Re: Sandstorm recall
Lou,
I'll try to answer as many of your questions as well as I can (keeping in mind it's a Sunday night, and I don't have access to current information to answer them all). I won't be able to answer everything, but would like to try to explain what I have the ability to, and am able to comment on.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lou Boyd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
1. What is your position at Gemtech?
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***On the board of directors, one of the three owners. My job/business card lists me as the Government & Industry Liaison.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lou Boyd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
2. ...how many have been inspected since the problem was discovered? How many were declared ok with no rewelding? How many are awaiting rewelding? How many have been rewelded? Were there any which were not repairable?
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***Starting backwards, none of them will be/are/were "not repairable". All of them can be inspected and corrected. I can't give a blow by blow of what is currently at our Michigan factory, as I'm in the Idaho office. I can say there have been "dozens" promptly inspected, re-welded, and sent back within the first few days, that's about as specific as I can be about a situation that just came up, not being at that location. I'm sure that most of the suppressors are just now headed our way - just this last week we made contact with our dealers and sent out UPS call tags. Everyone we've spoken to has been very understanding and respects that we're trying to do what's right by them and their customers.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lou Boyd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
3. If you don't mind, could you give more information on the problem? "Incomplete weld penetration" doesn't tell the whole story. Was it an intermittent problem or continuous relative to all of those units? Were they all welded with one machine?</div></div>
***All welded with one machine, yes. On that note, my understanding is that Surefire, AAC, and GEMTECH all have the same brand/model robotic welding machine. The only way to determine a continuous or intermittent problem is to have opportunity to see all the units back and make that determination.
4. Does the inspection alone require disassembly and rewelding the endcaps? Is the inspection something the end user could do with a borescope? Is the inspection x-ray, ultrasound, electronic, visual, or what?
***Disassembly and rewelding will be done. Not something an end-user could determine, even with an x-ray.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lou Boyd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I've not been contacted directly by Gemtech or my dealer. The ammo so far was 20 rounds of 168 grain Federal match 308 Win from an 18" DPMS LR-308. I realize that's not an exhaustive test, but I see no evidence of failure. I have several rifles with 5/8-24 threads it will fit but none harder on a suppressor than the 308 carbine. Had I not heard of the recall I would presently be quite satisfied with the Sandstorm.
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***We have contacted every dealer that purchased directly, as well as made a general notice to all our dealer lists and made effort to get information to everyone that might have purchased them through any resellers or distributors. If we haven't yet spoken to your dealer, we *have* made efforts to do so, left documented messages, etc. and will continue to do so.
We're glad you're liking your SANDSTORM, and would like the opportunity to make sure you remain satisfied with it.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lou Boyd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I still have to decide between two alternatives. It will take most of a day to drive to the dealer then again to get it back.
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***If you have it in your possession, there's no reason to take it to your dealer. We can receive it directly from you, and send it back directly to your home or other address you indicate for us to send it to. If there's some unique situation with UPS making delivery to your location, contact our office directly and we can work out whatever shipping arrangements are satisfactory to you.
208.939.7222 is the office phone, I'll make the office staff there aware of your concerns if you'd like to contact us. Otherwise, dropping an email directly to techstaff @ gem-tech . com and letting them know the situation and your serial number, they'll send you out information, instructions, and a prepaid UPS call tag.
Again, we understand the inconvenience, apologize for it, and would like the opportunity to put any unease behind us all, and get you up and running with shooting and having fun with your suppressor!
Kel