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Old January 11, 2025, 01:16 PM   #1
Z Factor
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Pietta, Davidson's and a lemon.

Anyone else have issues with Pietta products and warranty work Davidsons contracts to do the work on their Pietta single action revolvers? Sorry but I think 3 months plus is kinda ridiculous, especially when Davidson's contracts their warranty work to a shop that specializes in very high end custom hunting rifles. I don't really believe these highly trained rifle builders make changing a defective barrel on a Pietta lemon high on their list of daily priorities. Thanks for letting me vent.
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Old January 11, 2025, 06:12 PM   #2
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The only Pietta products I am familiar with are their black powder revolvers and I know an excellent pistol smith in Bisbee who does fantastic work, on all kinds of black powder revolvers. I have no idea how Davidsons does warranty work, but it does sound like a mismatch.
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Old January 11, 2025, 08:28 PM   #3
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Hey Armoredman, bought a single action 1873 peacemaker in .45 LC last Mar., took it out for a first time spin late Sept, 20 rounds in, screw on the ejector rod housing breaks off, whole housing falls off. Tracked down the importer was Davidson's and got the name of the shop who did their warranty work, high end custom gunsmithy in Sturgis, SD. They sent me a label , shipped it off Oct 4. Was told 2 weeks later it needed a new barrel. They got one a week later but it had the "wrong engraving " ?, gun isn't engraved. Hearing nothing but excuses since November. Last week, " I'll reach out Pietta AGAIN, and HOPEFULLY(!?) get good news", that was kinda it for me. Not really sure who to be more disgusted with.
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Old January 11, 2025, 11:46 PM   #4
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"Wrong engraving?" That's really odd, unless the wrong caliber was engraved on the right caliber barrel, which would be REALLY weird. However, I've seen things that odd in the past.
I bought my Uberti from Palmetto State Armory - so far both of those companies seem to stand behind what they sell, but I've never had to send an Uberti back to the factory.

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Old January 13, 2025, 03:55 PM   #5
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Nice little group you have there. I actually bought the Pietta from Buds Gun Shop, but the importer was Davidson's. I'm really disappointed about all this. I dont suppose actually emailing Allesandro Pietta would get me anywhere, maybe 8t would. I've read a couple of threads where he has supposedly intervened , personally, his company and family reputation being called into question. But that might be people just telling tales.
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Old January 13, 2025, 10:12 PM   #6
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Yep, it's little - I just started buying single actions about three years ago.
It MIGHT actually work - when I had issues with Tanfoglio I spoke directly to Tanfoglio in Italy and had some resolution, but that was over 20 years ago.
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Old January 14, 2025, 12:20 PM   #7
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Black powder defects

I bought a new Pietta NMA. 20+ years ago. This was their best at that time, stainless steel with adjustable sights. My first trip to the range was rather disappointing, I had a 6 shooter with 6 different sizes of cylinder bores. Hyperbole alert, but it was bad. I called Traditions to get an RMA number, which they were very difficult about supplying. When I finally stressed how darn dangerous it was they sent an RMA number, I paid the freight out. Did not hear a thing back for 3 weeks. I then had a brand shiny new NMA at my door. I still have it. It was a major PITA, but I did get satisfaction.
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Old January 14, 2025, 07:02 PM   #8
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If you got that after 3 weeks, after 3 months of waiting for me, you've given me reason for hope. Thanks for sharing.
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Old January 16, 2025, 11:22 AM   #9
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Most manufacturer's

I was a manufacturer's representative for over thirty years. In my experience the best way to deal with a manufacturer is to be a polite PITA.
IE: Keep the bad language and frustration to yourself and follow up, then follow up again, and again.
Share your gawd awful experience after you get the gun back.
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Old January 17, 2025, 10:14 PM   #10
Z Factor
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Sir, I appreciate the wisdom of your experience. And I have tempered my communications with politeness but with a dash slowly growing impatience. You have to admit, over 3 months to replace a stock barrel, that's a bit much.
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Old January 21, 2025, 12:04 PM   #11
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Ridiculous

Totally unacceptable and apparently with little or no communication from the vendor.
It's really helpful when they just fess up when they do not have the part. Communication is key, most folks are reasonable as I am sure you are being.
Share your displeasure far and wide, once you have your gun back.
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Old January 24, 2025, 05:35 PM   #12
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Thanks again for your optimistic take on things. Be assured I am mum on this if and/or when this bad joke plays out to its conclusion. Hopefully it won't become another cautionary tale for someone else. Best to you sir, keep your powder dry and your eyes along the skyline.
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Old February 3, 2025, 04:02 PM   #13
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I took the initiative to email Alessandro Pietta himself, and , low and behold, he emailed me back, telling me he would involve himself personally. I was gentlemanly in my email and he was the same in kind. We'll see what happens.
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Old February 3, 2025, 10:49 PM   #14
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Hmm, I was right...and that is very awesome indeed.
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Old February 6, 2025, 03:22 PM   #15
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I just got off the phone with Pietta"s marketing guy here in the states, apologized for the delays, etc., explained exactly what happened with my revolver and brought me up to date on things, very professional, definitely exceeded my expectations. Basically it was a hiccup in communication that was not Pietta's fault. I'll be getting another Pietta , curtesy of my tax return.
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Old February 6, 2025, 11:40 PM   #16
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Nice!
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Old February 7, 2025, 05:30 AM   #17
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One thing that gets me concerned about the Italian makers is their warranty repair work and customer service. I'd rather see them not contract outside gunsmiths to do that work because then they have less control and situations like this develop, but shipping something back to Italy for repairs isn't feasible and I doubt there's enough need for the Italian companies to build a repair facility here in the states.
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Old February 7, 2025, 04:52 PM   #18
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Maybe if they went in on it as a joint venture...
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Old February 7, 2025, 06:30 PM   #19
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From what I understand, Piettas are available from 2500 retail locations nationwide. A stateside facility for the purpose you spoke of seems like something they'd take a close look at. The gunsmiths they use now are very experienced and highly trained, and I don't mean they got their diplomas from some online "school".
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