The old saying should be a word from the wise. As some of you may know, not only am I working on a book concerning the Browning BPCR, but also I continue to buy and sell Browning BPC rifles. I make a few bucks of the rifles and gather information for my book in the process. Some time ago I reported that on two occasions gun sellers defrauded me. They sold me rifles, which were clearly modified, defective or damaged. I reported their names and address on this site and several of you responded with suggestions on how to convince the sellers to refund payment and accept the rifles back. These guys had my money and were not about to return it. Therefore I had two choices, sue or try to use a Federal agency to help. Since I live in Texas and the sellers lived in either NY or WA, pursuing a claim in small claims court didnt make sense. Since either the payments or the rifles were shipped via the US Post Office, in reality, the only option was to work with the US Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigation Service Center (CISC). Well, after many wasted hours and various communications with the CISC, it turns out they will do nothing. The bottom line is my complaints are on file but unless the CISC receives additional similar complaints they will not take action. By the way, once again, heres the names and addresses of the two shysters:
John Hall, 711 West Clinton St., Elmira, NY 14905. The rifle had a ringed barrel. The forearm was glued to the barrel, and the rifle was tapped and drilled for two additional sights. John sold the rifle as NRA excellent in unmodified condition. The rifle was sold using GunBroker, which advertises they have a Fraud Insurance Program. Dont believe it. I made several attempts to contact GunBroker by email and by phone well within the 60 day limit, with no response. I later find out that the listing and any reference to the listing were removed from their archives (this is unusual as much older listing were still in the archives). I can only assume that this was in response to my request for their help.
Lawrence (Larry) Wooley, Manager, Neals Gun and Pawn, 105 W. Oak, Okanogan WA 98840. I especially requested the condition of the bore among other things and Larry described the rifle as NRA excellent, with a bright bore. The rifle actually had deep corrosion for several inches in front of the chamber. I have since sold the rifle at a loss to a fellow that planned to rebarrel it. This rifle was also listed on GunBroker.
