How would you handle this? (Update. I got it back!)

[SDoolittle]

Several months ago, I took an old shotgun to a gunsmith to be repaired. He told me that he was backed up and it might be a couple of weeks before he could work on my gun. I was okay with that, so I left the gun with him and asked him to call me when it was fixed. Well, after about two months without hearing from him, I called him. He told me that the gun needed a new extractor. He said that he had lost my phone number, and he didn't want to order the part without clearing it with me first. I told him to order the part, fix the gun, and give me a call. Another month or so passed, and I still didn't hear from him, so I called him again. He told me that he was not in his shop, and he didn't remember me or my gun. He told me to call him sometime when he's at the shop and he would try to find my gun. I asked him when he would be at the shop, and he told me he didn't know and I'd just have to catch him while he's there. Now I'm getting ready to move. This coming Friday I'm leaving the state, and I'm not planning on leaving without my shotgun. I've been blowing up his phone for weeks, and I've been to his shop several times. He won't answer the phone or return my messages. How would you handle this?

[lsufan334]

Might seem a little extreme but if the guy has a legitimate business or not I would contact the local PD.  Maybe they can give you more insight.

[GLADES]

Without some kind of receipt, you might have been robbed. If the police cannot help, you might have to resort to some type of arm twisting..in a legal sense of course

[SDoolittle]

I have a receipt. I just can't get this jerk to link up with me. He is a part time gunsmith who never seems to be at his shop. If he would just return my calls, and agree to meet me at his shop, I'm sure this could be resolved. The problem is that I'm moving in five days, and I don't have time to play his games anymore.

[grimlin]

Sucky situation you are in...I hope you get it resolved in 5 days bro! The way this guy seems to work it's almost highly unlikely.I would start finding way to twist his arm in getting your gun back legally ASAP.

[preach4bass]

Show up at his house and politely explain your situation, then ask him to accompany you to his shop to retrieve your property immediately.  If he doesn't respond to your polite visit, dial the sheriff's office while you're standing on his front porch.

[Shad_Master]

I had a similar situation a few years ago when I took my boat in to be tuned up for the season - when I went to pick it up, the trolling motor was gone.  The guy claimed that threre was no trolling motor on it when I brought it in - since it had a removable bracket, I thought perhaps I had taken it off and said I would go home and check it out - when I go home, there was no TM so I called the guy back and he advised that I call the Sherriff - I filed a stolen property report and then called the guy to ask who his insurance company was - he refused to give me that information, so I called a lawyer friend and wrote a letter to the guy w/ a copy to my lawyer friend and a copy to the Sherrif's office.

Two days later, I got a call that a TM had "been left on their doorstep and if I could prove it was mine, I could have it".  I took the warrany card with the serial number and picked up my motor - no explanation, no apology, but I did manage to let every person who I know that fishes in on the story - he is now out of business.

If you let them, some people will take advantage of you.  Contact the authorities and let him deal with them.

[fourbizz]

Call the cops, no hesitation.

[Grey Wolf]

Call the cops, no hesitation.

X2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[nick76]

Call the cops, no hesitation.

X2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

X3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[boneil]

since its a gun involved and you're out of time to mess with this situation, definately get the police involved.

[grimlin]

This is not really an emergency....Is there anything the Cops are really going to be able to do for him? 

[SDoolittle]

This is not really an emergency....Is there anything the Cops are really going to be able to do for him?

That's kinda what I was thinking. I'm afraid that if I get the law involved, he'll give me the gun back, but then charge me $2,000 for a $50 repair.

[K_Mac]

I would go in and talk to one of the local law enforcement folks, preferably the chief/sheriff. He will let you know what their options are. You might be able to get a local attorney to write a threatening letter. Even if it costs a few bucks it would probably get the gun back. Good luck.

[done]

Call the cops, no hesitation.

X2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

X3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

X4

...the police will send a deputy over there to chat with him and that is likely all it will take.

