Here's the story.

You buy what is described to be a ZG47 in excellent condition (specifically 'metalwork - excellent')from a large retail gunshop chain. The export to the UK takes as normal about 9months and to get it in your hands a bit longer as you wait for Xmas to open it up.

Great rifle but as you turn it over you see the action has been drilled and tapped with the rear base having not just 2 but 3 holes. All 5 holes have been given a screw to fill them but they're there plain as day.

Sending the rifle back is not an option - taxes, paperwork etc are a nightmare. It will cost about £250 to have the holes filled and the barreled action reblued and even then the finish is unlikely to be perfect.

The value must be at least halved?

Caveat emptor etc. I'm not going to get a hissy fit over it. It's a nice rifle and at worst it allows me to grind the bolt handle for TCIs low mounts etc

What do you reckon the national chain's reaction to a request for value adjustment will be?

Man, that's a damn shame. I bought a rifle from Simpson LTD last year, Asked 15-20 questions about it on the phone. The last one being is there ANYTHING about this rifle I haven't asked about but would need to know. the salesman said I had covered everything. When the rifle arrived the double set triggers were broken, and not from transit! Even on this side of the pond it's a $75 F up before it was over with.

Before I called I would get a written estimate on the repair cost. I would call and and ask for management. Keep a cool head for at least for the first part of the conversation anyway. I know somebody else this happened to at Cabela's. He was treated fair. Hopefully they'll show you the same consideration.

Terry

PS. glad you like the mounts

This type of fraud (and that IS what is), has become far too prevalent on the gun market. This is why I will NOT buy from most dealers as I have seen too much BS like this and despise such shoddy behaviour.

Give them 30 days MAX. to make it right, a 50% refund is fair, IMO, and then, should they not behave correctly, post this on every gun forum you can find, repeatedly and identify them by business name.

That said, I WOULD have a top English smith re-do that rifle and adjust everything to your exact preferences. I actually prefer the "beaters" to build on and have a slightly worn couple of ZGs in .30-06 in view for possible projects, now.

You are a good guy and I am damm sorry to hear of this, wish I could help.

quote:

1894mk2: Great rifle but as you turn it over you see the action has been drilled and tapped with the rear base having not just 2 but 3 holes.

Sorry to hear this. I've seen more than a few square bridge Brnos (21/22s, ZGs, ZKKs) with drilled bridges. Makes no sense, guess some folks just can't do without those Weaver bases. Only explanation is 19mm dovetail rings were somewhat scarce before CZ550s became commonplace.

Well maybe they think that they came like that from Brno? I would link to this thread and name and shame and await their promise to put you back right.

I certainly will be happy to know who it is so that I don't make the same mistake of being sold something from them.

Contract Law says that they MUST advance you to where you would have arrived had the item been as described. So my belief is that they should make good the cost OR supply you with a "metalwork perfect" rifle.

I agree with Terry, no need to raise hell until it is necessary. It is much easier to try first in a civil way.
Butch