Wow! I feel the need to chime in here, but don't know exactly where to start. Hey moderators, perhaps a little civility is in need here? I think this may have gotten a bit out of hand.
I was asked to take a look at this thread and so here are my responses:
#1 - There are several people’s opinions posted in this tread that are opinions only - no facts to back them up, please take this thread with a grain of salt.
#2 - If small Siler locks are so "problematic" as several have posted, then why do we not see them back in our shop? I have only received back 4 this entire year for any kind of repairs. If there is such a SERIOUS problem with our locks we need to know about it!!!! Please send then back, let us take a look at them, let us make sure we aren't selling a bad product. If we didn’t make it, and you don't want the creator to fix his mistakes, then send it to us. If we notice something is wrong we will contact the creator to make sure he knows to be more mindful in whatever area had to be repaired. Most of the people in this industry are good people who want to make sure a customer is happy with the product. They can not correct something they know not of. We typically can tell who put the lock together if it came from any of the larger producers and will spread the word about repairs as needed.
#3 - The same goes to any product in the muzzle loading industry that is made here in the US, whether it be us, TVM or any other manufacturer. I have yet to meet any one of the them who won’t try to work out a problem with a customer. Guys, give them a chance or two to fix a problem ”“ play fair, be respectful and I’m sure the same will be given to you.
#4 - It is practically impossible to diagnose a lock problem over the phone. Send it in so that whoever is going to work on it can see 1st hand the issue. Trust me when I say the experience earned by professional industry leaders should always trump a buddy at a range. With literally tens of thousands of locks going out of our shop we have seen every problem that can occur and have a solution for all of them that WORKS! No need for anyone out there to get so frustrated before asking for help, many times over the fix is easy, cheap or even free (in this situation, I told Mike the worst case would be $50 to fix it, but chances are it will be a lot less. I just can't tell until we get it in the shop and have a look. Yes it may also take up to two weeks to get it back - please see my last comment #6)
#5 - TVM specifically the take over. There is a lot of icky comments on this thread about them. I do not want in the middle of a personal dispute here. I am commenting because of my familiarity of being a child of a builder who as an adult has taken over the company as well as my more intimate involvement with them over the years. Where TVMuzzleloading is concerned there can be no difference between when Richard (that is the son's name by the way and he's not a young child but a grown man) took over the paperwork than before he took over. It's still in the same shop, still employing all the same people including Matt and Toni. Richard has worked there since the company began along side of Matt and Toni. A change of employee titles in this case should have no affect on the company. It is not right, nor is it fair to place blame when it is spurred only by the rumor mill.
#6 ”“ For anyone who is new to the industry, the majority of suppliers here are very small businesses. There are two of us here in the shop, there are two at Rice Barrels, there are two at Stonewall Creek Outfitters, and there are three at TVM. We are not Walmart stores that can crank out products by the thousands everyday. We work very hard for very little. We do it because we love it, not because it’s any way to make a good living. Our size does limit us at times to speeds of delivery, repairs, and service. But please know that we strive every day to make sure the industry is supplied with quality products that you can count on to be properly made (not like many imports) and that customer service is still very important to us all. All we ask in return is a little understanding, a little respect, and fairness in our dealings. The internet can be a powerful tool, but it is not right to use it to tear down a company without being totally truthful about an experience with them.
I trust that most people on this board will be like me and come to a fair understanding of the situation.
Always, your humble servant.
Barbie Chambers Garren
Jim Chambers Flintlocks, Ltd.
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