Rifle Accuracy Guarantee Worth Its Salt?

[treillw]

So there are all kinds of companies out there with various accuracy guarantees. What are your thoughts on them? Are they worth anything more than just a bit of advertising? How many load combos do you have to try before you resolve to the gun just won't shoot?

I would imagine getting a company to agree that the firearm doesn't meet their accuracy standards would be challenging.

 

[Maxduty]

So there are all kinds of companies out there with various accuracy guarantees. What are your thoughts on them? Are they worth anything more than just a bit of advertising? How many load combos do you have to try before you resolve to the gun just won't shoot?

I would imagine getting a company to agree that the firearm doesn't meet their accuracy standards would be challenging.

I had one that wouldn't shoot anything less than a 3 inch group. Tried various manufactured ammo and hand loads and just couldn't get it to tighten up. Called the company and explained what I was running into (minus the hand load part) and they said ship it back. I got back my action with a new stock and barrel on it. It shoots much better. They didn't even have an accuracy guarantee, but that rifle just plain flat out wouldn't group to save it's life. They made it good and I was surprised. I did not get any explanation as to what they did or why, I only had a copy of the work order that indicated a new barrel and stock had been installed. I would imagine no one wants one of their rifles that doesn't shoot to be out there, so it might not be as hard as you think. On that note, I followed some advice from this board and my Tikka 300wm will put 5 in a clover leaf. It only likes their ammo, nothing else.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Most anyone that has a good reputation will make things right if they can repeat the problem when you send it back. As far as custom guns and smiths are concerned.

At larger factory manufacturers, you have the “human factor.” The person checking your rifle for the problem may be having a bad day, or just flat out not care. They are an employee and don’t have a reputation to keep.

Many customs companies (vudoo comes to mind) don’t have a specific accuracy guarantee, but if it shoots like shit, they will take care of it without a problem. Most of these companies’ rifles shoot amazing, so it’s a matter of customer service, pride, and it’s also rare to shoot bad, so it’s not a big deal off their bottom dollar anyway.

 

[Statusquo]

I had a Model 70 a few years back that wouldn't shoot. I tried several handloads and factory ammo, as well as 2 shooters and 2 scopes. I called them up and they told me to send it in. I received a new rifle shortly after that met their 1 moa guarantee. I even had the stock cut on the original and they took it back.

 

[schmi015]

If a rifle has an accuracy guarantee and it won't shoot FGMM, Black Hills, or other match loads from Hornady or Federal, and the bullet is typically suited for that twist rate then its worth contacting the company.

I have a factory Tikka fluted stainless .308 1/11twist that just flat out does not like 150gr bullets, it will shoot them into a 3in group at 100. I then tried some 175 gr FGMM and some 168gr black hills and they both grouped under an inch. So test some different weights and brands and if it won't shoot give the mfg a call.

 

[4X4Dad]

My story is the same as the others . Brand new Ruger 22 Hornet wouldn't group under 3 inches at 100yds . Sent it back and they replaced everything except the action . Still wouldn't group , so I traded it for my daughter's first groundhog rifle

 

[HeavyAssault]

Accuracy Guarantee: It's more a reflection of their product design, QA systems & labor, and their own testing. I do think they have some more salt when they give out the "test targets" showing it left their hands with a group. While I'm not going to buy solely based on a guarantee it does give the consumer a potential avenue to resolve any issues one may encounter.

One must shoot in the same fashion (bench, bag, bi-pod, vice) as the testing is done with the reasonably same quality ammo the factory used. If you can't hold the weapon, get a good sight picture, etc etc etc...there's no way you will be able to see the accuracy guarantee.

Adding into the factor of ammunition QA there's variables there too. In the end MANY manufacturers are all ready producing quality ammo with their only competition being hand loads. So any "match grade" ammo will suffice to meet the requirements of any accuracy guarantee.

Whether you shoot one brand, one box or 4 brands, 4 boxes it's on you to make a determination as to your satisfaction.

With all that being said IF you make a claim there's a problem and they find nothing......then at least you know where the problem really is.

 

[schmi015]

On the other hand....

 

[perttime]

I have not yet heard of a Sako or Tikka that didn't meet their accuracy guarantee with suitable well made ammunition. I haven't shot recent models but used to have a Tikka M65A that shot just about any bullet weight from 100 to 185gr to sub-MOA or better. A friend's .308 hunting weight Tikka did about MOA with whatever cheap ammunition he had for a try-different-guns day at the range. He may have had Lapua 123gr FMJ loads.

 

[lennyo3034]

I had a Tikka t3x that was about 2 MOA. I called them and they said if I sent it in, they would shoot multiple 3 round groups and if any one of them shot MOA, it would be sent back and I would be charged their testing fee as well as return shipping. Seeing as how a 2 MOA gun can easily shoot a 1 MOA group if you shoot enough groups, I elected not to bother.

 

[DJL2]

It really comes down to the control load - if it won’t shoot MOA with that (whatever it is) it’s not an MOA rifle - it might be a rifle that sometimes shoots MOA or shoots MOA with loads it likes, but it’s not an MOA rifle ?. Any company that makes you hunt for the “secret sauce” that will turn their gun into a shooter ought to be called out here for ridicule and shame - you know, what the internet is best for.

 

[smokinbobf4]

I thought the same thing about it, but I bought the gun from a store that has extremely good cs (scheels), and they sent it in for me. That was a sako a7 that I could get 2 1/4 groups at best with about 8 types of ammo.

 

[davsco]

scheel's is awesome! wish they were on the east coast.
bummed to hear about the tikka above and certainly their mantra that if it shoots one moa group in it's life, it meets their guarantee. fortunately most i've read of are moa or better and i certainly hope the one i'm picking up wednesday is moa if not somewhat better!

 

[treillw]

I had a Tikka t3x that was about 2 MOA. I called them and they said if I sent it in, they would shoot multiple 3 round groups and if any one of them shot MOA, it would be sent back and I would be charged their testing fee as well as return shipping. Seeing as how a 2 MOA gun can easily shoot a 1 MOA group if you shoot enough groups, I elected not to bother.

This is disappointing to hear. How many tries do you think I need to flip a quarter heads 5 times in a row? A warranty like that is useless.