A-SQUARE CO., INC. - Booth 3778

At the 2002 Shot Show. I searched the manufacturers listings. I put this here as this comany seems to have been the "womb" from which much of our interests sprang. At least mine.

It would be very cool if someone in Kentucky within driving distance of the old factory could tell us if it is up and running again.

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[This message has been edited by Roger Rothschild (edited 02-03-2002).]

I have a friend that got a check from the new company.They are making good for the thief Alphin.So at least one of us may(if the check clears) have got his money back from the thief.The letter said Alphin will be a consultant for the new company.They will never get any of my money as long as Alphin is with the company.If the new company fires Alphin and delivers what they say they will. I may do business with them in 5 to 10 years.

Thanks
EJ Gentry

[This message has been edited by ED 475 (edited 02-03-2002).]

Ed,

Those are pretty hard words.

Would you like to back up your accusations with facts, or are you content to sit on the sidelines and flame?

jim dodd

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"if you are to busy to
hunt, you are too busy."

Well...I remember posting in the African section (I think) that Alphin still had some stock of bullets left. I think this was about a year ago I posted. It was only meant to be informative.
Apparently there are people who have had less than equitable business transactions with the previous owner of A-Square and they came out to speak about it. Judging from the intensity of the words, I think it would be safe to say there were some hard feelings.
I did not post this to open wounds or troll, again as I did a year ago, I meant it to be informative.

Well, all I can say is that my dealings with a-square and Art Alphin were all fine. I ordered, he delivered, I paid, no problems. The two times that I met him he seemed an interesting guy, and even gave me an imprompteau tour of his plant in Kentucky, when I showed up unannounced (driving across the state and decided to drop in). FWIW - Dan

ED 475, HunterJim, & dan - There were many folks that were caught in the middle of Alphin's pissing match with the BATF. These folks paid their money for product and never received either their goods nor a refund nor any real apologies from Art. A lot of promises were made, but, none were honored. As a result, Art's reputation was trashed and most folks would never consider doing business with him today. The new owners surely recognize this fact and hopefully will keep Art out of the spotlight and at arms-length.

While Art is a brilliant ballistics engineer, his business practices are questionable by many - including the BATF.

I ordered an A-Square rifle back in 99 from Art at the SCI show. Other than being a few months late the rifle was delivered and works flawlessly. I received every thing I paid for and I will buy another rifle from him if they are back up and running. Well more than likely I will buy more than 1. The soft brass problem they had is the only real complaint I have but then again you can buy brass from anyone.

Chris

We have been hearing on and off for 3 years that A-Square is getting refinanced, getting new managament and will be back in business.

Let's wait and see if it really happens.

Art wrote what in my opinion is the best reloading manual in existence. And he has some very good (and some not-so-good) ideas about rifles. However, he has demonstrated that he is not an apt business manager, so perhaps it will be a viable company if Art contributes technical knowledge and someone else manages operations. Oh, and they probably need to separate Art from the customers too.

I ordered a rifle from Art just before the crap hit the fan. Art did send me letters about the delay, and a formal apology after when he shipped the rifle and ammo. He also sent along papers relating to what the BATF Batmen were doing. Anybody can get cross-threaded with that outfit.

I also interviewed him for a magazine article, and he was very helpful in providing dummy rounds and such for photography.

I agree that he did an excellent reloading manual. It has features that other companies haven't even thought of.

So perhaps those people who did not get what they paid for will get some satisfaction now. Having bought other companies I can sympathasize with the new owners. They may have bought only the assets, while Art retains the liabilities. Time will tell. Owning a business that goes under does not mean you are a thief, well unless you are not Enron anyway.

jim dodd

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"if you are to busy to
hunt, you are too busy."

I will not set on the side.A friend of mine ordered a rifle sent Alphin $2000.00 and a scope and had not had any reply from Alphin for over 3 years until a week ago.The new company sent him a check (if it clears)he has his money he only needs the scope back.I had an order for over $1200.00 of ammo I got one box of 505 Gibbs and one of .375 JRS.I have called and written many times no reply.I think if you take money for a product and do not deliver or even reply you are a thief.
Thanks
EJ Gentry III

EJ,

I agree. The Express Rifle Company (Robert Bastow and Mathew Smith) took a $1050 deposit from me and have refused to give it back (Bastow died). Bastow personally cashed the check. His wife says it is Smith's responsibility, Smith says he never saw the money.