Sent my brand new, never fired, Night Defender back to Colt the 3rd week in August for a complete refinish after I scratched it severly in a motorcycle accident. FINALLY got it back on 11/12 with a gouge still in the handgrip that a blind man could see. Could not believe would even pass inspection before leaving the factory. Called customer service and gal told me to send back and assured me they would expedite corrected repair. I ask what she calls expediting and was told a couple of weeks after receipt. Fed Ex'd overnight on 11/15. Called yesterday to check on status and was told it would be at least another 8 weeks. I'll never buy another Colt! Thanks for letting me vent.
Colt Customer Service Sucks
- Thread starter bamiller
- Start date
- Status
zombieslayer
New member
I've never owned a Colt, but I had a terrible, ridiculous experience with S&W. It sucks when such a great name in the firearms world leaves such a bitter taste in your mouth 
On the 1911 forums, Colt has an excellent customer service reputation. A factory representative is a member of both of the major forums, and has offered many times to personally facilitate service for forum members who aren't satisfied. The only time I've ever had to use Colt's CS, they replaced the slide on a gun that I'd bought used, and which had been out of production for years. They paid shipping both ways, too.
Wildalaska
Moderator
Colt doesnt catelog a Night Defender. Thats a Lipseys gun. Theres one of the the answers to your delay, which i suspect has to do with parts availability or refinishing scheduling
Did Colt charge you for the first service?
Sincerely
WildifnotwhydoyoucomplainAlaska ™©2002-2010
Did Colt charge you for the first service?
Sincerely
WildifnotwhydoyoucomplainAlaska ™©2002-2010
bakon- bike is like new and had the gun with me to show a friend, not carrying it.
wildalaska- I don't know about it being a Lipsey's gun but the only part to replace was one wood grip and I was told that they were refinishing there. Colt CS rep admitted it took them two weeks after receipt of the pistol just to "log in" because of their backlog. I'm sorry but to me backlog is not an excuse for **** poor service. Hire more people for cryin out loud. Colt charged me $280 initially for a complete re-finish plus $30 S&H both ways.
wildalaska- I don't know about it being a Lipsey's gun but the only part to replace was one wood grip and I was told that they were refinishing there. Colt CS rep admitted it took them two weeks after receipt of the pistol just to "log in" because of their backlog. I'm sorry but to me backlog is not an excuse for **** poor service. Hire more people for cryin out loud. Colt charged me $280 initially for a complete re-finish plus $30 S&H both ways.
sandhills writer
Inactive
Only used Colt customer service once, several years ago. Bought 1911 that had a flaw in the frame. Sent back, they replaced gun. Took a month, I was pleased with service.Wildalaska
Moderator
I doubt thats the case. You must have misunderstood. Probably talking about the time to get it into the repair que
and where was the scratch when it was returned? In the grip or in the frame itself?
Sounds pretty reasonable...whats your complaint? WildiseemtomissitAlaska ™©2002-2010
golfballshootr
New member
I have personally been a user of Colt 1911's for many years, and thus far, have never had an issue that I could complain about.
Anytime, which is not often, I have had to send anything, and I mean anyting, back to Colt, it has been handled to my satisfaction.
Sorry to hear you are having the issue that is happening.
Now, I do have to go to the, "why never fired or tested"?
I will not even ask about the bike, as I totaled one back in 2004, scars and skull indentations to show for it!!! (Yea, no helmet, but do now) But.......after my experience, how did you find sidearm after crash?
Anytime, which is not often, I have had to send anything, and I mean anyting, back to Colt, it has been handled to my satisfaction.
Sorry to hear you are having the issue that is happening.
Now, I do have to go to the, "why never fired or tested"?
I will not even ask about the bike, as I totaled one back in 2004, scars and skull indentations to show for it!!! (Yea, no helmet, but do now) But.......after my experience, how did you find sidearm after crash?
imthegrumpyone
New member
So your Colt's got some "character" and now your trying to hide or remove it ? Never fired ? that's a new thread. How's the scooter ? that would be #1 concern to me p*** on the gun, my scooters are worth more than all my guns.
SA Service
I only had to send a firearm back to a manufacturer once-a Springfield Armory 9mm EMP which didn't feed correctly.The dealer handled the shipping back and forth.
SA customer service was informative and fast.They not only fixed the problem but added a few extras touches for my trouble.
It turned out they hadn't polished the feed ramp.This can happen anywhere,but the fact that they immediately took responsibility and fixed it the first time impressed me.
I have also called Ruger customer service for advice and they were very helpful.
I only had to send a firearm back to a manufacturer once-a Springfield Armory 9mm EMP which didn't feed correctly.The dealer handled the shipping back and forth.
SA customer service was informative and fast.They not only fixed the problem but added a few extras touches for my trouble.
It turned out they hadn't polished the feed ramp.This can happen anywhere,but the fact that they immediately took responsibility and fixed it the first time impressed me.
I have also called Ruger customer service for advice and they were very helpful.
Sorry about your ride and your Colt. My two experiences with Colt's CS have been positive. One was a refinish on an AR barrel. It took two weeks and they paid for shipping both ways. Another was ordering a new scew for my used Python. The CS lady said she didn't have any in stock but was going to the factory later week and would pick me up one at no charge. She was true to her word.
Per Fed Ex tracking Colt received the gun 8/31. Colt CS rep Thomas called me 2:54 PM on 9/20 and told me because of their backlog they were just getting the gun entered into the system. So that was the case and i didn't misunderstand. Scratch, actually gouge 1/16" wide x 3/8" long, was in the frame by the wood grip they replaced.
I wasn't complaining about the refinishing charge.You ask me in your original post what the cost was and I was responding.
As I stated previously I was not carrying it for protection. I had just received the gun and put it in a pocket of my concealment tee shirt, unloaded, in route to show a buddy. Landed on the gun during the accident which broke three ribs.
Since we are jumping around on this post, Beretta in Md isn't much better... Since we have some "sharp-shooters" criticizing the OP, the reason for my complaint was FTF even after 2 trips to their facility. Okay, the pistol was the Bobcat; kind of explains it; don't it!!
I believe the OP has a valid point in complaining about his treatment...
Since we have some "sharp-shooters" criticizing the OP, the reason for my complaint was FTF even after 2 trips to their facility. Okay, the pistol was the Bobcat; kind of explains it; don't it!!I believe the OP has a valid point in complaining about his treatment...
thinkingman
New member
I can't imagine Colt has a repair backlog...from what I read on this forum they're the Holy Grail of firearms.
(Prepare for the Colt carpetbombers to respond)
(Prepare for the Colt carpetbombers to respond)
How does that help anything but your post count? You aren't posting to help a member. F him, right? I mean, his thread and problem is a great way to sneak a few jabs into people, so take the opportunity to use it to the hilt. Sure, screw the guy with a problem, why not, here's a chance to needle people online. You have a really poor username- Status