Hey Guys,

It's been a while since i posted, because i've had nothing to write about.

Now as to why.

In Aug 2004 i purchased a rifle and accessories from PGWDTI in Canada, given an estimation of "6-8 weeks usually" and as a goodwill gesture, i paid the full ammount up front($10k CDN).

a few weeks in, i was informed it may be delayed as they just won the canadian sniper rifle contract and had to move a large number and i said sure!

I call Ross Spagrud (owner) almost weekly to see how it's going, and he assures me that either:
-it's complete and good to go, here's a serial number...
- almost complete, just need the finishing touches...
-almost complete, just waiting on a few parts

It seems the longer he has it, the more needs to be done.

now the emotional stuff....
my original plan, 3 and a lot years ago was to be the first Aussie to own a .408 chey tac, and after doing my homework, knew it couldnt come through the USA, so the largest non american company who made a .408ct was prarie gun works (pgwdti)
i'm really not interested in the money, i want the rifle, i've spent about 3k on larger presses, dies and other components, got a few dozen rounds ready to go, just need something to put them in.
If i wanted the money (with interest it would be almost 12k if initially left in a 4%pa term deposit) and a lawyer would want 30% of the ammount won if i took it to court.

anyone out there know what i can do to "light a fire under" Ross, who used to be a great contributer to these forums and seemed to come down hard on other 'smiths who took orders before large contracts and failed the "little man" who got them where they are?

I do have emails backing everything i have said, no false accusations, Ross actually sounds like a really good person, and i have no malice toward him, nor do i want to start a witch hunt, i'd just like what i paid for so many years ago. any advice would be appreciated!

thanks

Call him and ask him for a detailed status of your rifle-in-progress. Follow that up immediately (same phone call) with a request to get the rifle completed and out of the shop within 30 days (after four years of waiting, you are entitled to set a deadline).

If Ross cannot commit to that deadline, demand a refund in full, in writing.

George

after this long i'd demand the cash with interest back, and then if within a couple weeks if i didn't hear back i'd follow it up with a letter from an attorney. the lawyer might charge you a couple hundred be chances are the guy would then realize that you are serious and get something done

I gave him another completion date, could also investigate options of sending components and i'll get it assembled here, or asking if the requested timberwolf action accommodates both 408 and 338, as i know he puts lots of 338's out, send a .338 model and a 408 barrel and magazines and i'll swap them over....

Call him up
Require an accounting of status
what he plans to do for you
WHEN
If that date isn't acceptable, a refund, immediately.

Oh, yeah, everything based of THEN pricing, not today.

If the guy is doing so well off the contract, he can pay now

jeffe

Greggus,
I hate to say this, but vast majority of these over due, I promised it's finished, projects are never completed.

Seems that when a Gunsmith/gun maker goes to lying about the delivery date on a regular basis and the project is way over due, you need to proceed with some kind of legal action to get your money back.

If you don't and just let this ride, in 6 more months you will still be hearing the same excuses. Don't let this guy put you off any longer. If he hasn't delivered it after telling, you time after time, that's it's almost/going to be ready next week/tomorrow/ it ain't happening. The only thing that he will understand is a certified letter of demand!

Most likely it will take you filing on him to get your money back.

Ask yourself, if you get this rifle after all this hassle, are you going to enjoy it or be reminded of how you were jerked around?

Just the opine of a guy who has already been through what you are going through, now!

It can often be useful to draw the maker's attention to threads such as this. Sometimes, however, things do slip. The company is listed on wikipedia which allows all to modify any listing.

Threads here:

http://www.huntamerica.com/wwwthreads/showflat.php?Cat=...r=663099&Main=641725