Remington UMC Squib

[rusty86]

Just wanted to give some info on a recent experience I had with a Squib round (my first experience with one). I was shooting Remington UMC .40 S&W, Value Pack box (250 rounds).

I was shooting my .40 at a range when I noticed a funny sounding round and then my slide wouldn't close all the way. I field stripped the gun (PX4, has to be one of the easiest guns to field-strip) and noticed there was a spent slug in the barrel about 3/4" from the chamber end. I took barrel out of the shooting room and asked the guys at the counter if they had seen that before. I won't mention what range it was in Houston but the guys were arrogant and blatantly told me I had loaded a .45 shell in my .40 and fired it and that's why it got stuck. I had a .45 with me that day as well and was shooting both so it would be feasible, but unlikely (I'm not perfect but I'm pretty attentive). But then I explained to them that my clip wouldn't hold a .45 and even if it would, a .40 pistol won't chamber a .45 bullet. I also showed them where the round had a flat nose as opposed to a round nose but they were convinced and implied I was wrong.

After some internet research (including this forum w/ others), I decided it was a squib. I called Remington, who was very apologetic and handled it well. They sent me a shipping label to send back what I haven't used of the ammo with a letter stating that I would get a replacement box once I mailed it back. I would also get an explanation of what they found after they tested the ammo. They even said to send a gunsmith receipt if my gun was damaged (I had it checked out for free at Gander Mountain - no damage). Remington handled it VERY PROFESSIONALLY.

I know that not all products are perfect and all companies are likely to make mistakes every once in a while. However, Remington did everything they should have done in that situation and made it right. I have yet to ship the old rounds back so I haven't received my replacement yet, but I do not expect to be stiffed at this point. I will keep this forum posted on the final outcome. I will keep buying Remington and hopefully won't run into any more squibs with these target rounds.

[speedsix]

... for a range to accuse you of putting a .45 slug into a .40 chamber speaks volumes about their professionalism and knowledge...I'd find another range...

[rusty86]

... for a range to accuse you of putting a .45 slug into a .40 chamber speaks volumes about their professionalism and knowledge...I'd find another range...

Not to worry - I won't be returning. That wasn't my only complaint with that particular range - they are overpriced and have the attitude of "you need us more than we need you". Not the approach a business should take with customer service. But they are conveniently located and have AC so I put up with it. This was the straw that broke the camel's back.

[michael e]

At least you noticed that something wasn't right. Could have ended up alot worse. As for the range, I would have asked them to show me how a 45 will even fit in mag, much less chamber it.

[rusty86]

At least you noticed that something wasn't right. Could have ended up alot worse. As for the range, I would have asked them to show me how a 45 will even fit in mag, much less chamber it.

They didn't have an answer for that. They said something like "Welllll, it might have..." and then trailed off. I stormed out briefly after that.

As you can tell, the range issue is still a hot-button for me. The moral of my story was how well Remington handled the situation and how pleasantly surprised I was to see them take responsibility and make it right.

[michael e]

Let us know how remington handles it for you. How many rounds had you fired out of the box before that happen?

[CC Italian]

I have a box of the umc .40 250 pack, I haven't gotten to it yet. Still working of some old Fiocchi. I did have some umc 10mm that the bullets were seated way way to far in. I think I have 6 in one 50 round box and 2 in another.

[rusty86]

I plan on sending in the olds this week and then I will wait to see what happens. I think they will do some tests and send me the results with a replacement box. I will keep those interested in the status as I hear it.

I was just starting my 3rd tray so I had shot a few over 100 when that happened. I would be surprised if there is anything wrong with any of the other ones, but I'm not risking it. I guess there is a chance there was a problem with an entire batch - plus, I understand they will send me a brand new box so I'll wait for a new one.

I have shot this brand quite a bit before and never had a problem. Like I said, I know no product is absolutely perfect so until it starts happening "too much" I will keep shooting it.

[Scott in Houston]

Dyin to know which range. I think it would be good to know for those of us in Houston.
It's not slander. You're stating fact.

[RECIT]

I too would like to know the range you were so displeased with. Us Houston folks need to know what ranges are worth going to.

Good to hear Remington is taking care of the people that take care of them.

[rqFLSTFB]

Dyin to know which range. I think it would be good to know for those of us in Houston.
It's not slander. You're stating fact.

+1

come on... you know you want to!

[MoJo]

9mm rounds will go into a 40 S&W magazine and vice versa. One of my favorite ways to force a stoppage in a 9mm handgun is to load a 40 empty into the mag. I can't believe the gunshop/range commando thought you could get a 45 anything into a 40. I would put a hex mark on their sign.

You don't have to give the name - - - their phone number and address will do!

[Heartland Patriot]

Just wanted to give some info on a recent experience I had with a Squib round (my first experience with one). I was shooting Remington UMC .40 S&W, Value Pack box (250 rounds).

I was shooting my .40 at a range when I noticed a funny sounding round and then my slide wouldn't close all the way. I field stripped the gun (PX4, has to be one of the easiest guns to field-strip) and noticed there was a spent slug in the barrel about 3/4" from the chamber end. I took barrel out of the shooting room and asked the guys at the counter if they had seen that before. I won't mention what range it was in Houston but the guys were arrogant and blatantly told me I had loaded a .45 shell in my .40 and fired it and that's why it got stuck. I had a .45 with me that day as well and was shooting both so it would be feasible, but unlikely (I'm not perfect but I'm pretty attentive). But then I explained to them that my clip wouldn't hold a .45 and even if it would, a .40 pistol won't chamber a .45 bullet. I also showed them where the round had a flat nose as opposed to a round nose but they were convinced and implied I was wrong.

After some internet research (including this forum w/ others), I decided it was a squib. I called Remington, who was very apologetic and handled it well. They sent me a shipping label to send back what I haven't used of the ammo with a letter stating that I would get a replacement box once I mailed it back. I would also get an explanation of what they found after they tested the ammo. They even said to send a gunsmith receipt if my gun was damaged (I had it checked out for free at Gander Mountain - no damage). Remington handled it VERY PROFESSIONALLY.

I know that not all products are perfect and all companies are likely to make mistakes every once in a while. However, Remington did everything they should have done in that situation and made it right. I have yet to ship the old rounds back so I haven't received my replacement yet, but I do not expect to be stiffed at this point. I will keep this forum posted on the final outcome. I will keep buying Remington and hopefully won't run into any more squibs with these target rounds.

You must have gotten that one-in-a-million bad round...glad nothing bad happened because of it. Could have been serious if you had been practicing doubles or some other more rapid techniques. Also very pleased to hear that Remington has such great customer service. I had a squib load once, but not Remington. It was Sellier and Bellot, .38 Special. I pulled the trigger on my Henry Lever and all I heard was a little "pop" sound when I should have gotten a "bang". I'm glad the range was almost empty, only one other guy sighting in a bolt action. My squib bullet was also lodged just inside the end of the barrel. Didn't take my cleaning kit that day and had to put the Henry away until I got home. I kept that bullet after I pushed it out. Kind of like an unusual keepsake...

[rusty86]

Dyin to know which range. I think it would be good to know for those of us in Houston.
It's not slander. You're stating fact.

I might write a review for that range in another post. This post was mainly about Remington's customer service.

Like I said, I have other complaints about this range so I might just write up a review with all my complaints!