Copeland
New Member
Sky Soldiers
Posts: 915
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Post by Copeland on Feb 22, 2004 21:55:42 GMT -5
well you know youve found a good store when the owner of the place walks right up to you right as you walk in the door gives you a handshake the gives you the grand tour.
me and my 3 team mates couldnt believe the service quality and the treatment we got at 21CA Bill is one of the friendliest guys I've ever met in my life. He let us test products out as well as the new airsoft claymore and some new goggles. right there in the shop bill shot me with the claymore which i must say was very impressive. after that we all checked out the very clean workshop... i was impressed. after looking around for a while and talking Bill let us check out the Glock 26 and let us all fire a few rounds off at an osama picture.
For now on 21st CA will be my place to shop and take some advice from me you should too it was one hell of a place and for those of you who have been there as well i know you know what im talking about.
THANKS a lot BILL THE TOUR WAS GREAT.
21ST CA = A+
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Post by Bishop on Feb 23, 2004 8:42:20 GMT -5
I also did business with him on two occasions and was immensely impressed as well. I try and buy everything threw him if at all possible.
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Post by Ice on Feb 23, 2004 12:41:37 GMT -5
You could have put this under the two other 21ca threads? No?
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Post by psychosmurf on Oct 6, 2004 11:56:52 GMT -5
Well I'm not sure exactly where to put this, but since this is one of the few threads for 21 century that isn't locked I guess I will put it here. I have been toying with the idea of getting an Airsoft rifle lately. After buying a couple of cheap spring airs from a local gun shop I started looking at some of the better electric and gas models. They are way cool, but very expensive. I can't see spending that sort of cash on something I can't look over and touch, and know very little about. So I went in search of a local store that sells them and knew something about them. I found 21st century on this site and gave them a calll. The receptionist was very nice and seemed pretty knowledgable as well. So I decided to drive to this store and check it out. I live in Adrian Michigan, it's near the Ohio border, close to Toledo. This was the closest place I could find! 4 freakin hours a way! Well after a 400 some mile round trip and returning home 12 hours later all I have to say is I am impressed. The store was a bit lacking in inventory compared to what I expected, but it turns out they were recently robbed by some punk kids, so I guess it's not thier fault. However the way I was treated far more exceeded my expectations and more than made up for the drive or lack of stock they had. They still had what I wanted to look at, so it didn't really bother me to be honest. I let these guys know on the phone before I drove up there that I was not intending on purchasing a gun now. I only wanted to look at them and learn more about them, and if possible see someone shoot one. I mean for what these things cost you can damn near get a real fire arm. If something didn't impress me, I couldn't see spending that kind of cash on one. No way would I do it sight unseen over the internet. I'm not that trusting any more. Well they didn't seem to care whether I was spending any money or not. Bill and James spent hours with me talking, B.S.'ing and explaining the different guns and how they worked to me and my girlfriend. And not only did I get to see one shoot, they let her and I shoot what ever ones we wanted to see how we liked them. And if that wasn't enough, Bill said since I showed an interest in how they work and wanted to see one torn down he would take me to the machine shop where they do repairs. He showed me some of the different manufactures systems and the parts that go in them. And explained how they work and go together and what the modifications do. He has a receiver that he tore apart and machined little cut a way views so you could see the internal workings while the gun was being fired. Waaay freakin' cool and I learned a ton. And this was all without me spending a penny, or even commiting to it. And they never pressured me into it either, just answered my questions honestly and in detail. These guys just have a true love for this sort of stuff and like to share it with others. When I get around to buying one you can be sure where I will go. And I am pretty sure that it will go as smoothly from what I can tell. I highly suggest that if you are in the market for an AEG take the time to check these guys out and chat with them. You will learn a ton. And as far as shops go, I spend a fair amount of time in archery pro shops and gun stores and I can tell you these guys go above and beyond what is required to make a sale and get repeat buisiness. Don't just go in there in hurry if you have questions, because if you like to talk, so do they. And all your questions will be answered fully and the time will just fly by. Of course there really wasn't any one else there when I was, so that makes a difference. Thanks guys, (and girl I guess), I hope to talk to you soon and actually have cash this time Paul Mohr
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Post by TacticalLiquidation on Oct 6, 2004 12:15:42 GMT -5
It goes back and forth with bill. He either gives excellent service, or he gives you some of the worst service you can find. Joe from Down Kaliber sent his gun in over 4 months ago to get it repaired/upgraded, he still doesnt have his gun today. Yes, bill has had his gun for over 4 months. A teammate of mine ordered a lot of stuff from him, over two months later he still doesnt have it. Another teammate of mine ordered a valve for his APS-2 over two months ago and still doesnt have it. Bill, if you see this post, please, do explain.
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21CA-Iceman
New Member
Owner of 21st Century Airsoft
Posts: 554
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Post by 21CA-Iceman on Oct 6, 2004 15:13:33 GMT -5
Here is the reality of it.
1.) Joe - TM gun, older style CA body that was used and in very rough shape. Gun came to us in several pieces, with many broken parts. We put it all back together, and body and the old style version 2 used body bound the selector switch system up so bad it would not go full auto. Talked with Joe about this, he sent the original body, that was broken. Replace electronics, replaced selectors, and finally replaced the selector knob and now all is well. The body is so badly damaged that there is a 1/16 of an inch gap in uppper and lower on the back side. Contacted Joes mom with cost for all and I am waiting on payment and a return call for shipping it back. I only billed him for 2 hours of labor and I have around 20 into it. Anytime you take old worn out parts and try to make something usable out of it you are asking for trouble. Joe is a great guy and I think the world of him and his mom is very nice as well. By the way it has only been 3 months and not 4.
