Trade in a FWB P44 for a Morini 162EI/MI...good idea?

[caltexel]

Hi there, I am new here and to precision air-pistoling, so I need some opinion from the experienced.

I just received my new FWB P44 as my first CA pistol, but instead of XS size grip I requested, the seller sent one with size L grip. When I called the seller about that, I was told that they could not specify size to the importer, Beeman in this case. They said they had tried before but to no avail - Beeman would ship whatever they had in stock regardless of what they promised anyway.

If that was truth, I don't understand why Beeman would expect somebody paying $1700+ for a competition level AP would accept something that doesn't even fit. To my understanding, fit is the next, if not the most, most important thing for a competition AP, right next to accuracy/consistence. I really don't know what kind of customers Beeman intended to market P44 to in this case.

Now I have a dilemma: I want to keep the P44 (I paid a good price) but then I have to fork out another $250-$300 for a Rink grip. That would push the whole package close to 2k. For that price, I can get a Steyr LP10 with the right size of grip off the shelf, or get a Morini 162EI or MI (again, with the right size of grip) for even less money. I have no experience with any of these pistols. As I said, even the P44 was my first CA pistol. I bought it over the web just based on the name and price.

So, what do you suggest me to do? keep the P44 and invest on a Rink grip, return it and get a Steyr LP10 instead, or return it and get a Morini 162 (EI or MI?) instead? Any opinion from shooters with experience on these pistols would be highly appreciated.

[Fred Mannis]

Why did you buy it under those conditions? Both Brenzovich and Pilkington carry the FWB P44. Brenzovich let me order the pistol without grips and then ordered a set of Rinks for me. Assuming you have not fired the pistol, I would return it to the company you bought it from for full refund. Not the kind of supplier I would do business with.

As for what to buy - all the pistols you mention are excellent. The determining factor is how they feel in your hand. My recommendation is that you not buy anything until you have a chance to hold, preferably shoot, a Steyr, Morini, FWB, Anschutz.

[jacques b gros]

Got some shivers on my spine reading about your problem. I just received a P44 here in Brazil, after a long fight with bureaucracy, and it came, also, with the wrong grip, in my case a Large.

The seller was very helpful, will send me a medium, charge me and when the large grip reaches him back, will credit me for the same amount.

My doubt is, will Beeman have the grip? I talked to them about a wider front sight and they could not even find the thing in the catalog.

Some other thing, my pistol came with a engraved "Imported by Beeman" on top of it, defacing the gun. What the hell, by a Ferrari and the importer stamps on the hood "Imported By Mário Puzzo for Mr. Soso"?

But the grip problem is really a problem. If they don't carry it, its going to be a long time before we can shoot. Swap yours for a Steyr. Prettier than the Morini, shoots the same until you shoot in the 580's...

[Mike M.]

I agree with Fred. Take your business elsewhere.

It's hard to pick an AP...my counsel is that you have to have the utmost confidence in the gun. If you like the P44, stay with it. I've got both a Morini and a Steyr - but the Steyr is the current shooter. It just feels a bit better.

[jbshooter]

morini trigger does it for me though.....

[caltexel]

Fred, Much thanks for pointing out a direction for me, I did not know that sellers like Brenzovich would "custom order" a pistol for customers. That is more like the kind of vendor I was expecting selling that level of products. The seller I bought from sells mostly sporting air guns. I bought lots of sporting air guns from them with pleasant experience, but when it came to this P44, I was dumbfounded when they told me that I had no choice for a $1700+ pistol. They actually would rather take the P44 back instead of talking to Beeman. I guess I was barking at the wrong tree.

Jacques, My pistol, like yours, has the same engraving. At first, it did not bother me much, but thinking what you said, Beeman really did not have any reason putting their name permanently on what they imported. I did not ask (and pay) for that! At least, your seller was much more willing to help out. I did not even try contacting Beeman assuming that they wouldn't be any more helpful than my seller.

Mike, Thanks for your advice as well.

In case You guys wondering why would somebody like me buying such specialized product unseen and untouched over internet. That is because I live in Laredo, a border city on bottom of Texas. The closest precision air gun shop would probably be at least 150 miles away in San Antonio. With gas price nowadays, I really can't afford to drive that distant to just window shopping. I pretty much have to base on opinions from the experienced shooters like you guys to make decision on shooting equipments. Of course, I only buy from reputable seller with a reasonable return policy. I return often, but freight still way beat gas price.

I think I am going to return the P44 and then give Brenzovich or Pilkgun a call. I still would buy P44, but only if I can find one with the right grip. I think they are the kind of sellers I should have talked to in the first place.

Really appreciate all you guys' opinions.

[6string]

Just to share this story. I bought a used but like new Pardini K2 (great AP, by the way!!) that came with a RH med grip. I wanted a LH med grip. Don Nygord was the importer at the time. He traded the grips with me, the only expense being I paid the shipping. That's the kind of guy Don was, and it is the kind of service we are so privileged to regularly receive from the knowledgeable specialists that cater to this market, be it Pilkington, Larry Carter, Brenzovich, etc.

