Charles Daly Wants to Hear From You!

[elsullo]

Random Thoughts:

Mr. K, this is a great thread, and thanks for taking shooter input! I DO have some thoughts:

The best customer service is the one that is never needed---just make the product PERFECT before it leaves your plants! This is especially crucial in a self-defense weapon that people's LIVES depend on! To build a good reputation, Quality Control is far more effective than Customer Repair Service.

Please keep us LEFT-HANDERS in mind! A good ten percent of the population are left handed, and any tactical weapon needs to be able to be fired from either side. Keep making left-handed versions available, and for pistols always keep an ambidextrous safety option available! I was all excited about the new AR-24 pistol until I discovered that it only had half the safety levers that I needed.

Do I recall that KBI imported Daewoo pistols? Are they available for import? My favorite 9mm is the Daewoo DP51, a perfect and brilliant design that should not be lost to history. If brought in again with better marketing more people would discover this inexpensive masterpiece!

I echo an earlier post wishing for an inexpensive but quality finished SKS rifle in .223 Remington (.556 Nato spec short barrel). Many people wish for a "ban-proof" home defense rifle, and this could be a winner. Note the new Ruger "NRA" short barrel Mini-14? You could develop an SKS for half the price, maybe, and sell a million!

I also echo an earlier post wishing for a quality, small all-stainless 9mm snubby, especially in "BodyGuard" style with shrouded hammer. S&W has priced it's revolvers into Limbo for many of us.

Let me repeat my first thought: The best Customer Service is the one that is never needed.....................elsullo

 

[Dirty Dawg]

Mr. Kassnar,

I bought a 12 ga. S/S from a friend a long time ago, back in the late 80's I'd say. I'm the second owner of this beautiful gun and spent many seasons bird hunting with it. But back around 1996, it started having some problems ejecting shells. Sometimes it was fine, other times it would eject unfired shells.Close inspection showed very fine cracks in both ejectors. I asked around the DFW area but couldn't find anyone I felt was qualified to make the necessary repairs so I put the gun in the back of the closet, where's it has remained the past 12 years. I love this gun (made in Italy, I believe) and would love to put it back into rotation. Is this a repair that could be made at your facility and if so, what might I expect, ballpark, to return ths gun to its former glory?

 

[Charles Daly]

Sorry for not posting for a week. Here's my comments to recent posts:

BigO01: I agree with you that with the availability of the internet has changed our ability to market "niche" products successfully. Forums such as this are a big improvement over "print media" and certainly enable us to get the word out on a new product in ways that were impossible in the early '90's.

Having said that, there is still a critical mass needed in order to bring a new product to market at a profit. I can't count the number of projects we've entered into that wound up being of benefit to dealers and consumers while being a losing proposition for us. It has always been our belief that if 1 out of every 3 new projects is a major success then we will be able to keep our doors open and not worry too much about the projects that ultimately fail. But we do try to learn from past mistakes and keep future failures at a minimum.

Brian Williams: I believe that Century is currently importing the Arcus line.

vikz: Congrats on your new Charles Daly Tactical! Let us know how you like it.

louishob: In order for us to bring a 9X23 to market we would need to sell at least 300 of them right away. That doesn't sound like a lot, but you would be surprised how difficult it can be to convince our customers to stock this minimal amount. A successful pistol is one that we sell many thousands of, year after year.

As we import all of our products except our new AR's, handling "Special Orders" is just not possible for something like this.

TallWind: I trust our Customer Service department will take good care of you.

SoCalShooter: Thanks for your kind post. Far from being "cheesy", your comments mean a lot to us and tell me that we are on the right track.

elsullo: Thanks for your post and suggestions.

We do strive to make a "perfect" product. However, as I'm sure you understand, the products we sell (firearms) are mechanical devices and as such are prone to breakage under normal use. Firing pins, springs, extractors, etc. have a limited life and will either break or wear out over time. They should perform perfectly out of the box though, and when they don't (and that can happen to any gun manufactured by any company) a good Customer Service department will make sure any problems are remedied in a professional and timely manner.

Charles Daly does think of left-handers all the time. We are one of 3 or 4 companies that make a left-handed semi-auto shotgun and when we had the Zastava Mauser rifles from Serbia we made a few calibers, and raw actions, in left-handed versions. Our EFS pistols come with ambi-safties standard.

KBI never imported the Daewoo pistols. However, a company that I was involved with in 1989, Firstshot, did. The DP51 was a great pistol but perhas we were ahead of our time as sales at that time were not enough to sustain that little company. I believe that Century may have the DP51 available now.

Ah, a request for the SKS in .223. I've always had a love/hate relationship with this rifle. I will look into this but frankly don't see us being able to obtain something like this now. We have somewhat limited resources and for now we are focusing on our new line of AR's for this market segment.

Small revolvers are very diffcult to import. In fact, if it has a barrel length less than 3" it is impossible to import. Does Charter make something like what you are looking for?

Again, thank you for your post. We appreciate the time you took to comment here.

Dirty Dawg: Though we did not make or import your gun, perhaps our Service Department may be able to help you. Give them a call (toll free) at 866-DalySvc and they will help if they can.