2.) Your team mate has everything ordered except the large battery which has to have the P90 stock custom machined out on a mill to hold the battery. As he and I have discussed we have 3 shipments in customs, that have been there for around 7 weeks now. 7800 worth of products, and last week I got a notice from US customs that order number 1 was official Seized, would you a copy of this seizer? No one can control what customs does, not me, not you, and not Mike.
3.) Brian and his valve, this would be the APS 2 that was bought from overseas that I helped him on greatly that I have several emails from him and his father thanking us for helping them out and being fair with him. Once again, I am stuck in the same boat with US customs. By the way, Brian has asked me call or email him when it gets in, I also told him to send me what he has left and can match it up to one that I have here so that he can keep playing, and this would be at no charge. Unfortunately, I have not seen the valve from him yet, so there is nothing I can do about that. Please ride him a little and have him send it to me ASAP.
I hope that this is what you are looking for and thank you for giving me a chance to explain what is going on. I really appreciate your kindness and understanding on this matter.
Nothing is more frustrating than spending 7800 on products for customers and have our goverment hold those items making us look bad, and more than likely keeping the products, and us loosing the money. It really hurts.
-Bill
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Post by TacticalLiquidation on Oct 6, 2004 15:35:17 GMT -5
I am quite sorry to hear that you have probably lost 7800 dollars. Also, I was told 4 months from joe, but this is just what I have heard. I will tell brian about the valve this saturday...Ill see what I can do. Needless to say, my team mates arent too happy with you bill, sorry to say, despite your troubles.
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21CA-Iceman
New Member
Owner of 21st Century Airsoft
Posts: 554
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Post by 21CA-Iceman on Oct 6, 2004 15:46:59 GMT -5
I am sorry to hear that, you and I both know that I have helped many players out, including your team mates. How easy we all forget the good and only concentrate on the bad. As far as them being upset with me, well that just plain sucks, escpecially when all request are not followed, it is really easy to blame and no one ever takes the blame upon themselves. I am sure that you have seen Joes metal body that bought so you know what type of shape it truely was in. As for Brian, well if he would have sent the valve 2 months ago, this would not be an issue. Mike, that one is just plain my bad luck with customs, nothing I can do but try and make it right with him. You know that I have tried very hard to make your team happy and work with all of them.
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Post by TacticalLiquidation on Oct 6, 2004 17:23:02 GMT -5
I know that, but I dont think they do. Brian isnt all that mad, but mike seems be infuriated sometimes. Best of luck with everything, Bill.
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Post by psychosmurf on Oct 6, 2004 17:45:06 GMT -5
I will add that these guys are VERY busy doing repairs and running the machine shop, plus other bigger and better things in the works and in design. The fact that they still take the kind of time they did for someone like me goes a long way towards their character.
And by the way, I fixed all the typo's in my above post. Sorry for that but I had to leave in a hurry after typing it and didn't have a chance to proof read. It was pretty bad wasn't it.
When you run a small buisiness it boils down to you just can't please everyone all the time, it's impossible.
I see things like worked with such and such and his dad, or worked with this guy and his mom about payment and the such. I am going to assume you guys are young. When you get older you will understand it a bit better and be more understanding, I hope. However some people just can't be pleased no matter what.
At least he's trying to work with you guys and your problems, along with a hundred or more others from all over the country. I know of other mail order places that would have said tough luck, you bought it, it's yours. That's if you could even get a response out of them.
And I saw the invoice for the customs thing last night, it truely sucks, and getting robbed by a bunch of little kids doesn't help (I hope you guys visit this site and see this). It gives everyone in your sport a bad image, and I don't think with the realism of the weapons and the sort of games you play you need any help in that department.
Paul
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Post by TacticalLiquidation on Oct 7, 2004 15:19:35 GMT -5
We are 15-16 years old. We understand how busy he is and all of that, they are just upset because they havent gotten what they paid for, it has nothing to do with age. Now, I dont want this to go into an age arguement, and I know its not your fault bill.
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Post by SlankyDaManky on Oct 7, 2004 18:20:59 GMT -5
I can't speak for Mike, but I'm not dissapointed in the least. I know you are a busy person and things like this take time (especially when customs gets into it).
So I will just wait patiently. Good luck.
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Post by MayhemXXXFrosty (AndrewMp5k) on Oct 7, 2004 18:53:35 GMT -5
I've been waiting to take a trip up there and see the store. I'll be up there soon (Saturday ;D? 16th...). I need my help rebuilding my gearbox and maybe some gas/BBs/small battery. So be expecting a visit from me and my friend soon ;D.
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Post by Nightcrawler on Oct 13, 2004 6:19:45 GMT -5
I visited the storefront for the first time and was very impressed. Although Bill wasn't there , the other guy (didn't ask his name) was a great improvement from the zit-faced kids at dunham's "Derrr" Can't wait to go back. ;D
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21CA-Iceman
New Member
Owner of 21st Century Airsoft
Posts: 554
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Post by 21CA-Iceman on Oct 13, 2004 6:29:56 GMT -5
Sorry I missed you, I usually hide at the Machine Shop with all the repairs. Next you come up, ask James to give me a call to get you down to the repair center. That is where all the fun takes place. You can even see one of our X-Force Cylinders being machined and having the Lighting bolt put in for air suction.
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