MSU Marksman
Well-Known Member
I could use some input/insight on a troubled dealing I've got going on right now. I recently bought a rifle from a small dealer on the internet, who is in no way connected with this site. Upon receiving the rifle I took it apart for cleaning and noticed considerable surface rust in areas and made note about it not being close to the 98% it was originally rated. I contacted the seller, and showed some photos of what I found and they agreed that it was not as advertised and offered to refund me if I sent it back. The rifle was originally shipped in a hard case to my dealer for the purpose of doing a transfer. When I shipped it back, never having shipped a rifle in a hard case before, I just used the standard rifle shipping box (a re-used CMP shipping box) that meets all requirements of UPS, insured it, and sent it on it's way. Upon the dealer getting the rifle he commented that the stock was cracked at the grip. Because it was insured we put a claim in against UPS, but haven't heard much from them, and I am beginning to prepare myself for the worst and assume that they won't offer any compensation. The dealer still has my money and has not issued a refund, and he also has the rifle. I know the dealer is upset that the stock is cracked and blames it on the lack of being shipped in a hard case. On the other hand, I'm not so sure that the crack in the wood isn't an environmental thing. I don't know what else I can do at this time. Can the dealer make me take the rifle back? I know I can't get my money back from selling the rifle in the condition it's in. Shouldn't the dealer have some sort of company insurance that takes care of damaged goods in transit? How can I get my money back and move on at this point?