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Posted: 3/21/2010 1:38:05 PM EDT
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Got my Draco from Centerfire last Wed. Everything looked OK with first inspection. Went to range Fri, and fired about 60 rounds through it. Several times the pistol hung up and jammed when feeding a round. When you rack the bolt carrier back, the action is not smooth (my Saiga rifle is much smoother) but very "catchy" and hangs up on the right side of the sight block when the tapered portion (large black area) where piston rod attaches moves forward and into the gas tube. Looking carefully at the sight block, it is canted to the left with a much larger gap between the sight block and front trunion than seen on the left side. This cant appears to be enough to allow the piston rod to hit and stick on the right side of the opening in the sight block. Also, when you rack the bolt, there is a good bit of slop at the receiver rails as the bolt carrier moves along them. On my Saiga, there is a little play (some is to be expected) but on the Draco there is much more.
I really like the Draco but am not pleased with this development and will be contacting Centerfire Mon. morning. Any thoughts from you guys would be appreciated. |
| Just spoke with Centerfire. They presented me two options: Send it back to them and they will exchange it or send it to CAI for service or exchange. Of course, I know I will be faced with registration fees with a replacement gun unless I can work out a deal with my FFL. I told Centerfire that I was not too eager to involve CAI because of what I had heard about them. In the end, we agreed on an exchange. Centerfire said they will pull a gun now, thoroughly inspect it and even fire it and keep it on the side until mine comes back. They apologized for the inconvenience and promised to get me a good one. Can't beat that even if it costs me a few more dollars. |
| Sorry to hear you got a bad one, but glad Centerfire is working it out for you. I got mine and everything was GTG, except for mags. Had a problem feeding from one mag and found that the polymer Tapcos will not feed hollow points. But, the 2 steel mags that came with it feed everything. |
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No return tag, I had to foot the bill but I am OK with that. It will add some $ to the overall cost of the pistol but that's life sometimes. They were very pleasant to deal with and wanted me to be satisfied, insuring they would select one that was GTG and even test fire it.
I tried some metal Hungarian mags in addition to the 30 round that came with it. All were OK - the problem was totally with the gun. |
| I'm sorry to hear of your troubles.....I had to send a draco back because the receiver and barrel trunnion weren't riveted together properly, there was a gap between them. The new gun I got back looks good, but now I'm feeling the need to get to the range and see how it shoots. |
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Quoted:
No return tag, I had to foot the bill but I am OK with that. It will add some $ to the overall cost of the pistol but that's life sometimes. They were very pleasant to deal with and wanted me to be satisfied, insuring they would select one that was GTG and even test fire it. I tried some metal Hungarian mags in addition to the 30 round that came with it. All were OK - the problem was totally with the gun. I am glad they are taking care of you and your happy, but truthfully I think that is out of line for them not to pay for return shipping....any other reputable dealer out there selling dracos would have paid for return shipping in this scenario. |
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Good news - got my shipping notice from Centerfire and the replacement Draco is on it's way. Since my FFL dealer is closed Mon., I won't get the Draco until Tues. but that's OK. No call or e-mail about issues with the replacement. good luck with the new one......the replacement I received is a winner, hopefully yours will be too! |
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I can't find the thread now. muzzle brake detent spring came out backwards through the gasblock. JG replaced it with no hassle I remember that thread, not sure I have heard anyone having a problem like that besides you. Glad to hear they took care of you. |
Picked up my replacement Draco today. Inspected it as carefully as possible at the Dealer. This one is MUCH better than the first!! Boy, am I glad. Centerfire hand selected one and test fired it. All the problems with the first - canted rear sight block (1/8" higher on right side), buggered rivets, considerable slop in the bolt carrier as it rode the rails and bolt carrier/piston hanging up - are not present on the replacement. Won't know about the frequent jamming when fired until I test it this weekend but from the look and feel of this gun, I suspect all will be OK. Action is much smoother and with the normal AK feel. The replacement came pretty greased up from the factory - as others have commented. Once home, I thoroughly cleaned the Draco, removed the muzzle nut weld (easier on this gun because weld was smaller), dressed up all rough edges and burrs, lubed it properly and installed my evil black furniture while I refinish the wood. Yeah, I lost some money on this deal but am thoroughly pleased so far with the replacement. May strip it down later this year and put a better finish on the metal. Need something to do in the Winter!! About 13 days between receipt fo the first and receipt of the replacement. Not bad, I guess, for having to exchange it by shipping. I have a couple of other mods planned but will put off those so I can PLAY!! 
Pics in the Photo thread. |
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