I understand we cannot speak ill of vendors or gunsmiths. But, what is reasonable? I sent 3 shotguns to a Top Named 97 Specialist based on previous recommendations on the forum. When I first talked with him, he said as soon as we receive them we will disassembled them send you a detailed breakdown with a cost estimate. Six months later, he said he had been real busy and would get to them very soon. At 13 months I got the quote on the first one. At 14 months I received one back and was told the other two would follow soon and things had been delayed and that this was not normal. At 16 months I asked about the status and received a 1 line response saying “working on it”. At 21 months I sent another email and received no response. Now we are approaching the 2 year mark.
I liked the work performed on the first one, but thought it had taken longer than normal. Is this normal? Am I just being impatient?
I don’t think so. I think a Man should be as good as his word. I think a vendor should stand behind his reputation. I think that a Man should tell the truth. If it’s going to be 2 years then tell me and let me decide if I want to wait or go somewhere else. I understand gunsmiths are busy. The other 75 or more gunsmiths I’ve dealt with over the years I’ve only had to wait a month or two. Most are honest, hard working and will go out of their way to make sure the customer is satisfied. I do not feel that the way this gunsmith is doing is the Cowboy Way, and I do not think it is the SASS way.
I have not mentioned any names and not used any bad language, I have expressed my opinion. I also think like others on the Forum have stated that we need somewhere that we can post vendor feedback and ratings so that others will not be mislead.
Thanks for reading
BC