[RobStubbs]

There's no arguments here to my mind the gun must be returned to the seller as it's not what was ordered. You wouldn't order a pair of size 10 boots and then accept a pair of size 6's !

Rob.

[nvalcik]

Since you are in Texas, try ISS. They are located in Fort Worth and Niel can order an FWB with any kind of grip you want. His number is (817) 595-2090. He might even work out a deal with the grip you have to exchange it - so give him a call, it can't hurt.

[pilkguns in Anniston]

Not sure 100% since all our pistol grips are at our Store in Camp Perry this week, but we should have most sizes of FWB grips in stock, perhaps we could swap with you for a reasonable fee.

All the grips and pistol stuff will be come to Anniston next week for the beginning of the Progressive Air Pistol Championships.

[caltexel]

Hi Pilkguns, That would be awesome if I can swap with you, of course, with a fee. That would save me a lot of hassle. Let me know when you have the grips back. I will contact you as soon as you notify me at "caltexel@aim.com".

I must thank everybody here in the forum. You guys' helps have been incredible!

[slavochk]

Send email directly to FWB, complaining about both the wrong grip and about Beeman stamping their name on the pistol, and that you consider returning the pistol and buy a Steyr/Morini instead.

info@feinwerkbau.de

Gilad

[jacques b gros]

Send email directly to FWB, complaining about both the wrong grip and about Beeman stamping their name on the pistol, and that you consider returning the pistol and buy a Steyr/Morini instead.

info@feinwerkbau.de

Gilad

Did that ytd, unfortunatelly after EU working hours (four hours behing EU, four before W. coast. Hard to talk to both on the same day).

The stamping is probably done in factory. Let's see what happens

[Fred]

The stamping is probably done in factory.

US law requires that the importer of a firearm must stamp the gun with the importer's identification. This is done by the importer, not at the factory of origin. AFAIK there is no requirement that an airgun must be similarly stamped. In any case, most importers do their stamping in a very subdued manner.

HTH,
FredB

[jacques b gros]

[quote="fred"

US law requires that the importer of a firearm must stamp the gun with the importer's identification. This is done by the importer, not at the factory of origin. AFAIK there is no requirement that an airgun must be similarly stamped. In any case, most importers do their stamping in a very subdued manner.

HTH,
FredB[/quote]

OK, is the law, but it does not says they have to stamp it in white right on top of if. Like you said, should be done in a way that does not defaces the design, in line with the factory's branding of model and serial.

Lets see what will be the solution we'll find for those who received the wrong grip. Just to show the mess I'm in, here in Brazil, if the grip is mailled to me customs will charge me 60% over CIF and the state tax kicks it to 93%.

If I cannot find some friend to bring it in his lugagge (no problems at all), it will have to be sent to Uruguay, and I'll have to drive 1,000mi to get it, or fly to Montevideo. Then customs will say nothing, since I would have $300 tax free to bring in the country, if I drive or $500 if flying.

Some mess.

[Tim_T]

The reason Beeman put their name on it is that particular FWB now has a "lifetime warranty" instead of the 12 months factory.

[Fred]

The reason Beeman put their name on it is that particular FWB now has a "lifetime warranty" instead of the 12 months factory.

The Beeman company started this method of labeling years ago while it was owned by Robert Beeman. At that time (I don't know about now) the "lifetime warranty" cost extra. The reason for the high visibility of the labeling was that Robert Beeman has a very high opinion of himself.

FredB

[caltexel]

Mr. Beeman must be very sadden knowing the company still bearing his name becomes just another toys company now. I think he was proud (arrogant?) enough to put his name on every product he imported because he thought nothing sub-his-standard would bear his name.

His name might have meant quality sporting and precision air guns in the past. but Marksman turns his company into just another toys company marketing to Wal-mart customers. Even Beeman still carries premium line like FWB, if they actually expect people aiming for that level/price of products paying for "one size fits all" like Wal-mart customers, I have to ask what they have been smoking in the office?!

I guess the lesson here is... don't name your company after yourself unless you never sell it! For FWB, they'd better only grant their line to specialty shops that actually serve this selected group of customers instead of to a toys company. Otherwise, they will never promote their name to Steyr's level.

[visitor]

I guess the lesson here is... don't name your company after yourself unless you never sell it!

Mightn't this also refer to Cesare? The company which bears his name may have mastered serial production, but it appears they haven't had an original idea since Il Commendatore departed.

[jacques b gros]

The reason Beeman put their name on it is that particular FWB now has a "lifetime warranty" instead of the 12 months factory.

Beeman offers a 5 year warranty at the cost of $85. Name stampping is just plain "ITS ME!".

Try to call them! Even if you tell them you're calling from Brazil you're dumped on hold. Ask them if they have a given part and you'll wait 10 minutes and get and "I'll check" for answer. Talk to two different persons, two different answers. Great service!