Got My Smoothie Today...Disappointment

[RJR]

Finally got my smoothie in the white from Early Rustic Arms today and to say the least I am not satisfied. First it took 13 months, not the 6 to 8 as promissed when ordered. The workmanship is poor at best. The barrel looks as if he made it when I called 5 months ago to ask about the progress and then let it set outside until it was assembled to the stock. By the time I finish honeing out the pits, I'll have a .56 instead of a .54. The best I can say about the fit is that the parts are in the wood, gaps abound. The screws holding the lock plate are drilled crooked. It looks as if he used 14ga wire for barrel pins. The butt plate was cut off at the bottom of the stock, leaving the hollowed out area of the casting exposed. He even used Phillip head screws to attach the butt plate and trigger guard. I've seen some real hack work in my time, but this guy tops the list. A recent article in Buckskinner by Wayne Zurl says he is real pleased with Larrys work. Either Wayne is easily pleased or he gets special treatment that us common folk don't get. Haven't contacted him yet, too late today and I'm afraid of what I might have to say to him. If any of you have a gun on order from him, GOOD LUCK.

This is entirely my opinion of what I received, you may have better luck or may have one that was done with quality and care.

Rick.

 

[petlis]

I've been looking(for a smoothbore in the white) and I keep coming back to ERA. Looked like a good gun for the money, now after your post you have me scratching my head.Any other input?

 

[bnail]

Deadfdawg, Your comments sound quite objective, and you've stated enough facts concerning the quality of your fowler, I have no choice but to also rethink my purchase of one of Larry's guns.
I guess you get what you pay for.

 

[Stumpkiller]

The butt plate was cut off at the bottom of the stock, leaving the hollowed out area of the casting exposed. He even used Phillip head screws to attach the butt plate and trigger guard.

You didn't, by chance, specify or request the "Grungy Gun" option did you?

OPTIONAL "GRUNGY GUN" AGED FINISH
For the real dedicated re-enactors that prefer true 18th Century authenticity. Totally correct, for a common primitive weapon that endured hard every day use for twenty years Tastefully aged and distressed with grunge and grime, nicks, dings, gouges, scratches, and cracks. No two are alike we can include a simulated mended wrist or forearm wrapped with raw hind or brass, and carve your favorite initials and date in the stock.

The Phillips head screws are inexcusable. I looked over his site and didn't see anything about an inspection period or money back guarantee. Before you alter anything you should contact him and ask to return it for your money back. He should agree if you're that unhappy.

A real pity. Hope you get this settled.

 

I just deleted from my favorite list which I use as a resourse.

 

[GregC]

I considered Larry first but then I found Tip Curtis. Got one of his in the white smoothies in a Tulle. Was 100% happy.

Plus, he had it on the shelf so it shipped in about a week.

Craftmanship, wood fit, etc. were excellent.

If you get your money back from Larry, give ole Tip a call.

 

[3 stinky dogs]

Finally got my smoothie in the white from Early Rustic Arms today and to say the least I am not satisfied. First it took 13 months, not the 6 to 8 as promissed when ordered. The workmanship is poor at best. The barrel looks as if he made it when I called 5 months ago to ask about the progress and then let it set outside until it was assembled to the stock. By the time I finish honeing out the pits, I'll have a .56 instead of a .54. The best I can say about the fit is that the parts are in the wood, gaps abound. The screws holding the lock plate are drilled crooked. It looks as if he used 14ga wire for barrel pins. The butt plate was cut off at the bottom of the stock, leaving the hollowed out area of the casting exposed. He even used Phillip head screws to attach the butt plate and trigger guard. I've seen some real hack work in my time, but this guy tops the list. A recent article in Buckskinner by Wayne Zurl says he is real pleased with Larrys work. Either Wayne is easily pleased or he gets special treatment that us common folk don't get. Haven't contacted him yet, too late today and I'm afraid of what I might have to say to him. If any of you have a gun on order from him, GOOD LUCK.

This is entirely my opinion of what I received, you may have better luck or may have one that was done with quality and care.

Rick.

Well you dont write for a magazine that caters to the muzzleloading public either.I would shoot the guy an email who wrote him up and send pictures of the gun as well money back or not.It might not be his fault directly as he may have had a helper do this gun but that is no excuse and he should fix it.But I would still send a letter and pic's to the guy who did the write up.

 

[musketman]

Before you alter anything you should contact him and ask to return it for your money back. He should agree if you're that unhappy.

Hope you don't have to wait 13 months for a refund as well...

 

[3 stinky dogs]

I was to late to edit that responce sorey.I ment shoot the writer an e mail with pictures.

 

[fatboy]

I dont know Larry personally but this dosent sound right. I've talked to him on the phone and seems to be a very nice person and knowledgeable. I am sure he will make it right and if I read your post correctly your saying the bore is pitted ? That needs to go back asap so he can see it and hopefully he will offer you another rifle to replace this one ahead of his current work so you are happy or happier hope things work out well keep us posted good luck

 

[musketman]

I was to late to edit that responce sorey.I ment shoot the writer an e mail with pictures.

I know, I fixed it for you...

Moderatoring dollars at work...

 

[3 stinky dogs]

Thank you much. :thumbsup:

 

[No Deer]

Deaddawg, so sorry to hear that. I know how much you were looking forward to getting it. Hopefully it will all work out for you.

 

[3 stinky dogs]

It doesnt seem like this should have happend thow.How would the barrel have gotten pitted ? Was it rusty at all ? or could some of the chemicals that were used to treat the wood or mettel parts have been left on or somthing ?

 

[thomas]

Bummer,I hope it turns out ok for you.

Thomas

 

[urdubob]

Buy a Tip Curtis gun! They are great! When you send that thing back.


urdubob

 

[bnail]

Guys, ERA deserves some rebuttal space here. In fairness to Larry, this is the first negative thing I've heard about him. I admit it makes me rethink ordering from him, but I doubt that all his pieces turned out ike this or we surly would have heard more about him.
eace:
:relax:

 

[Militiaman1835]

I love my ERA barngun but it came finished. Everyone that sees it thinks it was top notch!! JIM

 

[musketman]

Guys, ERA deserves some rebuttal space here. In fairness to Larry, this is the first negative thing I've heard about him. I admit it makes me rethink ordering from him, but I doubt that all his pieces turned out ike this or we surly would have heard more about him.
eace:
:relax:

I wonder if Larry at ERA has an apprentice and the work DEADDAWG recieved was from a gunsmith in training... :hmm:

Just a thought...

 

[waksupi]

There is no excuse for someone to let an apprentice piece out of thier doors, that is not good quality. I've got them before, and the proprietor darn sure needs to get right with me, or everyone in the world will hear of it in short order. Definitely contact him, and give him a chance to make it right. If he doesn't, the rest of the shooting world should know. Always remember, the consumer makes or breaks a company, or an individual passing thier self off as a gun builder.
I know of an eastern maker that is apparently held in some esteem, in the matter of building smoothbores. I've seen some of his work, and wouldn't use one of his guns to keep the outhouse door propped open. To each his own, I guess.
If you stick to a known major maker such as North Star, you will get consistant quality, and they stand by thier products.
I would like to see a response from the maker.