Jack, I see in my new issue of Gunmaker that you are on the Ethics panel for the Guild this year. I've got an ethics question for you, what do I do about one of our ACGG regular members who owes me $2500?

Just curious as to whether the Guild takes an interest in situations such as this or if I'm left to plot a course of action on my own.

Thanks
Forrest Bruch

ForrestB,

From conversations I have had with Jack and other members of the ethics board that is precisely what they are for. I hope you get the matter resolved to your satisfaction.

Forrest---

That sort of dispute is exactly what the Ethics committee is for.

The Ethics Committee has to walk a fine line between carrot and stick since the only muscle we have is with ACGG members. If the member quits because too much stick was used too soon there can be no resolution. The process is pretty complicated and designed to keep the Committee a viable alternative to undue expense on both sides.

Send me an email with the details and I'll help any way I can. We'll start a file and go through the process carefully and hopefully successfully.

I would think if the $2500 dollars is gun/business related there'd be a issue. If it's outside of the gun trade, would the ACGG dig into that? Seems like a real fine line. Scoundrals exist in all organizations is spite of efforts to keep it clean.

I've sent Jack an email outlining the basics of the situation. It involves a gunmaker taking a deposit and not buying parts as agreed upon and not producing any work.

I do think most people involved in the firearms trades have pretty traditional notions about ethics and keeping their word. My ideas about these matters with regard to the AGCC have been reinforced by the number of emails I've received from AGCC members supporting my ethics inquiry.

I wish we would see some of you guys would post more, or even once. There's alot of talent lurking out there.

Forrest, I hope it works out for you. As Jack said, the committee can only go so far and if the individual does not want to cooperate, you just have to take it to the next step. It is unfortunate that it happens but as you know it does.

I got a $2500 check in the mail today from the gunsmith in question. After all these months, its amazing what a little peer pressure (and the threat of internet exposure) has accomplished.

Other situations may not be so clear-cut as mine, but this illustrates a major benefit of dealing with ACGG gunmakers. At least there is something of a forum to arbitrate grievances.

Now let's see if that check clears.

Forrest,

That is fantastic. Im very pleased to see things worked out right.