I just purchased a custom build by Champlin.
It's a 416 Rem Mag Electroless Nickled BRNO 602 Action, SS Octagon barrel w/Integral Rib, Sights & sling mount. Champlins Custom made QD Scope Mounts. Custom McMillan Stock & Incredible Custom Circassian Turkish Stock for trophy room display.

Anyway's.. here's my problem.. I've contacted Champlins with rifle's sr.# info, even their catalog originally listing the rifle for sale (with minimal specifications). I was asking for original build specs, original sale price when new. My catalog from seller was listing the gun when sold by them used which is how he bought it from them.

I've had absolutely no response from them, even when I emailed a couple weeks later inquiring if there was a fee involved for the search....... Crickets...

Anybody able to help me out??

IMHO, a first class business doesn't let itself get that busy.

Call them on the phone and ask for George Caswell.

Why would you feel that you would be entitled to that information? Seems to me that would be between Champlins and the original buyer.

Gato, Curiosity.. Like what barrel maker, who in their shop built it, Did Mcmillon bed it??... When was it made?? What was the original cost? I know what it sold for the 2nd time around. Roughly what would it be worth today.. I didn't ask for any personal information.. Although I know the guy I bought it from whacked 3 Buff, Giraffe, Sable, Lion and various PG with it. Any history or information would interest me.. Granted its not a 100y/o Brit double, but to me it's interesting info.. Even though this is a no nonsense working rifle, the craftsmanship and utilitarian beauty is incredible along with the slickest action I've ever felt. First 5 shot group with Swift A-frames was one raggety hole @ 100yds.

Duane... If they're truly that busy... Just reply & say so....

George is currently hunting grouse in Michigan and won't be back until sometime next week. Also bear in mind that this is not a revenue generating task that you are asking for. It is a one man show. Be patient.

If the rifle was built at Champlins, then JJ put it together. I can't remember whose barrels then used.

I understand and can fully appreciate why you would want the info, I just don't think you necessarily have a right to it. OTOH if Champlin's wants to tell you, that's their business. It might not matter to their past customer, but then again, it might.

I'm not trying to be difficult here, but if I bought a custom rifle at X cost, then I might not want everyone to know what X cost was.

Just as an example, I buy and sometimes sell rare coins costing multiples of these rifles. Sometimes the previous sale records are public (auction results primarily) and sometimes they are by private treaty. If I'm buying, knowing what the seller paid would/could be valuable information and the opposite would be true if I were selling. Just as an example, I'm considering a rare foreign coin now. Purely by happen chance, I found out approximately what the seller was paid by the current owner. That told me, in this case, that the current seller was working pretty close and an offer would likely not be accepted. In this case, not really a big deal, but in most transactions, any additional information is valuable to one side or the other.

At any rate, it's none of my business and I hope you enjoy your rifle, sounds like a great piece.

Everytime I have called them, they are helpful and answer my questions. Forget email and call them. Or go see them.

In any business, customer service and positve word of mouth separates merely good companies from great companies... I have always heard great things about Champlin's and their ability to evaluate and do quality work on fine rifles. Maybe this is an anomaly and they will get back to you. Or maybe they are merely a good company...

MopaneMike. The rifle is fine and shoots superbly. Call them after the "retail" season is over for historical information. It's so easy for an email to be skimmed over or lost in the busiest time of the year. CB

Champlins is basically George Caswell. He is an avid bird hunter and this is bird season and also preparation time for hunting season and the big shows. You probably could not have picked a worse time to ask for this info. Give him a couple months and call. George is a great guy and will try to help I'm sure. He probably will want to get permission from the original buyer before he answers some of the questions you have. I think that is the proper thing for him to do.
Maurice Ottmar did a lot of work for George some years ago. If your rifle has the Dragoon style trigger guard, it is quite likely Ottmar at least stocked it.

I would call in February or March.

Or drop in if you are driving through on a weekday.

George is back from his grouse hunting trip. I never have a problem getting him on the phone. He doesn't usually get in till around 11-12 a.m. Always had time to take care of any request I have had. Seems strange you have not been able to get ahold of him. I'd call late in the morning.

Dutch

quote:

LJS: Maurice Ottmar did a lot of work for George some years ago. If your rifle has the Dragoon style trigger guard, it is quite likely Ottmar at least stocked it.

Or Clayton Nelson, who was with the firm when it was called Champlin & Haskins, prior to George.

I have never had an e-mail response from George!! But when you call, there is no end to his knowledge and willingness to assist...same with JJ his great gunsmith/maker in the shop!!
CALL EM!!
Cheers,

I can only write like the others..Call them!.

Me too have had so called "problems" with Champlins not replying on emails. I just learn from time to time not all people have yet adapted to this computer age.
Does this make Champlins bad?. No..Georges guns are often better then their descriptions.

quote:

Originally posted by 470EDDY:
I have never had an e-mail response from George!! But when you call, there is no end to his knowledge and willingness to assist...same with JJ his great gunsmith/maker in the shop!!
CALL EM!!
Cheers,

My experience as well

If JJ built it, I'm sure it's fine. If George isn't calling you back, I'm sure he's busy. Mopaniman, you really need to chill!

I've never had a problem calling George. He is usually on the phone. Judy or Tom will answer and give you to George or ask you to call back when he is off the phone. He will answer your questions if he has the information. He'll be at DSC and will answer your questions. He is never to busy to talk to any customer, past or present.


Dutch