Daystate Huntsman - Factory Repair **Update**

[Shaggybert]

Hi Guys

Back in August of last year, I posted up the following thread:

http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/topic/258323-daystate-huntman-factory-repair/

At the time, I received some very helpful advice, so I wanted to give you a quick update on the current situation.

After being returned to the factory due to leaking and inconsistent grouping, the gun was returned to me in September.

Along with the gun, I received a work slip, stating that they had replaced a "valve", and a small piece of card, with a very respectable sized pellet group on it (although no explanation of the number of shots taken, or the distance at which the group was shot).

Happily, I took the gun home and zeroed it on the 25m range that I had set up in my back garden.

After a couple of hours with the gun, it seemed to be shooting brilliantly (consistent sub 5p sized groups).

A couple of days later, I got the gun out again to have another target session, and........ Oh look, no air pressure!

After testing the gun a few more times, the problem repeated, so it had to go back again..

This time I decided to deal with Daystate direct. I phoned them up, and actually ended up speaking to Tony Belas, who instructed me to remove the action from the stock and return it to them for repair.

After a very quick turnaround (a couple of weeks I think), the gun was back with me, with another new "valve" and all seemed well.

Although not as pinpoint accurate as it was before (10 shot groups were a little over the size of a 5p @ 25m) it was at last holding pressure.

Yay! All good.

Until a couple of months ago, when during another target session, I cocked the rifle, chambered a pellet, and no sooner had I let go of the bolt, the gun fired ITSELF!

Deciding to experiment further (and in the safe environment of my back garden, with a nice big backstop), I continued the session for a bit.

Out of about 30 further shots, 10 went downrange without my finger touching the trigger!

So..... Back to the shop where I bought it. This time with a nice long letter to Daystate, pointing out how unhappy I was with the rifle, The fact that it was the third time within a year that I have had to return it to them for repair, and requesting that they replace the gun rather than repair it.

All of this brings me up to last weekend.

The gun (the same one) had been returned to C H Westons in Brighton. Apparently it only required an adjustment to the trigger settings, so Daystate couldn't justify replacing it.

And at my request, CH had fitted all of my accessories, chronographed and range tested it to ensure that there were no further accuracy issues.

So into Brighton I head to pick it up.

From the targets shown to me by the staff at CH, the rifle seemed to be producing decent groups, although it was surprising how much difference using the magazine, and fitting the moderator made!

As I was taking to the chap in the shop, I asked if they would be able to pressurise the gun for me, as my dive tank had run out. As I asked, I turned the gun over, and...... Oh look, zero air pressure in the gun. It's leaked again!

So they took the gun back, and are now returning it to Daystate for the FORTH TIME!

Again with a request to replace, rather than repair the rifle (though that will probably fall on deaf ears again).

I have to say, that over this process, C H Westons have been brilliant! But I have now completely lost confidence in the gun, and in Daystate being able to:

1) fix a gun properly or

2) test it properly once a "repair" has been completed.

Regardless of the state that it's returned in, I won't have the confidence in it, to shoot at anything other than a paper target in the garden, and for a £700 gun, that's just not good enough!

So when the gun has returned from it's 4th trip back to the factory, I'll be trading it in.

I just need to decide what I want to go for next. I'm thinking either an AA S410 (Walnut, Carbine), on an HW100 (Probably KT).

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Anyway, for anyone who made it to the bottom of this lengthy post. Thanks for reading.

Rant Over.

Phil

Edited May 29, 2014 by Shaggybert

[flynny]

Not good at all, but if you trade it in its gonna get sold to some other poor sole (I know it's not your problem then ,it's the new owners) a new rifle off daystate is in order,

 

Good luck

 

Atb

 

Flynny

[bullet boy]

Sorry to hear about that bud.

I gotta say in all the years I've had Daystate rifles I've had no problems whatsoever and have had 100% confidence in their performance,quality,accuracy and Daystate Customer Service in general!

I can honestly say I would never buy any other makers of Air-Rifles.

[Catweazle]

I understand your feelings towards the gun, but it is a rogue, not a normal Daystate. If you trade it in you'll lose money and end up with an inferior rifle, I know the S410 is good, but it's not a Huntsman is it.

 

Tony Belas has a great reputation, why not give him one last try to sort this out ? You might be pleased you did.

[oscarsdad]

I would push really hard for a replacement...they have had opportunity to rectify the fault - more than I would have given them - so I would be asking for brand new replacement or refund...technically of the shop as you have a contract with them not the manufacturer although I realise they have been the good guys in this farce.

[secretagentmole]

You have given them every opportunity to make the gun good, as stated by other people it is now time to refund or replace.

[robbiep]

Sale and Supply of Goods Act (SOGA). You purchased what (according to the manufacturer and price) should have been a premium product. When it became faulty, you have given them 'reasonable opportunity' to repair or replace. They have, on a number of occasions, failed to do so. You can now demand a replacement or (probably) a full refund.

