“Gunsmith” non-responsive… WWYD?

[Emmett Dibble]

This is literally for a guy I like who I see at matches randomly. (Not a Doc, I have a “friend” with this growth on his <name that area>… what could it be?)

Friend dropped off parts (receiver/barrel) with a “known” gunsmith almost 2 years ago. From the version of the story I have got, guy slow walked him for a year and now is just non-responsive. He has a sign outside his “business” (don’t know what kind of store front, stand alone, garage) that states appointments only. He doesn’t return phone messages or email.

Before the “storm in there and get my crap” people respond… this is a first world country and you are the trespasser just bum-rushing someone at their house or where ever.

I gave him a couple avenues to pursue but none are really effective unless you spend money and or the guy is averse to having a judgement (small claims) against him.

”supposably” the guy isn’t dead…

I thought I’d throw this out to a larger audience because I am sure this isn’t the first time it’s happened.

This is in the San Antonio/New Braunsfels area if it matters….

Any ideas?

 

[urbanrifleman]

How anyone could let someone keep their stuff for 2 years I have no idea. I wouldn't do it. When I start putting on barrels on receivers I'm not going to have anybody's rifles on my premises for any longer than it takes for me to do the work and send it right back. I can't imagine what it must be like to sleep at night with a whole bunch of other people's rifles on your premises. What if someone found out and came and just robbed you or your barn burnt to the ground with all that stuff in it. It gives me nightmares to even consider such a fool thing.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Set up an appointment and talk to the smith, than ask for the parts back. Once you are in don't leave without all your items.

 

[whatsupdoc]

Call the police tell them he has your property and will not return it, have them knock on his door.

 

[Big Mc]

This is literally for a guy I like who I see at matches randomly. (Not a Doc, I have a “friend” with this growth on his <name that area>… what could it be?)

Friend dropped off parts (receiver/barrel) with a “known” gunsmith almost 2 years ago. From the version of the story I have got, guy slow walked him for a year and now is just non-responsive. He has a sign outside his “business” (don’t know what kind of store front, stand alone, garage) that states appointments only. He doesn’t return phone messages or email.

Before the “storm in there and get my crap” people respond… this is a first world country and you are the trespasser just bum-rushing someone at their house or where ever.

I gave him a couple avenues to pursue but none are really effective unless you spend money and or the guy is averse to having a judgement (small claims) against him.

”supposably” the guy isn’t dead…

I thought I’d throw this out to a larger audience because I am sure this isn’t the first time it’s happened.

This is in the San Antonio/New Braunsfels area if it matters….

Any ideas?

Small claims court.

 

[joshb]

“Non responsive “ I’d go camp out on his front door. Be calm , respectful, and get your stuff. Better to have a witness along. Preferably a BIG witness!

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Its probably not tresspassing to go knock on the door

 

[Hino895]

I’m with urbanrifleman on this.
I like to get my work done and have the customer come pick up his firearms ASAP.
Reduces your responsibility and everyone is happy.

 

[BoydAllen]

I think that the main problem here is excess timidity. Knocking on the door of someone who has your property would not be trespassing. If anyone is unsure about that, they can simply call the police and explain the problem and ask about options and whether what is planned would be a problem. If someone does not answer the door, then I would send a small signature reqired package, with a note inside that included all applicable contact information. If that doesn't work I would file a stolen property report. In any case, I would get all of this done within a month. There is no excuse for this kind of behavior.

 

[Emmett Dibble]

FWIW, I do believe he’s “knocked on his door”… And yes, some of it is being a bit too timid. I googled the gunsmiths business and there is a yelp page with 2 people having the exact same problem this year.

I gave my friend all the options here and offered that he should have a friend contact him about doing some work. If he responds to the friend have him make an appointment to drop off his stuff, contact the local PD and let them know what your doing and then ride over with the friend and confront him.

I do like the small signed for package with the note. More likely to accept it then a registered letter.

I am in a similar but different business and the same applies. I don’t want clients property at the shop for a second longer then it needs to be. Especially since while it is there the shop has liability for it… and we don’t get paid till they pick up (Biggest reason).

 

[Bill K]

Since it is more an civil matter, at this point in time. Have an police officer go with you, knock on the door and ask for your property back. LE will keep the peace, while you ask and obtain your property.
If this should lead no where, then file small claims action on the Gunsmith and go to court.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I’ve known some pretty sorry sorts in my day. Anybody in the Texas area knows them well.
I would have a police officer tag along.

 

[Emmett Dibble]

I’ve known some pretty sorry sorts in my day. Anybody in the Texas area knows them well.
I would have a police officer tag along.

I only know “one side” of the story… The side I know came from a Air Force veteran with a Distinguished Flying Cross awarded during the first Iraq war… He’s one of those guys who wouldn’t say $hit if he had a mouth full of it so…

The other may have this yelp page:

Wainwright's Firearms - New Braunfels, TX

Specialties: Wainwright's Firearms and Training, is a small family run shop in New Braunfels, TX. with many years of experience in the firearms industry. We specialize in repair, customizing and building custom 1911 pistols. Whether you want a custom carry gun, an all out race gun or anything...

www.yelp.com

 

[Charlie-NY]

I've read two sets of circumstances recently that were very similar to yours. In both cases the problem was solved when they filed a complaint with the local Police Dept and ATF. It's funny how quickly the smiths responded and returned the property that they sat on for a couple of years and then became non-responsive.

I see no reason why you (or anyone) would protect these guys by not naming them in these posts. Not responding to calls, emails, mail, etc is inexcusable.
BTW - in both of the aforementioned cases, the smith was not dead.

 

[Migolito]

Tell your 'friend' to go to the local Sportsmart and buy a rifle. He will never be seeing this one...it's gone.

 

[ebb]

My brother and i tried to take a case to small claims court in union county GA. What a joke. The judge thinks he is a supreme court justice and got so hooked up on procedure that he would not even hear the case. The people that work for him in his county office told us that he would be extremely understanding and help us along with the process. There is no justice in a small town.

 

[rwj]

Tell your 'friend' to go to the local Sportsmart and buy a rifle. He will never be seeing this one...it's gone.

If it’s gone, I would report that to the local PD and ATF as the sales record will likely lead those agencies to your door if the firearm is ever found to be part of a crime…

 

[Nick Caprinolo]

Sent a letter by registered mail with return receipt. List the property in his possession with a request that he set up a time for you to pick up your items. After getting your return receipt and waiting one week for a response, go to the court system in which he lives and seek a warrant or summons to answer the charge of theft. Different jurisdiction have different laws and the court will most likely handle this matter in the best method. I have several lawyer friends and I am sure they would be more than gla to write a simple letter demanding a return of goods. You have options. Sitting on your thumb while your rectum grows is silly.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I’ve known some pretty sorry sorts in my day. Anybody in the Texas area knows them well.
I would have a police officer tag along.

He’s in the same area too! How soon folks forget.

 

[urbanrifleman]

This whole thread gives me the creeps.