Beretta Customer service

[Old English]

I have 2 Tikka's, 223 varmint and 308 light. I bought the 308 last October. It had difficulties chambering a round, had to advance and then back and for the bolt to chamber the round. Seems to me that something was wrong in the stock. It didn't shoot too well either. Beretta told me to send it back, which I duly did.  Over a month has gone by and no news at all, virtually impossible to get anyone on the phone. Seems like the worst customer service ever, puts me off buying another Tikka. Anyone else had any experiences with their "Customer dis-service?"

[tennbuck]

hate to hear that. but no i cant' say i've had to deal with them. have your checked the service status?
http://www.berettausa.com/customer/service_status/service_status.cfm

[Daniel]

I have really enjoyed my Sakos, but the service issue since Beretta took over (something I've never personally experienced) along with the unavailability of replacement and custom parts has me wondering if I'll ever buy another one and that includes Tikkas. There was a time when I was adamant about never buying another Remington 700 since in factory form they're not in the same league as Sako. However, I do like the notion that replacement and custom parts for the 700 are extremely easy to come by, that practically every scope mount manufacturer makes scope mounts for them and that most any gunsmith knows how to work on them.

[Old English]

Tennbuck, I do not even appear on the system which you mentioned, that's one of my frustrations. I have my support account where they contact me...well they haven't since 12/11/06. I did receive a receipt letter from them with a number but it doesn't work, nor does the serial number. They just suck!!
I had a problem with a Bushmaster rifle, resolved swiftly and beyond my expectations. They also responded to both emails and phone calls. You can even talk to people at NEF, a budget gun maker!!!
Much as I love Tikka rifles, I will not buy another Beretta product.

[tennbuck]

what bullets did you use? i ask because i talked to a fellow today who had the same problem. he was shooting winchester soft points. he went to ballistic tips and never jammed again.

[Old English]

I was using Nosler Ballistic tips, 150gr and 165gr. There was definitely something wrong. The magazine was difficult to get in and click home. I tried the mag in my 223 and it was perfect, tried the 223 mag in the 308, same problem. I actually lost the mag hunting!! I shot a deer with it, descended from my stand and when I put the rifle back in the case, the mag was gone!! Hopefully they'll get it back to me before next deer rifle season in Tennesse in November.
interestingly, the first deer I got last season was with the 223, newly legal in TN, a 100 yard neck shot and she dropped like a sack o' taters!!! The Tikka's got one each. I then fell back to my Remington 30-06, yuk!!!!

[lonewolfe]

Old English,

My experience with Beretta customer service was not positive either.  I called to check my serial number for the problems they were having with their barrels (stainless).  It took two days to get a person on the phone that would let me know if my barrel was one of the recalled ones or not.  Fortunately I've not had any other issues.

lonewolfe

[usherj]

Oh no...you guys have got me worried now. My T3 Hunter in 6.5x55 has been gone since 11/21 (it's not like I'm keeping track or anything) because its ejector popped out. I sent the part in with the gun. Must need a retainer pin or something. Are they waiting for a part from Finland or what? I was hoping to use it for coyotes but I don't know now. I do miss it so

[bigjeepman]

I, too, am a little concerned about their customer service as I hold that in high regard when buying any firearm or scope. I am getting ready to trade for a new Tikka and am wondering how many of you have had to use their customer service.

[conrad101st]

They sent me a brand new rifle in two weeks after I just packed mine up and sent it to them with following letter.  I didn't even bother trying to talk to them.  I was tickled pink.  I'm a real believer in honey over vinegar

Dear Beretta:

I purchased this Sako Finnlight in 300 Win. Mag. after selling my Weatherby SBGM in 300 Win. Mag.  My army buddy, Jeb Brown just loves his 75 stainless synthetic in 300 Win. Mag. and convinced me that this is the hunter’s rifle of rifles.  It is a very fine weapon except that I cannot get it to group very well at all.  I am practically in tears from my disappointment.  I have tried the following loads:

•   Remington Accutips - 180 grain
•   Remington corelocks - 180 grain
•   Hornady Heavy Mags – 180 grain
•   Federal Fusions – 180 grain
•   Federal Nosler Partition – 180 grain
•   Federal Trophy Bonded Bear Claws – 180 grain
•   Winchester Accubonds – 180 grain
•   Winchester Extreme C3’s – 180 grain

However, it does not group anywhere near the stated standard of 5 shots in one inch.  I have tried cold groups, warm groups, dirty groups and cleaning between every shot.  The best I could get was 1.75 inches for 3 shots at 100 meters with good solid rests.  A 4th or 5th shot dramatically opened up the groups.  I use a Leupold 4.5 x 14 vari-X III with a fine reticule and the mounts are tight. I was an infantry platoon leader in the 101st Airborne and know how to shoot.

I would be very appreciative if you could either repair it to meet my needs or replace the unit.  I really do want it for my long-range shooting in Colorado for Elk.  We hunt big bowls and often take shots between 400 and 600 meters.  Except for the accuracy issue, this weapon is what I would consider the ultimate hunting rifle.  If I can get it to shoot sub MOA, then I’ll be a happy soldier.

I have been a long time user of your products and have a 92F and an AL390.  Obviously, your excellent quality control and commitment to service are key reasons for our continued loyalty to your fine brand of products. 


Sincerely,
Conrad Charalampous, JD, MBA
Attorney at Law

[Zachary]

As a fellow attorney myself, I can tell you that your letter, and concern, will be taken more seriously.  However, given that the amount in controversey is, relatively speaking, insignificant, don't expect them to give you too much attention.

In the meantime, I'll cross my fingers for you.

Zachary

[Tikkabuck]

  Wow this isn't good news at all. I mostly use customer service for parts with no problems,once I did send a stock back  because of a defect it took about 2 months but they were always on the ball when I called,although you do stay on hold for quite awhile. Hope they take care of you soon.