Does anyone have any experience in dealing with Griffin and Howe?

I inquired about the rifle they posted on their web site as for sale. I sent the first inquiry to their CEO. My inquiry was passed off to someone else for reponse from the CEO.

That response stated that they were trying to have a representative rifle available at the DSC. I responded to that individual indicating I was interested in the rifle they had on their site for sale. I also indicated I was a cash buyer ready to do business. No response.

After a follow up e-mail from me to the underling, he stated that he appreiciated my frustration, and told me that the rifle in question was "unavilable". And they were trying to have a sample available at the DSC.

I wrote asking if unavilable meant sold, and received no response. I was directed to their CEO, the first person I sent an inquiry to. I asked him what unavialble meant. No response.

I then sent an inquiry to a person there who I heard was responsive. No response.

A Thys may be a great rifle, but those selling the G&H version appear to be pulling the old bait and switch. Perhaps not intentional, since competence seems to be in short supply there. But nonetheless, a bait and switch.

Yes, it may be a good buy, but it appears you are buying a pig in a poke. I am inclined at this point to stear clear of G&H. I would hate to see what customer service was like after the sale.

Just based on life experience, I will avoid these people entirely. Unless someone here has had a positive experience with them that is stellar.

One last thing. I inquired several months ago about the Ritterbusch they had in 458 WM. Ased if they could rechamber it, and what the cost would be. I sent that request to their general information address and to their VP and smithy. No response. Ever.

In my book, that is three strikes. But they do offer some fine rifles on their web site. The downside to that is that those rifles of any appeal appear to be "unavailable".

I am inclined to pass on a G&H Thys based on this experience. And since Marcel does not have his name on it, I suspect it is not up to the standards of a true Thys DG.

Any thoughts?

By the way, I believe I saved all of the e-mail traffic from both inquiries. I am willing to share what I have.