BCM: Buyer Beware

[ASH556]

Last week I bought 3 carbine action springs from BCM. By my previous experiences and their industry reputation, this should have been a safe bet. The springs arrived a few days ago and I pulled them out and measured length, since that is how the tm prescribes wear measurement. The allowable range is 10-1/16” to 11-1/4”. Once a spring is below 10-1/16” it is determined to be worn and should be replaced. These new springs from BCM all measured 10-1/4” or 3/16” above minimum spec. I thought to myself, “wow, that’s not much room for wear.” I emailed BCM to express my concern and their respons was that the springs are “well within spec.” I disagree, and replied stating that if they considered these springs to be in spec then I would like to return them for a full refund to include return shipping. BCM’s response was to send me a copy of their return policy, which states they will not cover shipping, 2 weeks for a refund, etc.

The problem I have with this is they are essentially selling defective or out of spec goods and then not willing to make good on the return when the problem is found out. I suppose the message is “buyer beware” and perhaps BCM is another company who has forgotten their roots in the name of profit.

[ggammell]

You’re both right. There isn’t much room for wear but they are within spec. I wouldn’t expect hem to cover shipping on a return of an item that is technically correct. Not preferable but technically correct.

[Eurodriver]

Do you like trains, OP?

[ASH556]

Do you like trains, OP?

Clearly I’m missing something.

[MistWolf]

While the springs are at the low end of the spec, they are within the spec. What you are missing is that the manufacturing process is also in control. You got three separate springs and all three measure the same.

I would use the springs and return them if they have a short service life.

[3 AE]

Well, the springs are within the "specs", even though at the shorter end of the spectrum. For the $20.00 spent on the springs and shipping, I would start using one of them right away and keep an accurate round count to determine its service life once the length reaches 10". It could be that even though the springs are a bit shorter, testing by the manufacturer has determined that the springs will have a normal service life.

[Doc Safari]

A key question here is how many rounds does it take to continue to compress the spring until it is out of spec? If it's five or six thousand rounds then probably you don't have an issue. If it's more like one thousand rounds, then I wouldn't order parts from BCM anymore.

[markm]

Who measures new springs? Shit.. I don't even measure old springs. I just buy Colt springs at Brownells and don't give it a thought.

[AndyLate]

I don't understand how receiving a part that is within an allowable range would cause a buyer to beware. I would rather have a quality part on the short end of the spectrum than a mystery metal spring which measures at the upper end of the tolerance.

Andy

[ASH556]

I would rather have a quality part on the short end of the spectrum

See, that's the problem. How do you know it's a quality part? Just because BCM sells it? If it were a quality part, it would not be at the ragged low end of the acceptable range.