Well Folks,
As I've mentioned, I sent messages to both ATI and ARMSCOR about this issue and both have responded. I must say that these people did not attend the same customer service class. I will post ARMSCOR's response seperately...Notice the stark difference...Amazing!
ATI's 1st Reply:
"Jessie ,
Ammunition would not be at fault for the stove piping or the other concerns. What is your phone number so that we may have a informed representative contact you.
Thanks,
Jaime Ramos
American Tactical Imports"
My Reply
"Hello Jaime,
Thank you for responding. I've been shooting long enough to know that stove pipes CAN be caused by mechanical failures (Bad extractor, etc.) in the firearm as well as operator error ("limp wristing" with hand guns...As I was shooting a rifle, this was not an issue)...I am also aware that poorly manufactured ammunition CAN be the cause as well. The question in my case is what exactly was the issue? I don't have a laboratory or a controlled environment where I can effectively test this...I only have my experience and that of my friend's to help me come to a conclusion (right or wrong)...If the stove pipes were isolated to just me and my particular rifle (Ruger 10/22...Reputation precedes) I would have been more suspicious of the rifle itself. Two factors diminished my suspicions of the rifle...1. My friend was experiencing the same exact problem with his BRAND NEW Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 (AR Style), not only on this particular shoot but also on a previous shoot (without me being there)...This was my first time shooting this ammo...2. I loaded a magazine with some 20+ year old Federal (cheap bulk box stuff) and it shot flawlessly as ALWAYS, followed by experiencing the same issues with the Scorpion. When I shot this rifle previous to this day I finished off a cheap bulk box of 20+ year old Remington with NO issues...Again, I am fully aware that there is a REMOTE possibility that BOTH rifles could be malfunctioning (not plausible in my experienced and "informed" opinion though)...Finally, the eventual "Case Head Separation" (See Pics) that took place after about 150 rds (40% to 60% of which were stove pipes) is an ABSOLUTE indication of BAD ammunition. In retrospect, I have come to the realization and understanding that the case head separation didn't allow for enough pressure to send the bullet out of the barrel (Squib Round). The next round fired subsequently made contact with the lodged bullet and caused the damage to my barrel (See Pics)...Luckily not to me...
Without knowing all of the facts and actually being present during the shoot, I find it absolutely staggering that you would immediately dismiss the possibility that the ammo in question here was at fault...Is this how you were taught customer service? Also, to infer that I am not an "informed" individual by offering to have an "...informed representative contact..." me is insulting at best. If this was not your intention please clarify. What's even more disturbing about your response is that the potential exists for a bad (and DANGEROUS) lot of Scorpion ammo "on the loose" (very possibly in the hands of children learning how to shoot....22LR is popular for this) and you are so quick to dismiss this possibility...Ever heard of a lawsuit? I'm sure your boss has...Which by the way, I would be more than happy to discuss this with him/her if he/she is the "informed" person you referred to. My phone number is 619-717-1659. And before you spout off that this ammo is not designed for "Semi-Auto" firearms (as some manufacturers state) and I should have known better, please note that this disclaimer is nowhere stamped on the box...
Please let me know how we can resolve this issue ASAP...The firearms community on several forums including YouTube are anxiously waiting for an update on your response to my initial inquiry...I would hate for this first exchange to be my review...
Respectfully,
Jesse Collins
USMC Veteran, Shooter, & Hunter"
ATI's 2nd Reply
"Jessie ,
Let me begin by saying thank you for your information, we are not concerned with your background or knowledge at this time . We must follow standard operating procedure on every email that is sent to us as to get a resolution as fast as possible. Thank you for your phone number , we will have someone contact you to get the ammunition back to us and inspected as soon as possible . Please bear in mind that the individual calling is to set up the return only and will not be interested in the information you have already provided us, they will gladly listen and take notes but will have no final say in determining the resolution. We are sorry that this has happened and need to inspect the product before determining any resolution but we assure you we will get this done in a timely fashion. Your email is the first case of this happening and being brought to our attention, so the concern is mutual.
Thanks,
Jaime Ramos
American Tactical Imports"
My 2nd Reply
"Based on both of your replies to my inquiry, I do not trust that your resolution determination will be fair or even honest. First impressions are very important and just as my first impression of this ammo was terrible, so is my first impression of your customer service, which you have made no attempt to improve upon. Especially compared to the first response I received from ARMSCOR (the manufacturer of this ammo according to the box), see quote, sent yesterday at 1PM:
"ARMSCOR's reply (CGers...See Seperate Post)"
Might I suggest that you take note of what real customer service is like and make some revision to your SOP to accommodate. Rest assured, your responses will be posted on the forums that I already mentioned. People need to be aware of how poorly you deal with customers so they know to stay away from your products.
Respectfully,
Jesse Collins
USMC...Oh yeah...You're not interested..."
ATIs 3rd Reply
"Jessie,
Thank you. If you would still like to be contacted so that we may inspect the ammunition we have gladly extended our services, we patiently wait a response that will help the situation."
Some may think I'm being sensitive until you see ARMSCOR's response...