That's it for now. Thanks again to all of you for posting here.

 

[tntwatt]

Mr Kassnar, I have never really considered buying a CD. The simple fact that you are willing to open yourself directly to the opinions (good and bad) with no way to control what we see, speaks volumes. Integrity and accountability are in short supply these days. I'm going to take a long look at your product simply because you had the guts to stick your neck out on this forum.

 

[recon]

If you could make a lefty AR it would give Stag arms some competion and help with prices on that type of model.

 

[louishob]

Mr. Kassnar, thanks for responding.

 

[Snowdog]

Mr. Kassnar,

I would appreciate any assistance you might provide to help resolve two issues I have with a recently purchased Charles Daly HiPower that has proven unreliable thus far.

On March 22nd, I returned a Charles Daly HiPower purchased new from CDNN for factory repairs to address a mechanical malfunction (failures to extract spent shell casings, occurring one in twenty to thirty rounds). I also requested Uncle Mike padded grips as the Daly HiPower was advertised as having, in lieu of the hard plastic grips it arrived with.

I received the handgun back on April 30th with the same grips and of course more importantly, the same malfunction. These malfunctions occur with a variety of factory-loaded ammunition and were experienced by different shooters (indicating the malfunctions are a result of a mechanical defect).

I was sincerely hoping that by directly contacting you, I could have these issues addressed and resolved. The padded grips would be nice but I can understand if your company no longer possesses any as I know this model is no longer offered by Charles Daly. However, I would be truly disappointed if I had to repair any factory defect on my own dime in order to resolve the malfunction of this otherwise very nice HP specimen.

As of now, I believe this HP simply "fell through the cracks" of KBI/Charles Daly customer service and do not consider it to be "par for the course" as I've read of the strides that you personally have made in this field and I did receive a pre-paid shipping label.

If you would, please advise me what to do concerning this matter. I have the service sheet it was returned with if you need any information off of that.

Thank you in advance,
Dan

 

[ken2925]

My next shotgun

Mr Kassner, I just wanted to let you know that my next shotgun will be a Charles Daly .20 gage pump. I have a bad back and I can't take the big recoil guns/rounds anymore. I asked my dealer what shotgun he would recommend and he almost immediately said the Charles Daly brand! I hope that when I purchase that I can add a post to give my humble opinion about your firearm. Thanks and good shooting, Ken.

 

[Dr_2_B]

Here is one of my three posts from the following thread about my experience with my 1911:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=284517&highlight=daly&page=2

KingPin,

I sent it back thrice, on the following dates. I've pasted my letters:
8/11/2004
Dear Sir or Madam:

I’m returning this pistol (CD503315) for repairs. Although I’ve owned it for a couple years now (purchased new from Lafayette Guns and Gear in Lafayette, IN), I doubt I’ve fired a hundred-fifty rounds through it because it hasn’t functioned well. It fails to extract spent rounds from the chamber. I experience this failure in hollow-point as well as hardball ammo from three or four different manufacturers. Can it be made to function properly?

I would appreciate any help you are able to give. Please contact me with any questions.

Thank you


9/14/2004
Dear Sir or Madam:

Enclosed please find my previous letter and my Charles Daly .45 cal. Pistol (CD503315). It was returned to me after my previous service request with notice that it had been serviced and test-fired. Unfortunately, it still fails to extract the spent case after firing. As a rule, it fails about 4 times per magazine. I’ve tried 3 different manufacturers of ammo with failure to extract in each type. (I’ve tried each of these ammos with my GLOCKs and they have functioned flawlessly)

Please replace the extractor on this gun and please polish the feed ramp. Also, please make any other modifications that will cause the gun to function well. Could you also please tell me what ammo was used to test-fire this gun after the previous repair order?

Thank you

1/11/2005
Hi Rick,

Thank you for our recent phone conversations about my Charles Daly .45 (CD 503315) and thank you for arranging a FedEx tag. By way of reminder, I discovered that the pistol will fire even while the grip safety is not depressed (yikes!).

If you have any questions, please contact me. Also, thank you for the previous work you guys have done with it. I think it is going to be a fine pistol when this last repair is made.

Sincerely


Unfortunately, I was wrong. After they sent it back to me the third time, it still would not extract. I'm not sure if have some interest in CD, but I assure you, I made every effort to get this thing fixed.

 

[Charles Daly]

matheath: Your post has certainly caught my attention. I will discuss your pistol with our gunsmith on Monday and will contact you.

A pistol coming to us 3 times for service is unacceptable. I know if I were you I would not be too fond of Charles Daly at this point.

Please bear with us for a few more days.

Sincerely,

 

[Dr_2_B]

That's very kind. Thank you.

 

[Snowdog]

A sincere "Thanks!" to Kassnar and his staff!

Mr. Kassnar,

I want to publicly thank you and your staff for the exceptional service you have provided in not only successfully addressing the malfunctions I previously described, but for also going the extra mile by footing the bill for shipping and even providing me with new updated grips!

