I received my Long Range Express rifle today; it was ordered in May of 2020. It is a 45-70, 30” heavy octagon with most of the bells and whistles including exhibition grade wood.
I have owned two of their rifles before; I was spoiled by the perfectionist fit and finish of my first two rifles so I decided to dump $5,500 into yet another example of their fine work.
I initially received a rifle in July of this year; to my absolute dismay, the quality of the first sample sent to me was appalling - the fit and finish was simply terrible (damaged fore end, proud wood on one side of the butt plate, gaps between the receiver and wood, receiver casting was pitted and gouged, pewter cap was stained, pitted and scratched, there appeared to be some kind of wood filler applied to fill the gaps - simply a mess and a grand disappointment to say the very least - how in the world did this rifle ever exit their shop for shipment?????
The rifle was immediately returned with many photos of my concerns. When I spoke with the owner, he agreed that the rifle was subpar and that he would make it right - so the wait began again.
Well as stated, a replacement rifle arrived today via UPS. I was a tad nervous as to what quality I would find when I opened the box. To my reverse dismay, I removed a rifle from the case that appeared to be absolutely stunning in every detail - like a catalog photograph. Every single minute detail was flawless - the exhibition grade stock (both fore end and butt stock) was of absolutely stunning, gorgeous figure - I was extremely impressed and extremely pleased.
I must say that I was grandly POed at receipt of the first rifle - the quality was so bad that it was laughable - again, it was unbelievable to me that the first rifle got out of the shop. However, my faith was restored with the receipt of my rifle today - absolute flawlessly stunning (and yes, photos to follow).
PS, I have an 1885 45-70 with the bells and whistles ordered with C. Sharps - due for completion around June of next year - you simply cannot have too many rifles on order!
I have owned two of their rifles before; I was spoiled by the perfectionist fit and finish of my first two rifles so I decided to dump $5,500 into yet another example of their fine work.
I initially received a rifle in July of this year; to my absolute dismay, the quality of the first sample sent to me was appalling - the fit and finish was simply terrible (damaged fore end, proud wood on one side of the butt plate, gaps between the receiver and wood, receiver casting was pitted and gouged, pewter cap was stained, pitted and scratched, there appeared to be some kind of wood filler applied to fill the gaps - simply a mess and a grand disappointment to say the very least - how in the world did this rifle ever exit their shop for shipment?????
The rifle was immediately returned with many photos of my concerns. When I spoke with the owner, he agreed that the rifle was subpar and that he would make it right - so the wait began again.
Well as stated, a replacement rifle arrived today via UPS. I was a tad nervous as to what quality I would find when I opened the box. To my reverse dismay, I removed a rifle from the case that appeared to be absolutely stunning in every detail - like a catalog photograph. Every single minute detail was flawless - the exhibition grade stock (both fore end and butt stock) was of absolutely stunning, gorgeous figure - I was extremely impressed and extremely pleased.
I must say that I was grandly POed at receipt of the first rifle - the quality was so bad that it was laughable - again, it was unbelievable to me that the first rifle got out of the shop. However, my faith was restored with the receipt of my rifle today - absolute flawlessly stunning (and yes, photos to follow).
PS, I have an 1885 45-70 with the bells and whistles ordered with C. Sharps - due for completion around June of next year - you simply cannot have too many rifles on order!