To EDM and others who think the problem described by Silver is unusual or just sour grapes. Yes, Steve Barnett Fine Guns has a fine reputation. BUT...the price paid is not insignificant and the story is a way of life for many dealers. So here's another story about this same dealer...all can come to their own conclusions.
About 1 1/2yrs ago I ordered a Beretta ASE90 for a client from Barnett Fine Guns based on the description provided on the company web site and phone conversations. The price was similar to Silver's at $5,500. The ASE90 was described as LIGHTLY used, the factory original second trigger group as brand new in the wrapper (never used), and no problems what so ever with the mechanics or cosmetics of the gun. Here is what I received.
This ASE90 was shot so heavily that the hammers showed indentations from the firing pins. Both of the trigger groups were heavily worn (not even close to new or lightly used). The side ribs (both sides as I recall) had separated from the barrels at the breach end and flopped around making a nice dull "thudding" sound with the barrels and forend removed.
Now, does anyone here think this is a reasonable description of a ANIB gun? Do you think Mr. Barnett and his sales manager should have noted the problems in both written description and verbal Q&A? I do.
Bottom line: I phoned to return the gun immediately, as it took only a few minutes to note the problems. Barnett Fine Guns approved the return over the phone without explanation.
Now for Act II: Even after all my efforts at prompt communication and my client paying the out of pocket expenses for shipping to and from Mr. Barnett's place of business....IT TOOK TWO MONTHS TO RECEIVE THE 5K REFUND!!!!
Frankly, credible is a credible does, and this is another instance where reputation and ethical conduct do not match up very well...no excuse for any dealer to live off of someone else's money having provided nothing of value in return.
Now for Act III: the gun reappeared on Barnett's web site immediately on return (months before refund), and the description had not changed by one word...it was still a ANIB ASE90 as far as the dealer was concerned even though all problems were noted and could be seen by a blind man.
Frankly, if others wish to do business with this company and those ethics, that's there affair, but I will not be doing business with him again in this lifetime.
