Gentlemen,
This is my first post. I joined today so I could report about Dave's wife Kathy. She is doing a great job working with the help of the ATF to return all firearms to the owners. I dropped my S&W 32-20 that has been in my family for 80+ years for restoration, on 3/19/2014. When I got no answer when I called to check on it around Christmas, I went to this Forum. Since S&W recommended Dave to me since I lived 30 minutes from his Gastonia shop. I read about sending a registered letter to Kathy. I sent a letter on Friday 1/3/2015 and she called me on Saturday. The next day ! We arranged to meet in Charlotte today (Sunday). The family goes to church in Charlotte and we met in the parking lot. I got my pistol back after signing a release paper. She could not have been more gracious or helpful. No work had been performed on it but thats fine. I am elated to have it back.
Any one with a firearm there should not worry. You will get it back. Less the work most likely, but she will return it.
ES Charlotte,NC

Just wanted to get update on my activity with Dave Chicoine. On December 19th, I mailed a registered letter just as instructed on this forum. I received my Colt on the 30th, but the work had not been completed as Jr. had told me. I had asked that they also include the additional parts (trigger, screws, etc…) that I sent Jr. to replace on my gun, but they did not make it into the package.

I had thought about sending another letter with pictures of the parts if they find them, but don’t know if that would be an unrealistic expectation. I am thankful I received my Colt back, but I am not sure what to do about those parts. Original colt parts are not cheap and they were needed to finish my repairs.

Thank you for the update.



Doesn't it seem like the cost of a stamp would be a good gamble?

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Just got a call from Kathy C. regarding a 1958 year model
17 that has been there since Sept. 2014. It is being returned
with no work done and an IOU for prepayment related to shipping and estimate charges. She gave little info other than to say that she is working with the ATF to get firearms back to the correct owners.

I spoke with Mrs Chicoine last Wednesday. My Winchester was being shipped to me on Monday. As far as what work has been done or money refund, I have no idea. Just happy to get my rifle back.

She was very nice and apologetic for the situation. My prayers are with them.

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George Jamison

My S&W model 1 first issue, made in 1859, which the Chicoines had for about and year and a half, was returned to me today by insured priority mail, along with 2 small replacement parts that I had paid for, but which did not get installed. After reading about how broke they are, I was surprised that they paid for the shipping. I am happy to get my gun back. Now if only I can find someone to finish the repairs......

I too spoke with Kathy on the phone. She couldn't have been any nicer and I truly do feel sorry for the situation in which the family finds itself. I really hope they can make it through somehow. She called me on Monday and my guns were delivered today (Thursday, COD.) The Walter PP looks to be untouched and the Model 17 came back in the same shape I sent it, just missing a couple of parts- the hammer block and whatever the spring is called that keeps the hand in place. I do wish I had the replacement parts I paid for so I could give them to the next gunsmith...

UPDATE: The hand torsion spring is there, just wasn't hooked up right.

Terrible situation all around but not the end of the world of course. I'm only out a bit of money and I do have my guns back. I can't say I'm happy about the whole thing but I'd feel like an idiot for complaining too much. It's been two years and I still have two broken guns that I have to get fixed. However, I didn't lose my business, didn't have a stroke and my house didn't burn down. That's good enough for me.

mitchell,

Send me a PM with your address and I'll send you a hammer block and a trigger with the hand spring. All I want is the postage for the shipping.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I received my 1894 Winchester last week. Happy to have it back but it's worse now then when I sent it.

Feel bad about there situation, just wish my gun was in better shape, don't know if I can salvage what's left.

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George Jamison

Some of the metal work has been done as far as removing all the old finish. What bothers me is that there are several screws missing that were original to the gun. When sent it was a functioning gun, now the lever doesn't work as well as the hammer and trigger. Have know idea how many parts are missing. Wish i would have never sent it.

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George Jamison

Lordb: Did you send a registered letter with other information, as recommended in this other thread?
Dave Chicoine - Update

I followed those instructions and got my gun back in about 2 weeks.

We're done with the topic except for the instructions that David provided here-

Dave Chicoine - Update

Note that those instructions should be followed exactly.
If you contacted them more than a few weeks ago, I would suggest following up with a certified letter.

Again-
we're done with the topic.

__________________
Regards,
Lee Jarrett