 

Note : I say probably a full refund. Although the gun is over 12 months old, it has suffered from the problems from well under a year old. If they refused, and if it went to the small claims court, I'd fancy your chances, if you ended up going that far.

[GingerCat]

I think Robbie makes a good point here and is one worthy of following up with trading standards.

Edited to add, if you haven't got confidence in the gun it's just not worth having and the loss of a few quid over countless shooting sessions with a gun you do have confidence in is worth it for that matter alone.

Edited May 29, 2014 by GingerCat

[mick miller]

No, no, no Daystates are flawless and faultless. There isn't a better air rifle anywhere on earth.

 

I'm afraid I would be demanding a replacement, complete refund or I would be contacting the magazines and trading standards.

[bruno22rf]

I have a Daystate and have had no real problems with it-apart from several instances of jamming a pellet in the action and a silencer adaptor so badly made that the pellet was hitting the silencer (hold on-that's more problems than all my previous airguns (20+) put together)-but in this instance you should demand a full refund and compensation for the hassle-do NOT accept the gun back-put in writing to Westons that you are rejecting the gun as not fit for purpose and advise them that they have 14 days to decide what they want to do, do not contact Daystate as it has nothing to do with them-your contract is with Westons.. Ring consumer direct and get a case number and some legal advice.

[evo]

my new wolverine b is performing as it should,,well if you want me to be ultra honest, its performing a lot better than I anticipated,,

 

certainly worth every penny, as have all my daystates been,,

 

 

hope you get it sorted mate and don't let one bad apple put you off because I,ve been that impressed with my daystates for accuracy,balance looks I might buy another

 

don't tell the wife though

 

atb Evo

[secretagentmole]

I too have a Daystate (albeit a secondhand thumbhole stocked Mark 3) and it too shoots like a dream. But that gun is a Friday afternoon job by the sound of it and has got to go!

[Jega]

Definitely a full refund ,this product has never been fit for purpose since its original purchase .Despite four factory returns during your period of ownership the gun is still not fit for purpose.Any small claims court would have no hesitation in awarding you full recompense and any associated costs .You have been more then reasonable with them in giving them numerous opportunities to rectify this rifle all to no avail .

I can assure you that this matter would not even get to the stage of a court hearing as it is totally indefensible.

If this is what passes for customer service and after sale care it is absolutely abysmal that it has been allowed to get this far .

[Underdog]

I never did like daystate but thats just my personal preference. It is born from the fact that I worked next door to them for a while and after many a chat thought Tony was a big head!

There indoor test range is only about ten yards

[Shaggybert]

Chaps

 

Thanks very much for all of your input. Again, very helpful!

 

I think I'm going to push the "not fit for purpose" route.

Bearing in mind, it's now over a year since I bought the rifle. Do I pursue this with C H Westons, or direct with Daystate?

 

Cheers again

 

Phil

[bruno22rf]

Las time I will say this-your contract is with W\estons and has nothing to do with Daystate-you need to forget that Daystate exist. The fact that the gun is just over a year old means very little-the warranty given by a shop / manufacturer is over and above your statuary rights-which happen to be about the best in the world. Let Westons keep the gun and tell them , in writing, that you reject it as "not fit for purpose"-give them 14 days to decide on their course of action-you want a total refund + costs. Speak to consumer direct and do as they advise-don't forget that you are the innocent party here and that YOU have done nothing wrong-leave Westons in no doubt that you will take them to the small claims court.

[Shaggybert]

Thanks Bruno

 

I don't want you to think that I'm ignoring your advice/posts. Just trying to get things straight in my head.

I will be making contact with Westons tomorrow to state my case.

 

Thanks again everyone for your input.

 

Phil

[robbiep]

While you can demand costs along with your total refund, it is likely to greatly complicate matters. I'd settle for a full refund, just to be shot of the damn thing. But yes, your contract is with the retailer, nothing at all to do with the manufacturer.

 

Your letter should be on these lines :

Dear Sir / madam.

Along with the Daystate purchased from you on XX date. please find enclosed this letter.

I am hereby rejecting the enclosed air rifle as not fit for use, under the Sale and Supply of Goods Act.

Reasons for rejection :

(here detail all the faults, time taken to fix, how long repairs lasted)

Under SOGA, I am obliged to give you reasonable opportunity to effect repairs to a reasonable standard. The repairs have failed to last, and thus the gun is not, and never has been, of 'merchantable quality'.

I hereby give you 14 days to either accept this rejection, and provide me with a refund in full, or to refuse my rejection. Do be advised that if you do refuse my rejection, then I intend taking this matter to the Small Claims Court, where I will also be claiming costs from yourselves.

 

Yours sincerely,

Shaggybert

 

Now ... do 2 copies of this letter. One copy goes to them. The other copy you get them to sign that they have received, and YOU keep that copy.

