Some time ago I bought a used Searcy Field Grade in .470 NE. The rifle was in terrific shape. Over time I noticed that the rear trigger was a little light ... very crisp, but a little light. The rifle NEVER doubled.

As a result of a number of comments on this forum about trigger pull on doubles, I decided to put a gauge on it and was a bit shocked ... 1.5 pounds IS a bit light.

Dropped a note to Butch Searcy asking for an estimate to redo the trigger pull. Basically he replied "no charge."

I sent it in a Pelican case via USPS registered mail insured for the value of a new PH rifle. Went out on a Tuesday.

I dropped a note to Butch the following Tuesday asking if it had arrived. He indicated that it had already been adjusted and was being shipped back!

Rifle arrived with no difficulties and the rear trigger pull was set to 3 pounds. Only charge was for return shipping.

A trip to the range demonstrated that the rifle works beautifully. I gotta give thanks for having acquired a nice rifle made by a quality builder! Butch is a class act!

Another class act on the way to bankruptcy.

Even if they refused payment, you should pay for what they did. A used rifle, eh?

Its people like this who we have to support and send our buisness to. After some of the shocking service I have had from some others ,Searcy sounds pretty good. I might have another look at his website and check out his doubles.

mstarling, i think you may have swayed me to puchase the unlerlever in .470 i have had my eye on. It's my sons 27th B-day soon and its time he has a good double of his own.. I have heard nothing but good about Mr. Searcey and this kind of customer service says alot to me. In this age of sales first,and paper thin warantys, it is a refreshing look into the past where good craftsman stood behind their work. Thank you Charlie

I shot a few targets with my Searcy .500 field grade today at 50 yards. A left-right 2 shot pattern measured 1 1/8 inches center to center. That's a lot better than my eyeball [can see] with open sights.


[Edited to correct crappy grammar.]

Yes, Butch is a class act and he offers outstanding customer suport on his rifles.

He also builds the most sturdy useable double rifles on the planet.

As far as him going "bankrupt" because of the excellent service he provides on his firearms....... WEELLL NOW I think we may have a case of somebody who can always find the negative side in EVERTHING. Obviously this person was not breastfeed as a child.... Maybe he should take it up now I know it always helps me through my day.

Bite me.

It seems that this is analagous to sending a 40 or 50 year old scope back to Leupold. No parts anymore? Leupold sends a new replacement. Gee, how many times have I seen story on AR. Ain't they clever.

And I and everyone else have to pay for this never ending Leupold warranty on WORN OUT scopes.

Will,

I really am sorry that you feel this way abt the interaction w Butch. I did e-mail him expecting that there would be a charge, and was hoping that he might be able to do it relatively quickly.

I was not expecting free nor was I expecting such rapid turn around.

In the case of a double rifle, the maker is investing in his reputation. That is irreplaceable. And in my small situation he definitely proved that he is worthy of a very substantial investment. I believe that "what goes around, comes around." I was very glad to see that Butch may not have to wait too long for a return on his kindness ... as one poster indicated he'd soon place an order.

Mike,

Though picking on you specifically, it is in general that there seems to be a "certain segment of society" that would not blink twice about accepting warranty work when there is no warranty!

But I have a problem with keeping my opinion to myself! I am gald to hear that Searcy did a bang up job. More power to him, and to you. I hope the double serves you well.

In my opinion, the best advertisement is a happy customer! That's why I buy only Leupold scopes (I know they will stand behind their product) and why I will definitly consider a Searcy if I'm in the market for a double rifle. The bottom line is: I like dealing with people/companies whose word & reputation means something to them.

Not to be a jerk, but at $10,000 I would be furious if he didn't fix it.

You dont pay in the thousands for a gun and then say it is OK for them to charge you to fix it.

Just my .02 cents

-Spencer

People buy Leupold scopes and Searcy rifles in part because they know it is a risk-free transaction; they know that the manufacturer will stand behind the product 100%. I admire that in a manufacturer and it leads me to make some purchases that I otherwise wouldn't.

May I add that Butch and Co are more than up to thier asses in Alligators - damn'd busy in other words! But, not surprised that he turned you gun around so quickly.

Butch operates on the "Old School" thinking - We built it, we'll make it right - period!

Dave Lauck up in Wyoming is the same way - best frigg'n 1911s out there - frames and slides made 100% in his shop.

There are some good guys still out there!

"500 Grains" I know you did not shoot that group off of a bench did you??? Masochist!!!

Hee, hee!

JW

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Wemmer:
"500 Grains" I know you did not shoot that group off of a bench did you??? Masochist!!!

Heck yes! But I just rest my left hand on a sandbag and let the buttstock rest on my shoulder only. No part of the rifle touches sandbags. But it only hurts for the first 5 or 6 shots, then the endorphins kick in.

Wills just having a bad day, he is getting a little long in the tooth and his get along is failing, I can relate to him!

but when the chips are down, Will will come through! "Will will", is that a double negative or sum'thin like that!

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

And I and everyone else have to pay for this never ending Leupold warranty on WORN OUT scopes.

By the way, I forgot to say "Thank you" to you for paying for the last 3 scopes that Leupold fixed for me under warranty. So thank you!

Will,

All manufacturers spend marketing money. Some choose to fund gun rags and color glossy photo's. Others stand behind the product that they make and support their customer base. I salute the manufacturers that use their resources to take care of their customers.

Another business decision Searcy made on this was a very light trigger pull is the risk of a product liability lawsuit in the makings, besides the loss of reputation which he values. He did the right thing what's to complain about?

Will,
I would suggest that if you don't want to "pay for the never ending warranty" on Leupold scopes, buy another brand, there's lots of "lifetime" warranties on scopes out there.

It is very trying when one goes out and buys something from a so called top of the line company only to have them not stand by their product.

I buy a lot of my stuff from companys knowing they well stand by it. When the time comes that it breaks because of manufacture defect or poor design they better fix it with out complaint or they well lose my bussness on future buys.

I find it dishonest to advertise lifetime warrentys or other warrentys and not live up to them.

A company will clause way more loss of money not fixing something then they well ever lose by fixing it for free. Unless their products are junk to begain with and fail more often then work. Then they should go out of busness.