Ok, I knew somebody would say it's me and that I was a jerk to Jeff S but that simply isn't the case. You're jumping to the conclusion that seems to affect this board worse than any board I've ever been on. Somebody questions the HK aura, and they're the bad guy - period, no and's,if's, or but's. How dare I or anybody else dare question HK - God forbid, it's like I called your mother some bad name.
I came to this board originally to ask questions about the P2000SK vs the Glock 26. When I asked about the virtues of the Glock vs HK, I was chastised for even considering the G26, and I swore at that time I would never post again (seems like that would have been the smart thing to do). However, just for you naysayers, I bought the HK since I'd had good luck with their product before.
So if you, in particular JL Storm, think I don't like HK, then you have totally missed the point...which I suspect you have. I'm seriously concerned about parts availability. This is NOT just about LEM. What about firing pins, springs, etc, etc?
As for parts availability, One agency I know of in particular was told to go look for them themselves, or call "so and so" see if they have them; and if they (the agencies or the 3rd party) can find them, great; if not, well, we'll get back to you when and if we ever get them from Germany. Folks these are LE guys who are risking their lives in SWAT like activities, not just some internet junkies who post on this board. They need to have a real availability of parts and shouldn't have to depend on the likes of CDNN to buy their stuff (even as much as I like CDNN). Seriously Mr. JL Storm...is that the way to run a weapons business? I realize that a common business practices is JIT, but JIT does mean that there will be parts....just in time, which certainly isn't happening at HK-USA. As an analogy, that'd be like Pratt and Whitney telling Lockheed Martin that they don't have any more parts for the jet engines that they just finished for the F-22, and they'll just have to wait until next year or two or until P&W feels like making more.
As for Jeff, I did receive a phone call which I missed because I was in a meeting; however, I tried calling back and was constantly routed to his answering machine. And in all honesty, he seems like a nice guy, but just not a follow through type of individual in my dealings with him. After 5 times of being nice (Yes, I can be nice, but I do have a low BS tolerance), identifying myself, my company, my work phone, my cell phone, and I think even my email address, I never received so much as a call back. If I have to call back 5 times myself repeat this process of name, phones, etc, this is not customer service - it's just nothing but wasted bandwidth. So, in as far as I can tell, this type of service goes under the "we could care less about your business" category.
Also, how many of you ACTUALLY (in particular Mr. JL Storm) attended the SHOT 2007 show? How many of you had lengthy conversations with the US reps? (not the Germans, the US reps). Had you actually had conversations with them, especially in the non LE section of the show, you'd know exactly what I'm talking about and how they treated the customer - the absolute worst display and support in the entire area. Kel-Tec's reps knew more about their product, were willing to talk about detail, and even answered questions about their spotty reliability!!!!! The sheer and udder stupidity (and that's being kind) of the two blokes from HK-USA I spoke to about LEM modifications (since that was one of the questions I asked) from the Illinois area (who were brought in to support the show) was truly amazing. As I've mentioned before, they said ANY LEM modification would void the H&K warranty, regardless of who did it. Of course I knew that was false info. I also asked about magazine interchangeability, and other parts interchangeability and was looked at like I had 3 heads and 8 eyes. Seriously, I'd bet a 3rd grader from South Park Elementary would have known more about the product than the US reps, certainly Uncle Jimbo would have. So yes, my attitude is piss poor right now.
But to this point in all the hubbub, nobody has answered my main question. What the heck is the deal with parts? What, are you all so infatuated with HK to think they'll never break? If you are of that mindset, good luck to you, because you'll need it. As I said earlier, all mechanical things either break or wear out. Are we as HK owners going to be without parts? Especially parts for guns that are currently under production! Will there be a supply line that's viable for the next 5-10 years? If these are invalid points to make, then I hope the moderator kicks me off permanently; because simply put, if you're not asking yourself these questions of parts availability (LEM or non LEM parts), you're either a fool, or just plan on buying the latest and greatest gun at the time....that is...if we're still allowed to purchase in the future.
So, Mr. JLStorm, are these not legitimate questions? Do you not worry about parts availability? Perhaps you have your own machine shop and can make these yourself, I can't, so I'm at the mercy of the supply line.
I have no doubt that when a weapon goes up to HK-USA in Trussville, that the work is of high quality. I've not questioned that on any of my posts here (save the one that I wouldn't buy a P30 built in the USA). I think Travis probably does supreme work. But again, just how can he do this without parts? Personally, if they can ship me a spare parts kit for the model(s) I own, I'll be buying 2 of each since then I can depend on myself to have parts.
Finally, I haven't sent anything up to Trussville. So I cannot testify to how great that end of the "service" is. Every time I've called I've gotten the cold shoulder; therefore, I don't send my weapon up. Until I can be told that they have the part, that the turn around will be "X" days there is no reason to do so. If HK-USA would say..."Sir, we shall have the LEM part in approximately 2 work weeks, and it will then take another week for installation", then I'd send it up. Until then, why send a functioning weapon up so it can sit and gather dust?
