Posted on 05/15/2010 7:11:17 AM PDT by SonOfDarkSkies
I write this to apprise folks considering a Kel-Tec handgun of my experience getting my Kel-Tec P32 repaired at the factory.
I bought my little P32 back in early spring and was extremely pleased with its ease of carry, shooting comfort (easy recoil) and accuracy.
However, when I tried to disassemble it for cleaning, the grip and the barrel/slide mechanism became jammed. Unable to separate them (without undue pressure) I took it to my local gunsmith (who sold me the p32 new). He wrestle with it for 30 minutes and when it finally separated, the grip ("ultra high impact polymer Dupont ST-8018") had an inch long crack under the muzzle.
My gunsmith, perplexed that it would crack so easily, sent it back to Kel-Tec for repair under their "lifetime warranty" (the warranty applies only to the original owner)
And then we waited...and waited.
After 5 weeks, I emailed Kel-Tec to ask the status of my repair and their response (however quick) was...
"All factory repairs/replacements have an 8-week turnaround!"I share this with you guys not to discourage any of you from buying a Kel-Tec handgun, but so you will be aware of the specifics of their "lifetime warranty" in case you are considering a purchase.
Would I buy another Kel-Tec? I guess I will have to see the condition of my P32 when it is finally returned. That said, 8 weeks is a long d@mn time for a simple replacement.
My gunsmith suggested that, as Kel-Tec doesn't have a quality control operation, they might have a huge backlog of repairs.
At any rate, I thought this little bit of info might be useful to you fellow gun-toting Freepers.
I bought one for its light weight. Its no fun to shoot and my last trip to the range resulted in metal shavings from someplace.
I wouldn’t buy another.
Thanks for the heads up. I carry a PF9 that’s been good to me so far.
For this and other reasons... I buy Colt, Springield and Kimber.
LLS
That is about 6 weeks to long!
As far as the quality of your pistol when it returns, they are known for taking care of the issues with great standards. The turnaround is a bit too long. I own one and the only downside to this little guy is every 25 or so rounds at the range does produce one jam. But, if I have to go through that many rounds in a situation then hell, I should use a baton.
An 8 week turnouround on a LIFETIME warranty does not seem unreasonable to me
It sounds more lke your failure to read the warranty.
Even if it was not stated policy it seems does not seem too bad.
Relax, and let us know how it is when you get it back.
I don’t think it’s a quality issues. The thing with shipping and fulfillment work flow is that all it takes is a very small amount of slippage over time to get wayyyyy behind. If they had quality issues the wait time would grow and grow very quickly. But if it’s been holding constant at eight weeks for several years that’s a case of many years of slippage due to seasonal peaks that have never been offset by additional overtime or staffing, indicating more bad management than anything else.
All product distributor have the problem with in-house creep, whether it’s outstanding orders or returns and repairs. A well managed company will allow for catch-up times where staff is offered overtime and resources are temporarily relocated to plow through the big staffs of pending orders.
Worth noting though is that in most cases product quality is miles away from bad management at the fulfillment level.
What gun is that??
I bought because I live in Florida and wear shorts all the time. It only weights 7 oz plus ammo.
Need to find an alternative though. Found small shavings on on the feed in the magazine. Couldn’t tell where they came from but it was the same color as the barrel metal.
A replacement is on my wishlist but I havent figured out what I want yet.
New Agent.
I prefer Springfield and Ruger....for out-of-the-box quality......never owned a Colt that didn’t need work....maybe it’s just the luck of the draw...but....
Glock: one-day, every time, no charge, ever.
Does anyone make one yet?
Don’t buy junk.
I carry a glocl 26. Never a jam ever.
Yup, my 19 only had a brand new issue (like 20 years ago), then it went back for routine upgrades, last time was abuse (water damage) but they fixed it at no charge. Awesome service!
They were really quick in responding to my email and if their work is top drawer, I will be happy with my experience.
I really like the little mouser and hope there is a happy ending to this story!
BTW, I have been told that, when disassembling, be very careful in removing the "assembly pin" (i.e. put one thumb on the grip near the pin and apply downward pressure).
Have you even had any problem with disassembly?
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