Hi Guys,
Just thought id make you aware of the issues im having with MGW Gunworks. The owner of this company is a well respected member of the US ww2 Airsoft forum (TommyGunner). Which is one of the reasons i placed the order.
I placed the order with his company for a M1903A4 Springfield sniper rifle. Almost 3 months ago. I paid $560 up front for it.
On his site he states.
Construction Time
How long after I send payment can I expect to receive my airsoft gun?Every airsoft gun I build is built on an order to order basis. This means that there is not rifle rack full of ready to ship guns that I have mass produced. When an order for an airsoft gun is placed, after payment has been received I immediately start the construction process. This means that each gun will be a unique creation.
Because each gun is built on an order to order basis there is a two month period from when the rifle is started to when it is finished. I usually get each build done within the two month construction window however.
I also offer a picture progress update service for your airsoft gun. During the construction period if at any time you would like to see pictures of the progress of your gun I am more than happy to take them and e-mail to you at your request.
Well During this period I've had 1 picture sent to me. The construction period stated is now over. He has dropped off the face of the earth.
I've sent numerous emails asking for photo's, an estimated shipping date.
He announced 2 weeks ago that, he had forgotten to order the safety catches. That the rifle will be sent out on that Friday. With full tracking sent.
Well 3 emails later. So far nothing!!
Id be really cautious about ordering from this guy in the future. Im considering starting paypal action against him to recover funds.
I vaguely recall him saying he was shutting down the business and starting college about now.
Not an excuse for the shoddy service, but could be a reason why you're not getting contact, if he's recently moved there.
Yeah that why its worrying. As he stopped taking orders back in July, as he was due back to college soon. Its a real dissapointment. I was so looking forward to getting the Springfield, now im left with bad taste in my mouth.
If he cant cope with the demand. He shouldn't have marketed it how he did.
I've spent alot of cash on upgrades and accessories (original scope, original sling).
The gun owes me about £650 now!
I keep putting in the emails i send him...that is he is struggling to meet the demand then, a quick email/statement would be sufficient.
The marketing campaign he pushed out across the web was always going to give him a large return of orders. So i think preparation wasn't great.
Its when there is no communication at all, that problems occur, and people start getting concerned, especially when $100's of dollars is concerned.
I suspect this is he first venture so customer cummunication isn't top on his list.
I guess this doesn't help, but it's a good lesson in not paying up front. Maybe a 50/50 up front, then on delivery.
If you paid on credit card via paypal you will be covered under the consumer credit act.
While hes over his stated delivery time i'd personally give him a bit more slack.
Its not a big business its a cottage industry, you dont know what external factors are causing the delay.
Its a custom gun so its not like its just a case of picking it off the shelf and sending it to you.
Consider that a custom gun from Warren can have a wait on of four months or more then its not that big a deal.
I paid nearly £500 for my no4, it took about three months to be made and its never worked properly!
"I think we are in rats' alley - Where the dead men lost their bones."
Have you tried a PM on the US forum? Then maybe a public "Anyone know if Tommygunner is OK?" post if you still get nothing.
Yep, at the risk of answering for Matt he has gone through all those channels on there.
"I think we are in rats' alley - Where the dead men lost their bones."
IF he needs more time then fine...Like i keep telling him. I just want a straight answer and not an excuse, like they seem to be. BUt then again, ive had no contact with him for the last 3 weeks. Not answering emails or rising to the comment i made on ww2aa
Yeah the bad coms is pretty off to be honest.
On the plus side you know it wil be worth the wait!
Its not like hes taken money and run before cos hes got lots of satisfied customers so you know you're going to get a decent item.
Personally i'd play the nice rather than aggressive viewpoint. Rightly or wrongly, overdue or not hes going to be less inclined to do yo a cracking job and promptly if he feels harassed, know what i mean?
You've every right to be annoyed but *personally* i'd wait til you had the goods before expressing that 
"I think we are in rats' alley - Where the dead men lost their bones."
I've made it seem like i feel let down by the whole thing...As i am. It seems like MGW was started with the best intentions. But the actual business model wasn't thought about. From a customer POV.
I thanked him for the pictures...and explaination
I can sympathise with his problems. Just dissapointed with the lack of communication. Rather than clutching at thin air and saying i'll have them shipped by the end of the week, then dissapearing for 3 weeks.
Id rather he set himself a date and stick to it.
Id rather he set himself a date and stick to it.
Not always that simple as a one-man show though, even with all the best intentions in the world, especially in the realms of custom gunsmithing.
I think the point isn't so much that he didn't deliver, but that he didn't respond to e-mails.
TBH, he knew he had problems, he should have let his customers know there might be a delay.
Exactly i wouldn't mind so much if he actually communicated the issues, to his customers. Rather than hiding away, hoping it would go away.. Thats what it came across to me as.
Moved to WW2 weapons as I thought it more suitable
theres nowt so Permanent as temporary
Well guys i have started a Paypal dispute to recover my payment for this rifle. The service has been beyond a joke, whilst he has apologised on 2 occasions. the continued lack of concern by him to finish the project has gone on too long. PM's and emails go unanswered for up to 2 weeks.
My advice would be to Steer very clear in future.His passion and good intentions are there, but the lack of a good business head is what lets him down. Bad planning, poor customer service.
If you wish to pursue a sale next summer (when the business starts again) only offer him a deposit, with payment on completion. Thats my biggest learning. £450 wasted!!!!
Well it's starting to get pretty serious with TommyGunner, MGW Airsoft, Jeremiah. There's been no contact from him for over a month now. 
Further promises have been broken.
There's now quiet a large group of very angry airsofters over on the US forum. With a big hole in their wallets and nothing to show for it. I'm now claiming my cash back via Visa. Which basically means Jeremiah is in big trouble. Because I'm pretty sure they will sue him for the value.
So I'm without my Springfield sniper, still.
I would advise everyone not to use this company in the future.
What a downer. I hope you get your money back without too many dramas.
When I want your opinion - I'll tell you what it is!
Well after more promises....The completion date, i agreed with him is tomorrow (7th Nov). Which means he must send me a shipping notice on this day.
Im not expecting to get one. So i have now asked VISA to commence Legal proceedins against him.
DO NOT USE Moauro's Gun Works (MGW)
http://www.moaurosgunworks.webs.com
I've learnt my lesson the hard way. Thats £700 down the pan!!