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I found Jim about five or six years ago. There were a few folks doing shotgun to DR conversions but most were busy. I had found some people who had work done by Jim and were pleased. He and I talked on the phone and laid out a course of action. As I was traveling out of the country quite a bit at the time a decided to send my Cz to him so he could start when my time came. I wanted to finalize details before the work began. He was to send me some close up photos of the gun he was working on and then he was to contact me before he started mine. About a year later I received an e-mail informing me that he was almost finished with mine and also provided an anticipated delivery data a month or so away. I saw concerns on Castboollits forum about Jim and work on a revolver around this time. After failing to deliver I contacted Jim and mentioned that I hadn't had a chance to review and approve design details. At this point communication became a problem. E-mails were answered after long delays or at times never. Photos were promised, but never came, so I could review and guide the build and a few more delivery dates were promised and missed. In mid-2010 I was diagnosed with cancer. Later that year I contacted Jim to try to get an idea of a delivery date and in hopes of settling up with him financially as I didn't know how much surgery and such would cost. After two or three e-mails in this vein he responded. After this communication stopped dead cold. No e-mails no phone messages. After about a year of this I contacted the Main Attorney General-Consumer Mediation Service. They use volunteers to handle their cases. My case agent didn't have much luck in contacting Jim either. After a couple of months, I was finally contacted by Jim. Apparently the BATFE had said his gunsmithing license was no good and told him he needed a manufacturing license. During this year+ he decided to communicate with no one until his new license was ready to avoid being accused of doing business without the proper license. His license was ready in mid-2011 but the BATFE did not give it to him until the end of the year at which point he finally contacted me. Communication was still difficult and still no pictures and very limited details. The "Cigars for all" post contained the first and only pictures I received. Another missed delivery data and "be ready in a month". Then, over the last few weeks better communication and yesterday receipt of the rifle.

I didn't expect a Heym or Merkel and realized that the cost of the Cz plus $3000 wouldn't get me one. I did expect symmetry, a properly fitted extractor, a forearm hanger that at least looked machined rather than chopped out, etc. When I sent my money the only things I had heard of Jim were positive.

I will admit it was STUPID to send him $3000 up front. This decision was based on 1. having the money accumulated 2. my long duration foreign travel 3. understanding some of the difficulties gunsmiths encounter and wanting to help and 4. being a trusting and kind-hearted albeit foolish individual.

I asked for my money back as part of the mediation filing. Jim said he couldn't pay as he had been out of work for over a year with the BATFE licensing issue. I have conveyed my thoughts to him and am waiting for a reply.

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There is nothing worse in this world than an enslaved man who naively believes himself free, except, perhaps, trying to explain to that same man his predicament.