Dangerous Custom Build

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

I need to correct my last entry about the ball in the barrel. When the vent liner let go, the loaded ball went too. The second ball that was loaded after the liner blew had to be removed with the CO2 discharger.

Sorry to get it turned around.

 

[Vaino]

How do you know that those bbls were new? Judging from the "lack of workmanship" of the "builder, his "word" isn't worth much. Browning a bbl is "kid's play" and he really "botched" a simple operation? If the bores are "browned" w/ resultant "rough spots", I still say the bbls are used and who knows what the condition was at the time of purchase. At the very least, this builder's name has to be posted...why the reluctance on your part?.....Fred

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

The barrels for both rifles were new. The bore in the barrel of rifle #2 was as shiny as a mirror. The bore of rifle #1 was plugged with debris and heavily pitted. Both barrels were browned by the builder.

As far as being rode hard and put away wet, rifle #1 never made it out of the barn, and rifle #2 was led out of the barn to the trough for a drink. Rifle #1 ( my rifle), has never been fired. Rifle #2 ( my brother's rifle ),was the only one fired.

What are the odds of having two consecutively numbered rifles that were to be identical in every way, as humanly possible, except for the inscription on the side plates and the rifle numbers, turn out so poorly and dangerous?

Safety for muzzleloader shooters is my main concern for posting this information.

 

[tg]

"I'm sure the builder has his side of the story to tell."

Yeah, but I cannot imagine much he copuld say to climb out of this hole, unless the whole story is bogus which I doubt anyopne would go to such trouble and purposfull defamation of another person, a lot like a thread about another builder here, after ten years of the same types of reports, what can the guy say in defense?....OOPs!

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

There is a photo of the builder's name highlighted with chalk, engraved on the barrel of my brother's rifle. I have posted a review of the builder's work earlier in the product review section.

 

[RADeO]

...unless the whole story is bogus which I doubt anyopne would go to such trouble and purposfull defamation of another person,... .

tg, you are absolutely right! What we have shown in pictures and written in posts is fact.

We do not take kindly to the idea of anyone defaming another's reputation, or making false and unsubstantiated claims. Life is too short and hard-won reputations are too important for such self-serving activities. We also realize the difficulty of information transfer over the Internet. Nothing, and I mean nothing, substitutes for actually holding an object in your hands for close examination, and being able to talk to another person face-to-face. Believe me when I say this whole situation was given LOTS of consideration before any post was made.

Relationships between parties in transactions such as purchasing a custom-built rifle, are based upon trust. When that trust is violated, and especially when there is danger of injury, I believe we are duty-bound to alert others to at the very least be aware of the situation.

As DoubleDeuce 1 stated above, and with which I wholeheartedly agree:

Safety for muzzleloader shooters is my main concern for posting this information.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I respect your attitudes. And I thank you for posting this. In the near future I will make a long post explaining how you may be able to pursue remedy for the expense of these questionable, and heart breaking, items.

 

[t.l.a.r. eng]

Could it be possible the original owner is no longer able and someone else is trying to keep the company name going? :surrender:

Many companies today are not being run as the original founder had intended due to "passing down the business" :shake:

That will never excuse the poor workmanship, but it could explain it. I would think most people capable of building a firearm would never try and shoot it knowing the vent liner had a thread engagement problem. :idunno:

 

[rabjr]

The builder is a member here. When is the last time he logged in?

I actually saw Gobbler logged in twice yesterday looking at other forums. I was hoping he would see this thread and respond but I never saw him come into this thread.

 

[Vaino]

I'm begining to think that this is not a very serious "situation" because the buyer{s} insists on posting and adding "details" that in the overall "picture" just prolongs what should have been an "expose" of a "fraudulent businessman" who has nor responded in his defense. Either post his name for all to see or continue on and "debate" whether, in very plain terms, "you got screwed" which you don't seem to be very concerned about. I'm having my doubts now as to your involvement and contribution to this fiasco.....Fred

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

There does seem to be many details that are slow to come to light, almost in a manipulative manner.

