Widener's vs. Samco vs. Classic vs. ...

[ShootinMedic]

So, I have a question for all of you C&R veterans.

How much of a difference would you see if you ordered the same gun from all the different vendors that have them? I am looking at getting my first K31 and there are several places that have them in stock. They all seem to be priced fairly closely, but there isn't really a way to tell the exact condition of the rifles. (obviously) I realize they are all "surplus" and are used, but is there any one site\importer that is known for having nicer examples than another, or does it just depend on the batch that they get?

I am also looking at Yugo Mausers, but there are just as many places to get those. I am fairly limited as to funds so I can't just but one from each vendor and compare, so I'm hoping to learn from all of your experience.

Thanks!

[ThemBastards]

So, I have a question for all of you C&R veterans.

How much of a difference would you see if you ordered the same gun from all the different vendors that have them? I am looking at getting my first K31 and there are several places that have them in stock. They all seem to be priced fairly closely, but there isn't really a way to tell the exact condition of the rifles. (obviously) I realize they are all "surplus" and are used, but is there any one site\importer that is known for having nicer examples than another, or does it just depend on the batch that they get?

I am also looking at Yugo Mausers, but there are just as many places to get those. I am fairly limited as to funds so I can't just but one from each vendor and compare, so I'm hoping to learn from all of your experience.

Thanks!

I am still waiting for my C&R so I can't speak from experience but look at sites like Classic that allow reviews of the products. You will find youtube videos of the exact batch of rifles that you will be buying from.

[SurfRider19]

I have purchased 3 K31s from Samco Global and have been very happy with them. Just recently got one and it is in fantastic shape. Classic has never disappointed me either, recently got a couple M44s which were in very good shape. I have never bought anything from Widener's but I really don't see going wrong with any of them.

[watt79]

Last time I checked Widners does not accept returns, so that might be something to consider. I have never ordered from them before so I can't speak to the quality of their stock.

[DennisCA]

I had one bad experience with SAMCO, however Classic Arms I've had good experience. Widener's I've no experience with.

[spb_la]

My M44 from Wideners came as I expected it to be - flawless. The wait was a bit long, but that was probably due to the fact that order was made at the height of the panic, and all the vendors were swamped...

[ShootinMedic]

My first C&R purchase was an M44 from Widener's. The stock was pretty chewed up, but the rifle was immaculate! The stock seems like it was fairly fresh damage, so I figured it was due to poor handling prior to shipping. I don't really care though, because it gives me an excuse to refinish it. I have a couple other 91/30s and the condition of the metal on the M44 isn't even in the same league. I'm excited to start working on it.

I think I will start the process of ordering from Samco. Wideners doesn't have the K31 I'm looking for. Just have to scan and upload my docs.

Thanks for the input! Any other thoughts would be welcome. I'm just starting the whole C&R disease process...

[bplvr]

I had one bad experience with SAMCO, however Classic Arms I've had good experience. Widener's I've no experience with.

Ditto this for me . Always happy with Classic goodies.

[Capybara]

You should add SOG to your list.

I have bought from SOG, Wideners and Classic, no complaints about any of them. Have not tried Samco yet, but I plan on doing so soon.

[big103]

http://www.simpsonltd.com/index.php?cPath=350_351_379&osCsid=7a91758d6e9dd53ad4c26a4ec2ac9bf6

Check this guys out. They import quite a bit of the swiss rifles. They have k31s.

[Capybara]

Simpsons is great but you are definitely paying a premium. I would buy a collector rifle from Simpsons in a heartbeat but a shooter? I think you can find much better deals.

[nick]

I've had bad experience with Samco, Classic Arms - varied. My M1911 AND M44 (and a couple of K31s a while back) were near flawless. Had good experiences with SOG too.

[rdfact]

I am still waiting for my C&R ...

How long have you been waiting if you don't mind me asking?
The $30 check cleared my bank on Jan 15th. 90 days now. I tried calling a few weeks ago, left a voicemail, and got no reply.

[ThemBastards]

How long have you been waiting if you don't mind me asking?
The $30 check cleared my bank on Jan 15th. 90 days now. I tried calling a few weeks ago, left a voicemail, and got no reply.

Day 66 or 67. They officially received it Feb 8th. Started calling on day 61 and have been told that they have 60-90 days, have left messages with Yvette and nothing back.

I have heard that people have called on day 90 and they have pulled his app and processed same day. Worth a shot.

[glennbtw]

If you do not have the 03FFL, forget Wideners. I don't believe they make it very clear on their website, but they do not ship unless you are 03 C&R.

So I took my business elsewhere. I ordered an M 44 and an M 38 from Classic. I was very happy with both