First Strike Munitions

Unfortunately I decided to post about this now, but I had dropped off a Browning A5 Light 12 off here at the end of March and really only got it back last week, so close to 5 months. I bought the A5 from a different local shop and saw that a rear portion of the rib was lifted as well as part of the front. Due to how the A5 functions, this was a safety hazard IMO and needed to be fixed. I called First Strike about it and dropped it off that day, with the shop owner breaking it down and seemingly knew what he needed to do, explained that there would be blemishing of the finish due to the work required. Due to how long it was taking and discussion about how he couldn't use current materials to re-attach a rib, I decided a couple months ago to try and retrieve the barrel as it was at that time. I was assured however that this could be done and talked it out. Seeing they had a booth at a gun show, I asked about it and explained that they were still working on it. Fast forward, last week I was informed that they had finished the work. I swung by that day, took a look at it and was told the cost of the job, but had to come back on payday. Admittedly I saw the work and was flabbergasted at how sloppy it looked. I bit my tongue and came back a few days later, paid and took it home, where I realized the extent of the issues- First, the rib was clearly crooked, and it was somehow "straighter" towards the front. Second, the rib that was put on was not meant for the A5, this was only marginally tapered from the rear, and having shot only 3 rounds, it wasn't cycling correctly, the rib was hitting the receiver and prevented from really moving as it should and wore on part of the rib. This is not just dangerous but I can't use this as it was due to risk of "banana peeling" the A5 receiver. Third, was how sloppy the rib was attached. If you see the pictures, it's as if this wasn't even attempted to be cleaned up, but they cerekoted the entire thing. I build things for a hobby, using many different types of materials and fillers, you needed only to take a flat object and remove excess material- I do not understand how this was allowed other than this person did not really give a crap about the job. Fourth, I have nothing else to feel that he used something like JB Weld to mount this rib. Since I need to figure out how to salvage this barrel, I decided to go ahead and see how difficult it would take to remove the rib- Well, barely 2 taps from my hammer and it came loose, and simply peeled the rest of it off with my hand. I have to believe that the rib would have popped off had I even decided to shoot it more, it should not have been that weak. To wrap this up, I did call back, I asked for either a refund or a new barrel, but they told me they could get me a new barrel, but that I'd need to give them my old barrel in a swap- no, this is my property, that's not how this works, so I took the refund and was able to purchase a new barrel in good condition. I will still have to fork out money to have this one re-finished and maybe send it to Art's to be worked on, but seeing how easily the ribbed popped off today, I cannot in good conscience keep this to myself. I have nothing personal against the shop or those who run it, but I'd have been far less upset had they said "this is not what we thought, and can't do it" VS "let us do this level of work and after 5 months charge you $250 for it" By all means, their shop is fine, buying stuff is whatever, but I really would not ask for gunsmith work.

I absolutely love the people at this establishment! As a first-time shooter with limited knowledge of firearms, I felt right at home. Every interaction I had with everyone there, including the owner, George, was pleasant. They fitted my firearm with aftermarket upgrades at a very reasonable price, and I’m thrilled with the additions. From now on, this will be my sole firearm retailer. Thank you, everyone! I look forward to seeing you soon!