Hey guys, Help me out here. I've read all the posts on this topic, but nevertheless, I'm confused on one point. Much has been made of the barrel in question having a "defective barrel lug."("What about the lug not being in the corect location?", from HHI6818; "I cast no dipersions but a lug that does not line up via not abuse signs is a problem," from awtc.). On the other hand, from VV Dave comments ( "We are going to replace the underlug. It appears the hinge pin hole is too large plus it isn't in exactly the right position. It will be a week or 10 days to get it done."), I'm not sure whether it's the barrel lug or the too big hinge pin that's not in the correct poition. I guess it's a small point, but if this is all a hinge pin problem not a hinge pin AND barrel lug problem, it doesn't seem like the barrel may not be in such bad shape, after all. Just my opinion, but I also think it's commendable to commit themselves to making this barrel right. If it were me, I wouldn't have a problem w/ their offer to fix the barrel by first repairing the barrel lug/hinge pin first. Gary T.

I have 3 barrels so far and a fourth on the way and have nothing but good dealings with VVG. The few things that have cropped up have been handeled promtly. No offense to the other guys there but Dave has really went out of his way to help when needed. Just got in today from offshore and tried calling and found that the tool free number is no longer an option. Probably because of all my calls I'm sure. Anyway that's the great thing about digital no long distance charges. Anyway getting to the issue of the rewelding of a lug. In this modern age of everybody else being to blame and lawyers feasting on mans greed do you think for one minute that an honest and reputable business would indanger every thing they have and represent if for one moment they thought that rewelding on a new lug would cause problems down the line? Just something to ponder.

SO FAR IN MY DEALINGS WITH VIRGIN VALLY..
GREAT !!! V V DAVE REALLY STANDS OUT,,VERY HELPFULL..
AND YES..I'LL BUY FROM THEM AGAIN..
BUCKWEET

Welding a new lug on does not leave me "warm and fuzzy," but the problem I see is a high dollar shop doing a low budget fix.

There is not likely to be any problem with the barrel after welding a new lug on, and VVG is doing the right thing making good on the barrel inspite of the change in ownership. From that standpoint, HHI shouldn't have any beef, and the end results should make him a "happy camper" even if there is a sour taste in his mouth.

Welding a new lug on is expedient and cost effective, but at "top drawer" prices, I lean a little in favor of HHI's complaints.

A complete replacement might be a better option next time this type of thing comes up.

Mike

Well I think there service stinks...at least as far as communicating. Left numerous phone messages about several different items over the last 18 months. Not one was ever returned. In that time I have never had anyone answer the phone. Its always a recording. E-mails are similar. Sometimes I have to resend them a few times to get a response. I have a barrel bought new from them with a problem, and when I did get an e-mail response it said"send $95.00 for our warranty to take effect." If they get a load to shoot ok they will keep the $95.00 and send the barrel back. I have had it with them. A few years ago, when just starting out they were wonderful. No more business from me. Communication is everything. You getting this V.V. Dave.

My experience with VVCG has been nothing but positive. I bought an unfired .223 barrel from someone on this board. The second shot out of it showed signs of pressure, and extraction was very difficult. I bent the extractor, which was entirely my fault. VV was very easy to reach, I never had any trouble contacting them on the phone. Dave sent another extractor out right away, at no charge to me. It seems that customer service is very important to them. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a barrel from them in the future.