[skunked_again]

This is not really an emergency....Is there anything the Cops are really going to be able to do for him?

we call that keeping the piece, and a witness.

[Bassn Blvd]

You can send the police to talk to him but this is a civil matter and they (police) more than likely won't get to involved.  The police can write a report and give you a copy but that's about it. You will have to take the report and pursue it civilly.

[Root beer]

Better off with legal action and notice from a lawyer sent to him...Have lawyer to serve him paperwork to return the gun or face legal action...Do not get cops involved unless he running an illegal operation.

Another thing you can do, is have a buddy to show up at his shop with a gun and tell the gunsmith it needs service, and perhaps then you could show up with your buddy at the shop...Basically, have a buddy to call the gunsmith that he wants his gun service and when your buddy is suppose to go to the shop, show up with him and ask for the gun back...

If the guy is running a scam, he'll most likely want to meet with your buddy at the shop.

[SirSnookalot]

I doubt the police would get involved unless it's a small town.  Small claims court for non performance is out as you gone in five days, so best course of action is an attorney's letter.  Most of the time people get intimidated from " official" looking letters and respond.  Is the value of your property worth the expense?

[done]

Better off with legal action and notice from a lawyer sent to him...Have lawyer to serve him paperwork to return the gun or face legal action...Do not get cops involved unless he running an illegal operation.

Another thing you can do, is have a buddy to show up at his shop with a gun and tell the gunsmith it needs service, and perhaps then you could show up with your buddy at the shop...Basically, have a buddy to call the gunsmith that he wants his gun service and when your buddy is suppose to go to the shop, show up with him and ask for the gun back...

If the guy is running a scam, he'll most likely want to meet with your buddy at the shop.

oooooo. I like that idea. Like your own personal sting operation. Course might backfire when you show up and he has sold you gun or something. Then you have to beat him bloody and get blood all over your shoes.

[SDoolittle]

Today, like everyday, I called the gunsmith two or three times. As usual, he didn't answer, so I decided to go to his shop and leave a note on the door. He wasn't there, but as I sat in the truck writing the note, he showed up. I followed him in and told him I was there to get my shotgun. He walked into the back and then came back with the wrong gun. I told him that it wasn't my gun. He looked at me funny, and then asked me if I was the guy he had just talked to on the phone. I told him that I was not, and I put my receipt on the counter. He walked to the back and retrieved my gun, and said "no charge". I asked if it was fixed, and he replied with "did I call you?" "No" I said. "Then I didn't fix it." What a jerk! He holds my shotgun hostage for six months, refuses to return my calls, and he never even worked on my gun! Well, at least I got my gun back. That's one less thing to deal with as I prepare to make my move.

[Root beer]

If he a licensed business you ought to report him to the better business bureau.. Hurt his rep.

[SDoolittle]

If he a licensed business you ought to report him to the better business bureau.. Hurt his rep.

That's a good idea!

[Hammer 4]

And tell Everyone you know what dirtbag he is..guys like that don't stay in biz very long pulling that kinda crap..

[Bassn Blvd]

Today, like everyday, I called the gunsmith two or three times. As usual, he didn't answer, so I decided to go to his shop and leave a note on the door. He wasn't there, but as I sat in the truck writing the note, he showed up. I followed him in and told him I was there to get my shotgun. He walked into the back and then came back with the wrong gun. I told him that it wasn't my gun. He looked at me funny, and then asked me if I was the guy he had just talked to on the phone. I told him that I was not, and I put my receipt on the counter. He walked to the back and retrieved my gun, and said "no charge". I asked if it was fixed, and he replied with "did I call you?" "No" I said. "Then I didn't fix it." What a jerk! He holds my shotgun hostage for six months, refuses to return my calls, and he never even worked on my gun! Well, at least I got my gun back. That's one less thing to deal with as I prepare to make my move.

That has to be the best line I've heard in a LOOOONG time.... ;D