Ardent said:
Quasi-smith/builder from Cowtown. Used to defend him but heard some pretty sketchy things these days unfortunately from credible sources...
I am Not defending, promoting, or ball busting, I will however say that there are however some things to consider.
This "quasi-smith/builder" is 1 of thee VERY few, licensed firearms MANUFACTURERS in Canada. This in my mind anyway, is a step up from your basic gunsmith and several steps up from the hobbyist tinkers that many are.
There are some fine gunsmiths are out there, but how many actually build their own actions. This "quasi-smith/builder" does build 2 distinctly different actions at this time and I know there are plans for more in the near future.
This man has several hundred thousand dollars invested in tooling and equipment, I think that is far from "Quasi" This is more like a serious commitment to a craft. A craft that is sorely lacking in this country. I am fairly certain he could use his machines to make oilfield parts and make a LOT more money every year. However he chooses to service a community where he sees a need, a great need at that.
Whether the owner of this business has angered the administrators of this forum, is irrelevant. He still offers a service that to some, is invaluable, and as others have Blackcloud pointed out, not all customers can be pleased all of the time.
An example would be the numerous rants about other dealers on this forum, especially the larger retailers who contribute little to the firearms community except product, and contribute absolutely NOTHING to this forum, but at least they CAN be spoken of.
To condemn a business or a person with out first hand information is simply poor judgment. Further, there are always two sides to a coin, or a disagreement. If there are issues, it unfair to listen to only one side.
Ardent I respect you, and have nothing but good things to say about you. If you would like to continue this conversation in private, I would be more than happy to do so via pm. I would encourage any and all light you might have to shed on this surprising situation.
With all due respect to all concerned, regards, and all the best
R