EWest

In his book on the government model, Layne Simpson showcased the work of Chuck Warner of C. W. Custom from South Carolina. Does anyone have any information on this pistolsmith? Does he still build pistols? If so, does anyone have a current address?

Thanks to all.

Eric

jmaass

You asked about Chuck Warner Jr., once a pistolsmith in Spartanburg South Carolina.

If you find him, please let me know. In 1993, he stole $2800 from me, plus four Caspian high-cap magazines.

There were several others that he kept money and parts from, and then he went out of business (forced by BATF to turn in his FFL).

I spoke with three others to whom he owed guns and/or money when we were trying to track him down. One fellow in Hawaii was out over $4500 on two guns Warner was supposed to be building for him.

The South Carolina state police were investigating (as was BATF until he turned in his FFL), and then the investigator on the case suffered a heart attack, and ended up retiring. The new investigator was less enthusiastic, but offered to proceed against Warner if I would come down for all the required court dates. I declined, and moved on with my life.

I ended up writing off the lost money and part on my taxes as a "bad debt" ($2800 cash) and "theft" (magazines).

I'd still like to "have words" with Warner!

Layne Simpson doesn't like to talk about Warner any more!

CV WARNER

Given that I am the party involved and I was made aware of this old thread I thought I might reply.
Mr. Maass was definately out his money. He suffered a financial loss,as did a few others upon the close of my business. stole? I can assure you that is not the case. that would imply the intention of never intending to do the contracted work. Not so.

ATF did not "force" me to give up my ffl. They simply exercised their right to enforce an exise tax. All funds were frozen and I tried my best to resolve all monetary and contractual agreements to the best of my ability. The only investigation that ever came to light was in relation to Mr. Maass and the gentleman from HI. Once Legal council was retained, to defend against the exise tax, I was advised that any further contact with the parties involved would be harrassement. This from the Investigator.
Mr. Maass lost some money and I truly regret his and others loss.
I truly regret the loss of the business,the customers, and potential friends. I wil gladly answer any and all inquiries related to this ,as my e-mail is posted. As for MR. Simpson.....I considered him a friend and I am sure he wouldnt speak of me in that he knows none of the facts involved in my side. As for the "investigators"? 1 was put under house arrest, another retired and I never heard any more after property disappeared in the name of evidence. Chuck Warner.

loner42

I would like to inquire about these issues of Fed. Excise tax and FFL'S for gunmithing.
Any suggestions as to which forum to post it on?

Thanks

Dave Berryhill

General Firearms-Related would be the appropriate place.

loner42

Thanks Dave, would like to hear from you on the subject. Will post on that forum now...............

czfan

Not quite sure how any authorities could take money/products paid/owned by customers. I think that stuff is considered in escrow. If taken by any authorities, the owners should be notified so they can demand it back from said authorities.

ProtoType

In reply to czfan:
Please note that I am not an atty. or have any legal standing, however this is the law as explained to me and others for purposes of training.

The authorities can confiscate anything they want for "evidence" in an investigation. They are not required to notify anyone (customers, uninvolved persons, etc.) that they have their possessions. To make it even worse, anything they have over 30 days without a proper claim being filed, becomes theirs to dispose of as their procedures require.
The attorney that covers the legal potion of our Personal Protection class (for Concealed Pistol License in Michigan), explains to all:
"If you are involved in a gun related incident and your firearm(s) are taken, have an attorney file IMMEDIATELY for their return. The investigation will almost always take over 30 days, after which it's too late."
Of course this doesn't apply to every area, some are quite honorable in the way things are handled, but why take a chance.
The authorities are also not responsible for any damages, lost parts, marks, etc. to your firearm while it's in their possession.

To all, this is not a condemnation of LEO's, they simply end up taking the blame for administration policies and fallacies.

ProtoType