 

[Trench]

There does seem to be many details that are slow to come to light, almost in a manipulative manner.

He said he posted his experience in the Gun Builder Review section on the 5th post of this string.

 

[RADeO]

Fred, regarding the builder's name, please refer to the last picture I posted.

 

[123.DieselBenz]

I too saw the picture with the name highlighted with chalk, but can not for the life of me figure out what it spells .., could you please just type it out?

Is his name the same as his user name, if not what is his user name?


Never mind ... By going to his website, under contact us ... It lists:
Rick Larnerd, Owner
Gobbler Knob Custom Muzzleloaders
POB 142
Gainesboro, TN 38562

I find it strange that there is such reluctance to type out the name ...

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Maybe its just a difference of approach.

If the issue were mine and I was above reproach in the dealings then I would not be holding back in any manner in my desire to expose the wrongs that were comitted.

If your screwing me and not my wife, I'm gonna let everybody possible in on the fact that your a crook, custom rifles are spendy.

I would like to hear from the builder on this.

 

[RADeO]

There does seem to be many details that are slow to come to light, almost in a manipulative manner.

Not sure what you mean by your statement but be assured there is no intent to manipulate anything or anyone. We only wanted to relate our bad experience as a caution to others.

We are now awaiting the return of the barrel of Rifle #1 from maker John Getz, who has been helpful in determining the probable cause of the gouges in the bore. He said they did not occur as a result of his machining processes and I do not doubt the man's word. It is his belief that browning solution was allowed into the bore for an extended period of time. It is possible that the debris we removed from the bore upon receiving the rifles acted as a sponge, keeping the solution in contact with the metal. I personally don't know if that is what happened. All is conjecture at this point. As noted in the first post, as soon as we get the barrel back we will be cutting it in half lengthwise so we can see the actual damage. At that point in time, whenever it may be, we will post pictures of what we find.

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

Fred,
As stated before, the builder's name has been posted. There is a photo of his name engraved on the barrel. I received the rifles from the builder this past February. The issue had been put to rest. However, after the failure of my brother's rifle in July of this year, I posted a review of the builder's product this past July.

Prior to making this current post, I sought the counsel of numerous individuals. A lot of thought went into this matter before the information was posted here. Everyone that I spoke to regarding this subject, agreed wholeheartedly that at the very least from a safety standpoint, this information should be presented. My involvement or contribution as you implied, was to simply separate emotion from reason and present the facts in the best way possible. Nothing was staged or altered. I have no control whether or not the builder chooses to reply at this point.

I am a realist with a touch of optimism. I believe there is a grain of good in every difficult situation no matter how frustrating it may be. Safety at this point is my main concern.

My opinions and beliefs are entirely mine. The information and evidence gathered and presented here is rock solid. The reader can gleen what he wants and draw his own conclusion.

 

[David W.]

Maybe I'm a little slow, but I can't find a picture of a barrel with a maker's name on it. Would it be too difficult to simply state [his name] once more?

 

[123.DieselBenz]

Maybe I'm a little slow, but I can't find a picture of a barrel with a maker's name on it. Would it be too difficult to simply state [his name] once more?

Here is a copy of the picture:

And here is the builder's name, I have been the ONLY one who seems to not be scared to put it in print . . .
Rick Larnerd, Owner
Gobbler Knob Custom Muzzleloaders
POB 142
Gainesboro, TN 38562

I would like to hear from Rick

I find it strange that there is such reluctance by the OP to type out the name ...

 

[GreyWhiskers]

Not replying to anybody in particular.

DoubleDeuce1 and Acorn Mush are friends of mine. They are two modest and trustworthy individuals.

DD1 was more than patient/understanding with the builder of these rifles. Way more than I could have been. I saw pics of the rifles after he received them. They are hideous. Still, he wasn't quick to condem the builder but gave him every opportunity to make good.

I understand that he has now commissioned a reputable builder to make the rifles that he originally asked for. GW