I have a Sako 85 Stainless Synthetic in .25-06. I love the gun...truly an engineering marvel in every sense (except one). I'd only had it for a few weeks before I decided that the cheap plastic stock just had to go. It's so mismatched witha rifle of this quality. I called Beretta (America's sole importer of Sako rifles), thinking that I wouldorder a wood stock from either the 85 Hunter or 85 Grey Wolf series.
I got a gentlemen on the phone who could not seem to figure out how toorder a stock for me. Not a problem though, as he took my name and number and promised to call mebacklater that day. I never heard from him. In the week that followed,I opened a customer account on theBerettawebsite, and posted my inquiry in the hopesof getting some help. As of 2 months later, it's still not been answered -- status still shows pending.
About two weeks ago, I called back and talked with another fellow for about 20 minutes. I was informed that stocks -- and all parts for that matter -- were not yet available for theSako 85 rifles. I was dumbfounded. You mean, I can not get ANY part for this rifle? They've been on the market for over a year!What if I had broken my stock, orlost an action screw or something. Apparently, I'd be out of luck.
I just didn't find this to beacceptable.From my perspective, if you're going to sell the rifle (at $1400 mind you), you'd darn well better have a supply of parts available.Beretta didn't even offer to contact Sako on my behalf, as Sako clearly has stocks for these rifles. I asked him (politely) to transfer me to the Customer ServiceDirector, because I wanted Beretta to know that one of their customers foundthis tobe an unacceptablesituation. I got the guy's voicemail, andI asked him (very politely) to return my phone call when he had time. I never heard from him. This was the Director of Customer Service for Beretta who would not return my call.
Aside from the issue with getting parts, which has now become a secondary issue to me compared to being ignored by the company,I'm of the opinion that Beretta's Customer Service Department is a dysfunctional organization. Unanswered emails, unreturned phone calls,and an overall apatheticviewpointtoward a customer who spent $1400 on a top-end rifle. I will never, EVER buy a Beretta gun because of the way this company has treated me. Just wanted to share, as I've heard that others have had problems withBeretta Customer Service.
I should add one morething...nobody yet makes an aftermarket stock for this gun. I've been in contact with all of the big stock makers, and I guess it's too new at this point. I'd gladly spend the money on an HS Precision or McMillan stock, but they're just not available.
richard, you might want to check with richards micro stocks for your 85 if you don't mind a laminate, They don't list all they inlet for. An example is the tikka t-3 they don't list it on their "actions they inlet for" list but I discovered they do by looking threw their bargain stocks list and I've called and ordered 3 for my tikka's. They take some work to get them "pretty" and I settle for nice.
I haven't posted many pics, hope it works
Beretta customer service runs hot and cold. I find them getting better. Thelast time I used them was2 months ago. 2 years ago lets just not go there. Mcmillan does make a stock for the 85 I know a few people that have them . You would save a bunch of money going that route and end up with a stock that rifled action deserves.
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"Banning guns is an idea whose time has come."
- Joseph Biden
Associated Press 11/18/93
"Be thankful that we're not getting all the government we are paying for." Will Rogers
Often, once a company gets a big government contract (M9 pistols), they sort of forget what they owe to the ordinary consumer. Nikon is another outfit that has a problem like this.
You have a stockto use as a pattern. There are stockmakers who could use their equipment to turn & inleta stock for you. But you might have to have it made from WOOD of some sort!
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"Bitte, trinks du das Wasser nicht. Dahin haben die Kuhen gesheissen."
My Experience with Beretta Customer Service
