Mitchell Sales

[wdmason99]

Anyone had dealings with Mitchell Sales? I ordered a "collector" version Mauser Rifle 3 months ago and whenever I call (they don't answer e-mails) the delivery date gets put off farther. However, they have offerred me an "upgrade" for only $100 more, and these are available for immediate shipment! Are they a reputable outfit?

[hardhat]

Obviously not.

[AKDUDE]

That sucks, obviously they sold you something they don't actually have on hand, which blows. THey probably are dealing with importing them, and that usually takes twice as long, multiplied by 3x longer than it should.
AKDUDE

[Skip]

Got one for Christmas. Completely satisfied with the collectors grade. :) Shot it this morning.

[Sutro]

Don't know anything about their reputability or customer service, but do know that their prices are out of line: They generally wanat 25-50% more than common market value for their guns. The guns they sell are good ones, but you can get the same gun cheaper elsewhere. For example, their Yugo M48's are available in a special package at an increased price that includes a bayonet, cleaning kit with muzzle protector, and leather cartridge carrier. That "special" package is identical to the way Big 5 sporting goods sells the same gun at a significantly lower price.

They do have very good on-line manuals for Mausers, though.

[blackbird]

My experience with Mitchell was not very good at all. I ordered one of the "collectors grade" Mausers at the advertised price (don't quite remember if it was $249 or $289?). I received an obviously arsenal refinished rifle that had been blued over pits, mismatched serial numbers, etc. Sent it back. It took almost 3 months of constant pestering until a replacement was finally provided. The replacement had "matching" numbers because several had been overstamped with no attempt whatsoever at hiding the fact. The bore was clean but pitted. The condition was ok for a shooter, nowhere near good enough to be collectible. Their advertisement that stated "NEW" was obviously false and misleading.

While I was waiting for the replacement from Mitchell, I ordered another M48 from AIM surplus. It arrived within days (months before the replacement from Mitchell).

In the end the Mitchell was a huge dissapointment, in considerably worse condition than the AIM (which was at that time less than half the price). The accessories in the AIM were in better condition, Mitchell's left a lot to be desired. I have posted a few of images here (there are 11 pictures, takes a while to load):

Mitchell's Mausers vs. AIM (http://personal.atl.bellsouth.net/atl/a/t/atki8951/ma.htm)

I think the pictures show it more clearly than I can explain it.

I will never deal with Mitchell again and suggest caution to others who might.

[hardhat]

Isnt false advertising illeagal? Doesnt constitute fraud? We gun own owners have to police ourselves and the vendors we buy from. Say like John Smith buys a questionable mauser from xyz gun sales and it blows up in his face. Then the media gets wind of it all imports will be banned after all "These chaep imported rifles dont meet safety standards."

Just a thought.

[blackbird]

HardHat: Well, sorta. False advertisement used to be looked down upon. It's been a long time since our legal system and commerce regulators did anything about it. Witness Ener-X (the natural alternative to Viagra), Bloussant (make your boobs bigger), Ms. Cleo (she is not being sued for claiming to see the future but for lying about her billing), etc. etc. etc. It seems we have allowed deceptive advertising to be acceptable and I, for one, wish it weren't so.

Let me give you another gun example, SOG claims their Beretta 1934's are "in excellent unissued condition" and that "2001 Standard Catalog of Firearms Collectors' Price & Reference Guide lists these pistols at $475"...They sell them at $249.95 (wholesale). In reality these are arsenal refinished, often poorly so, with blued over pitted bores, lousy grips, etc. Hardly "excellent, unissued" and certainly not worth $475!

I don't believe either of these will "blow up in his face". You can tell those cases when the seller tells you to provide a "non-Shooting statement" like Springfield Sporters does (I guess their lawyer requires it). I don't think it is an issue of safety as much as an issue of misrepresentation. Condition is probably the most important factor in determining the price of a firearm and overstating it is simply deceitful and yes, quite possibly fraudulent. Is it the kind of thing that is going to make the evening news? No. Should we punish these sellers? We'll, I won't purchase from them any more and am warning others to be careful. Can we afford to shut out every single provider that ticks off someone? Nope. Pretty soon we would have nowhere to go purchase our stuff. That is why in my post I urge caution but do not advocate a boycott.

[GUNSMOKE]

Their guns are a joke. These guns are not even close to the ones that were available in Unissued condition. I ordered seven and they were HORRIBLE. All were sent back and they took forever to credit be back my funds, over three months, till I called my card company.

I am not the only one who has had this type of crap from them. Their customer service is pathetic. I have know these guys for a long time and will not do business ever again with them.

Also do not get fooled this is Mitchell Sales not Mitchell Arms!

There are more coming I am told so wait. If you want a mint one e-mail me and I will ship to your FFL.

AKE