Devil Dog Refinishing

Review: The business in question [Devil Dog Refinishing] caused extensive damage and improper service to my personal firearm. My rifle, stock, and optic were to be DuraCoated [an extremely hard and durable firearms finish]. The business owner stated that my rifle and components would be chemically stripped in preparation for the DuraCoat application. However, it appears that some of my components where media blasted, and others where not stripped at all. The original finish, and in some places the spray-paint finish applied by the rifles original owner, were still present under the DuraCoat. The media blasting process caused permanent damage to my rifle's stock, which now requires total replacement. I have found DuraCoat inside of the action of my rifle, as well as inside of the bore. These areas should not be sprayed with any kind of finish under any circumstances. The optic was not stripped in any way, and the DuraCoat was applied directly over the camouflage spray paint applied by the previous owner. The resulting layered finish prevents the optic from being able to seat in scope rings due to the increased outer diameter, making it impossible to mount the optic to the rifle. This optic cannot be salvaged, and requires a total replacement. Furthermore, the DuraCoat finish applied to my rifle is very easily removed using light abrasion. According to the manufacturers information, DuraCoat can only be properly removed by a high intensity chemical stripping agent, or by media or bead blasting. Light abrasion should not even scratch the finish, yet alone remove it completely.Desired Settlement: The results of this experience are going to cost me a minimum of $854.98 to restore the rifle to its proper condition, using the same components. Needless to say, I do not expect Devil Dog Refinishing to cover these costs. However, I do think it would be proper to compensate me the costs of the DuraCoat process, totaling $250.00. Had the DuraCoat been properly applied, or the parts properly prepared prior to application, surely I would not be in this situation. I know several fellow shooters who have had firearms DuraCoated [by other professionals or by themselves at home] who have never experienced these problems in years of owning and using their DuraCoated firearms. Unfortunately this does not appear to be the case in my situation. I can remove the DuraCoat from my firearm with minimal effort, and in some places, using only my fingernails.

Consumer

Response:

Receipt