After speaking with your knowledgeable Chief Engineer Jim Haverling, I became aware at just how much time and effort was invested into providing me with a HiPower that would function flawlessly. Though the exact cause of the previous malfunction remains a mystery, it was successfully eliminated. I am absolutely impressed by Jim’s dogged tenacity in tackling the challenge of eliminating the malfunctions that involved replacing the barrel, carefully angling and polishing the feed ramp to allow positive feeding of JHPs, replacing the extractor and extractor spring and even going as far as custom shaping the extractor claw to ensure maximum purchase of the cartridge rim.

I understand Mr. Haverling placed an order for various types of 147gr JHPs and fired several hundred rounds of ammunition through my CD HiPower to ensure positive functioning after learning during our conversation of my propensity towards subsonic 147gr JHPs. Having just recently sent several hundred rounds down range without a glitch, I am absolutely satisfied in his work.
I have sent Mr. Haverling a “thank you” card in today's mail for this dedication of time and effort and for also providing positive communication (sent to PO box 6625, hopefully it will find him).

Mr. Kassnar, you and Jim have earned my profound respect for exhibiting what I irrefutably believe to be outstanding moral character proven by the sincerity of your drive to provide unsurpassed customer service. Having you at the helm of CD while supported by such principled staff as Mr. Haverling, I will never hesitate in the purchase of another Charles Daly product.

 

[David N]

No, I Didn't Have To Push S&w

Mr. Kassnar,

I bought a S&W Sigma. I made a mistake after I cleaned it and didn't put it back together right. I e-mailed S&W. They sent me a pre-paid tag for UPS, fixed the gun for free even though it was my fault, and mailed it back to me. Paying shipping both ways on their lifetime warranty is their policy. I was impressed that I offered to pay for the repair since the problem was my own stupid error but they didn't ask for any money, just fixed it and mailed it back to me within 10 business days.

Welcome to the board and thank you for contacting us. From what I have read about FEG and Charles Daly guns they sound like what I'm looking for.

Again, welcome and thank you for your honesty.

 

[Zantar]

Happy with my CD Field Tactical.

I wanted something lighter then my fully loaded Mossberg 500 to carry around and that could be placed somewhere within reach like a bedside/trunk gun. Went to the store looking for an 870 but picked the CD instead, spent the $120 I saved on ammo and taco's (Mexican food joint next to store- luv it).
Haven't really had any problems with it in the past two years, other then not knowing if a side saddle will fit on it.



Btw, anyone know of a side saddle that will fit a Field Tactical?

 

[bamawrx]

My buddy had a problem with one of the shotguns. It was sent in, repaired, and now it works perfectly. That is all we can ask as customers!

 

[boggyboy72]

Are all models of your ARs shipping?I've been looking for the full size and haven't seen any.Also any plans for a full size flattop?

 

[Charles Daly]

boggyboy72: By full size do you mean our DR-15 20" rifle or the DV-24 Match/Varmint model?

Actually, both of them shipped to the wholesalers last week so, yes, we have shipped some of all of our models.

We are planning a 20" flattop with detachable carry handle, but it will come out after our new lightweights currently under development. Probably in another 3 months.

 

[boggyboy72]

Just the info I was looking for thanks.

 

[Dookie]

I have two problems.
The first is I was going to buy one of your rimfires and put it down to go look at something else shiny, and I came back and someone bought it. That was irritating.

2'nd, How about a 17 HM2.

 

[Charles Daly]

Sorry Dookie, we don't import that rifle any longer. However, you can get the same gun, as it is now the Remington Model 5 (though the cost is a bit more).

 

[stolivar]

I have your CD auto shotgun

I want to put a scope mount on it. does the remington mount fit it or am I out of luck on a scope mount. I am getting older and want to put a red dot on it. I sent you a PM on another forum and you never got back with me.


steve

 

[Charles Daly]

Steve, sorry about not replying. I am getting older too...

The Remington mount does not fit our semi-auto shotgun. At one time Butler Creek made a saddle mount that fit our gun but since we had a few different manufacturers making our semi's in the last few years, the best thing I could suggest is for you to call our Customer Service Dept (toll free) at 866 DalySvc or 866 DalyGun and explain what it is you want. They will ask you for your serial number in order to give you the correct information as to who makes a mount that fits your gun. Alternatively, you could PM me your serial number and I can get that information for you.

 

[stolivar]

Here is the Serial number

Here is the Serial number on the 3 1/2 inch auto CD shotgun made in turkey

104684.

I appreciate your time and effort.



Steve

 

[Rebel1972]

Mr Kassnar ,I think your company went kind of backwards on the way the little sharps has been released .The thirty thirty and the twenty two would have been barn burners had they been released first .I see from your web page that the thirty thirty is the last to be released I was just wondering why?

 

[texjack]

I bought a CD 45 1911 5" in the late 90"s, and have since replaced most of the small internal parts, grips, and sights. The only parts that needed to be replaced were the extractor & ejector, but of course, you have to customize your 1911. For the last 3 years I have competed in IDPA games with this weapon and I have done very well with it. I am working on my "master" classification in this sport, so if you want to sponser someone in the shooting sports the way other mfgrs do, let me know.