If they refuse to sign the copy to show receipt, then leave the gun there, stating that you are rejecting it. GET A RECEIPT. Take a pic of it there. Now, post a copy of the letter to them by registered post (so that they cannot deny having received it). Keep the postal receipt for future proof.

[Shaggybert]

While you can demand costs along with your total refund, it is likely to greatly complicate matters. I'd settle for a full refund, just to be shot of the damn thing. But yes, your contract is with the retailer, nothing at all to do with the manufacturer.

 

Your letter should be on these lines :

Dear Sir / madam.

Along with the Daystate purchased from you on XX date. please find enclosed this letter.

I am hereby rejecting the enclosed air rifle as not fit for use, under the Sale and Supply of Goods Act.

Reasons for rejection :

(here detail all the faults, time taken to fix, how long repairs lasted)

Under SOGA, I am obliged to give you reasonable opportunity to effect repairs to a reasonable standard. The repairs have failed to last, and thus the gun is not, and never has been, of 'merchantable quality'.

I hereby give you 14 days to either accept this rejection, and provide me with a refund in full, or to refuse my rejection. Do be advised that if you do refuse my rejection, then I intend taking this matter to the Small Claims Court, where I will also be claiming costs from yourselves.

 

Yours sincerely,

Shaggybert

 

Now ... do 2 copies of this letter. One copy goes to them. The other copy you get them to sign that they have received, and YOU keep that copy.

If they refuse to sign the copy to show receipt, then leave the gun there, stating that you are rejecting it. GET A RECEIPT. Take a pic of it there. Now, post a copy of the letter to them by registered post (so that they cannot deny having received it). Keep the postal receipt for future proof.

Brilliant! Thanks.

[Guest cookoff013]

@ robbie P

+1

 

a documented letter is all it should take.

it is not unreasonable, to expect a full refund.

 

the purchase contract you have is with the shop you bought it from.

 

the last time i had issues with a retailer a letter was sent. my situation was a little more complicated.

but it saved me £1600

[A1Decoy]

Good luck with this matter.

 

Oscar

[bullet boy]

While you can demand costs along with your total refund, it is likely to greatly complicate matters. I'd settle for a full refund, just to be shot of the damn thing. But yes, your contract is with the retailer, nothing at all to do with the manufacturer.

 

Your letter should be on these lines :

Dear Sir / madam.

Along with the Daystate purchased from you on XX date. please find enclosed this letter.

I am hereby rejecting the enclosed air rifle as not fit for use, under the Sale and Supply of Goods Act.

Reasons for rejection :

(here detail all the faults, time taken to fix, how long repairs lasted)

Under SOGA, I am obliged to give you reasonable opportunity to effect repairs to a reasonable standard. The repairs have failed to last, and thus the gun is not, and never has been, of 'merchantable quality'.

I hereby give you 14 days to either accept this rejection, and provide me with a refund in full, or to refuse my rejection. Do be advised that if you do refuse my rejection, then I intend taking this matter to the Small Claims Court, where I will also be claiming costs from yourselves.

 

Yours sincerely,

Shaggybert

 

Now ... do 2 copies of this letter. One copy goes to them. The other copy you get them to sign that they have received, and YOU keep that copy.

If they refuse to sign the copy to show receipt, then leave the gun there, stating that you are rejecting it. GET A RECEIPT. Take a pic of it there. Now, post a copy of the letter to them by registered post (so that they cannot deny having received it). Keep the postal receipt for future proof.

Great advice and letter Robbie!

[Shaggybert]

Right chaps, quick update (on my update).

I typed out a letter using the very helpful advice above, but it turns out, I didn't need it.

I thought that before I sent the letter, I'd give C H Westons a quick call, out of courtesy, to let them know it's on it's way.

The chap on the phone (Howard, who has been absolutely brilliant throughout the whole process), didn't dispute it at all. Other than to say that they couldn't offer me a financial refund (as it was over a year since I purchased the gun - I'm sure I could have argued this).

He offered me the full purchase price of the rifle against any other. Although, he pointed out, that this would not be a Daystate, as they will no longer be stocking them in the shop.

This is due to several recent (ongoing) customer quality problems, and Daystates poor customer service over recent months (don't bite my head off, I'm just saying what I have been told)!

So, yesterday, I took the afternoon off work, drove into Brighton and picked up my new Weihrauch HW100KS.

I hope I have more luck with this gun!

Thanks again to everyone who has posted on this thread, with advice and support.

Phil

Edited June 11, 2014 by Shaggybert

[corkycorksta]

Fair play to the dealer, I don't think you could ask for a much more reasonable offer than that.

 

I wonder what will happen to the Daystate lemon ? I hope the dealer can get his money back and are not having to stump up for your replacement themselves.

 

Excellent choice of high quality replacement by the way, I'm sure you will be impressed with the HW100

[FalconFN]

Very interesting about the daystste problems. I'm glad you've got some sort of resolution - I'm sure the HW 100 will do you well, it's just a shame that you've had to buy a German rifle after a British manufacturer let you down.

 

Enjoy.