammo. Just MHO.

I had the same problem with misaligned holes on a Charles Daly mauser. The reply was that it was within specs and that no fix was forth coming. (I wonder, do they really have tolerances for scope base hole alignment?) I must have spoken to everyone in the service department and still no good. The corporate website doesn't list any contact info other than the sales & repair numbers and I've already spoken to everyone in the repair dept. Trying to track down some higher ups now so I can write some letters. Best of luck to you.

skl1, I wouldn't settle -not at all!!
I agree with many on this thread, but don't take the .375, rather stick to your guns(or gun as it were)

I had problems with not one, but two Winchesters back in the early 90's, and they fixed both rifles. One I've since sold, the other has become a modern favorite.

If they refuse to the bitter end, I'd take the full refund and part ways with them forever. They don't deserve your money, and sure as hell didn't earn it. Moreover, IMHO that is the way business should be done.

This is a most interesting thread...I feel strongly about customer service (or the lack thereof). If I receive poor service, I NEVER tire of reminding others of my experiences. Perhaps the .375 M70 that I have been thinking about should be a CZ550?

Well, The facts of this nasty screwing of you by "Wimpchester" has made the decision for me. I was looking at either a CZ 550 or Winchester. CZ actually has customer service and obviously "Wimpchester" doesn't.

Tell "Wimnpchester" that the aggravation is not worth it and to send you a refund. Other gun manufacturers want your money and are willing to earn it by standing behind their products.

I cannot believe how sleazy and lowlife "Wimpchester" is behaving in this matter.

Never underestimate the power of the pen and today, the internet. i had a problem with a FORTY year old Browning Safari Grade ( yep, the salt wood issue) and Browning wouldn't budge. Quick emails to the editors at several gun magazines and writers propmted the VP of marketing to call me. Two months later I had a beautifully restored rifle. KEEP PRESSING. jorge

They owe you a LH 338, from the custom shop if need be, and don't take no for an answer from someone who does not have the power to say yes. On the other hand, are you sure you still want one?

Why not email them the link to this thread and tell them to keep an eye on it -- just to see how bad the word-of-mouth gets? Worst case, you might have recourse through the Consumer Fraud division of your state Attorney General's office.

And if all else fails, get a 375.

Hope this helps, Okie John.

There you go, send Winchester the link to this thread. And tell them that as of right now, as I'm posting this, there have been 433 "hits" to this article. That oughta make their advertising group stand up and dance.