Understanding Colt's repair order

[OD#3]

I sent a NRM 1991 back to Colt, because the series 80 system was out of time. The firing pin block plunger was being struck by the firing pin, leaving little peen marks on the firing pin. Since this was a new pistol, the defect was one of manufacture and not wear. I just got my repair estimate in the mail. Of course there is no charge for the repair, but the description of the repair just said "replace firing pin. test for function".

They made the pistol, so I would tend to defer to their judgement on the nature of the defect. But just replacing the firing pin doesn't seem like a cure for the problem---just the symptom. I can't see how a new firing pin would fix an out-of-time firing pin safety. Nor would a "function test" uncover problems, because the pistol functioned fine before. The damage to the pin was only noticed after I detail-stripped the slide, and I sent the pistol in for repair before the problem could lead to malfunction.

I will probably end up calling Colt (their customer service is closed at the moment), but it occurred to me that the description of the promised service may be just a standard description for any defect that results in damage to a firing pin and may not accurately reflect the actual work being done. In other words, Colt will make whatever adjustments are necessary to correct the timing on the firing pin safety system, but since the firing pin, which is damaged, will also be replaced, the person who generated the repair order just chose "replace firing pin... test for function" from a list of repair options to include in the repair order. But if not, and they're just going to replace the firing pin, I'm worried. Anyone have a similar experience?

[azreloader]

You're right. No worries. Mine was similar, but they were very thorough and replaced some of the internals on mine that I had not even mentioned, but they thought should be replaced, and they did not charge me for those additional parts.

My COLT repair service was better than expected and I hope you wil feel the same. BTW, the time estimate they give you is from the time they receive the gun and get your OK to proceed with the work and have your money in hand.

Good luck and post pictures when you get it back!

[Hersh]

Colt's comments on repair orders are usually terse at best, but they do handle the problems!

[DuckRyder]

I would not sweat it.

Look for handwritten notes too...

Go shoot it and I would imagine you will find the problem fixed...

[OD#3]

Thanks to you all for the reassurances; they have set my mind at ease.

[gunslinger1971]

Colt's comments on repair orders are usually terse at best, but they do handle the problems!

Been my experience also.

they took care of my problems, but left alot to the imagination on the return invoice.

[1saxman]

Similar to auto shops that need a specific code for any repair, even odd jobs that aren't covered by a procedure. In this case I think they will replace the FP, but they will also 'time' the system for proper function as well as replacing any other associated parts that are needed.

[OD#3]

Well, I got the pistol back with a handwritten note on the repair order by the guy who did the work that just says, "Replaced firing pin." So I really won't know if any work was done on the series 80 timing until I've dry-fired a a bunch and then inspected the new firing pin for the same kind of damage. It passes the "pencil test", but then it did that before, too. Based on the encouraging responses here, I'm going to try to assume for now that Colt did, indeed, honor my entire request which was to replace the firing pin AND time the safety system. I just wish their repair order comments were more reassuring.

[Bladeandbarrel]

The arm of the fp safety lever should rise .080"-.100" when properly timed IMO

[kingc]

Well, I got the pistol back with a handwritten note on the repair order by the guy who did the work that just says, "Replaced firing pin." So I really won't know if any work was done on the series 80 timing until I've dry-fired a a bunch and then inspected the new firing pin for the same kind of damage. It passes the "pencil test", but then it did that before, too. Based on the encouraging responses here, I'm going to try to assume for now that Colt did, indeed, honor my entire request which was to replace the firing pin AND time the safety system. I just wish their repair order comments were more reassuring.

I understand if you send them the shipping bill, they will reimburse your expenses. Or, did they pay for the shipping to them?

[OD#3]

Shipping was another issue entirely. I was told that my shipping would be reimbursed, but there was no such reimbursement returned with the pistol, even though I shipped it through FedEx, and the shipping costs were listed on the packaging. I guess I'll just have to call them tomorrow on both issues.

I do want to make it clear that my opinions on Colt's Customer Service aren't at all fully-formed yet, and my posts on this subject are really just a preemptive attempt to avoid having to bug Cindy and her ilk with what may be unwarranted concerns. I have a pretty low post count here, but I have been a Colt enthusiast all my adult life, and I don't want to be mistaken for a troll or Colt-basher. I'll let you all know how I make out in the end on this repair issue. I've only sent one handgun back to its respective factory before (not Colt) and that was many years ago. And it wasn't a good experience. That is why I usually just get rid of problem firearms, but I just couldn't give up any of my Colts. So I've had to endure the whole factory warranty repair irritation.

[DuckRyder]

Shipping was another issue entirely. I was told that my shipping would be reimbursed, but there was no such reimbursement returned with the pistol, even though I shipped it through FedEx, and the shipping costs were listed on the packaging. I guess I'll just have to call them tomorrow on both issues.

Mail them the receipt with a short note requesting the reimbursement, send it to the customer service address, they will send you a check.

[HotIce]

They could afford doing like SA though, where they pay directly for the shipment (and they schedule directly a pickup for you). That would make it perfect and at the end cost them the same.