problems with new Franchi Alcione

[Mr gen]

A mate of mine has just got into shooting and has bought himself his first new 12G. It is a new Franchi Alcione one, within 500 carts going through it the top ejector has stopped working and very shortly after noticing this, he noticed that the rib had started to come loose with a white powdery residue visible where the solder should be. He has returned it to the RFD he bought it from, but this has knocked his confidence in this brand of gun, even though he liked the fit and the way it shot. Is this a common problem with gun make?

I am leaning towards just getting a replacement, but what do you guys think his options should be in this case:- 1 get a like for like replacement, 2 full refund and look for another brand of similar priced gun, 3 wait for GMK to make a decision on weather to repair or replace, 4 put the money towards a second hand gun reputable name? Although Franchi being owned by Beretta should count for something right?

 

I have no pictures as the gun has been returned

 

If any of you guys have heard of similar problems with this brand this will help greatly with his decision.

 

Many thanks

[Brodie]

I would ask for a refund; then decide what to do when you've got the money in your pocket.

From friend's experience GMK are not the quickest in response and your legal rights lay with the person you paid the money to - the RFD.

Please let us know the outcome.

[sitsinhedges]

I've put around 25000 shells thru my 20g Alcione. I would buy another one tomorrow without hesitation.

[subsonicnat]

Well mine is going like Big Ben.

Had no problems with it at all,I suppose all guns can have rogues though..

[Mr gen]

Thanks fellas, this is what I was hoping to hear, it backs up what I have been told by a couple of guys I know locally that have these guns, that these are a good under £1000 er and that my mate has just unluckily picked up a lemon.

With regards the gun shop return. Would it be fair of them to tell the customer that they have to wait for a response from GMK before issuing a refund or replacement? Or like Brodie has mentioned they should deal with the customer then sort it out themselves with GMK?

 

Thanks again.

[Brodie]

Best not to let them get GMK involved before they refund your money as they might send the gun back and await inspection.

As I said before the shop took the money so it's up to them to refund, replace or repair whatever you wish.

The manufacturer's, or importer's, guarantee is additional to your legal rights.

[grrclark]

I think there is a danger that people can over react to a problem without really appreciating how isolated it will be in the grand scheme of things.

 

It sucks for your mate having had a problem, but it will likely be less than 1% of people who do have an issue.

 

Get a replacement gun from the dealer and let him worry about replacing his stock from GMK.

 

At the cost of thise guns that should not be an issue.

 

For what it is worth I had a 20g version of that gun and loved it, but traded up significantly and sold it to my mate.

 

He has had no issues.

 

I know at least 4 others with the same gun and all love them, it's a lot of gun for the money.