Monday, May 16, 2011

Lancaster Arms: 43 Better Business Bureau Complaints, and counting!

Wow. It was just last month that I was contemplating, “How on EARTH can a small company rack up 35 complaints with the Better Business Bureau? How does that even happen?!?” As I’ve written before, most people who have a problem with a company won’t actually go so far as to file a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau until things get bad. Like, really bad. And usually, for every person who actually goes through the process of formally filing a BBB complaint, there are many others who have had a problem with the company who have not taken the time to file a formal complaint with the BBB.

So, in looking today, I see that Lancaster Arms is now up to 43 complaints with the Better Business Bureau. Let me repeat that. 43 complaints! That is an increase of eight complaints in just the last month alone! Or an average of 2 complaints per week during the last month. And remember, we’re just talking about complaints actually filed with the BBB! Lord only knows how many other poor people are out there having problems with Lancaster, who haven’t gone to the BBB yet.

And as one would expect given Lancaster’s BBB troubles, complaints keep coming in to this blog, and I keep seeing Internet forum comments, alleging that Lancaster won’t answer emails, won’t answer their phone, won’t return voicemails, won’t deliver products as promised, etc., etc.

I don’t know what to tell you folks, other than what I’ve been saying all along on this blog for the past 1 ½ years: Doing business with Lancaster Arms is a really, really, REALLY bad idea. If 43 Better Business Bureau complaints don’t convince you that something is seriously wrong with this small company, then nothing ever will. In any regard, at this point you’d have to be a damn fool to send this company any money. Just ask any of those 43 people…

57 comments:

  1. My BBB complaint is coming....along with my complaint to the AZ Attorney General, Maricopa County Prosecuter and BAFTE (how can someone so dishonest be allowed to have advanced licenses).

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  2. I am also at my wits end. I purchased a 3060M in January 2010. It was returned to Lancaster 2 times during 2010 and they had it for 7 months. This year it was returned in January and promised to be replaced. So far I have only caught them on the phone 2 times and 2 emails returned. I filed a BBB already but that doesn't accomplish one thing. I also see that filing with the Attny. General's Office won't do anything either. I am thinking of getting the Mayor and City council on Chet's ass. Has anyone figured out if Small Claims Court or filing a theft claim with the Goodyear Police Department would help? Detective Lieutenant John Singleton is the officer to contact. Would the ATF help somehow? I wonder if Lancaster Arms is involved in some illegal activity?

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  3. Anon 6:46...yes, file those complaints. At some point, the complaints are going to be too numerous for the authorities to ignore any longer.

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  4. Anon 9:37…that is simply inexcusable for Lancaster to have a returned rifle for 7 months. But as I told someone else, once Lancaster has your money…they’re done with you. If you need anything after the initial sale, you will be their very lowest priority.

    As you already know, Chet won’t do anything or make good on his worthless word until you force him to. He doesn’t care about retail customers at all. He sees retail customers as just a necessary burden, and he acts accordingly. The best way to deal with Lancaster, is to not deal with them at all. Fortunately, that word continues to spread.

    As for resolving your issues, send a certified letter to the Arizona Attorney General’s office. They will contact Lancaster and, unlike with the Better Business Bureau, Lancaster will be forced to respond to the AG. At some point, the AG will take notice of all the complaints they’re getting on Lancaster and will do something about it.

    The ATF does not generally involve itself in consumer issues. That said, as the issuer of Lancaster’s FFL, I would have no problem contacting them. Here too, once ATF gets enough complaints about a small company like Lancaster, it will be hard for them to ignore those complaints.

    As for what type of activity Lancaster is involved in, I don’t know. All I know is that the sheer number of people complaining about them indicates to me some major problems. It just ain’t that hard to take care of your customers, and run your business in an honest and ethical manner. But of course, that requires a business owner who gives a shit. Clearly, Lancaster fails in this regard.

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  5. We prepaid an order for $5716 by check and have yet to receive product, respose to emails or phone messages. Months have passed and its moving to legal action now. We have been a dealer for years and this is the first time being ripped off. You can only get away with this type of business practice for so long.
    --too trusting in Maine

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  6. Maine, thanks for chiming in.

    If it makes you feel any better (I know it won't), you're the fourth dealer I know of who has had a problem like this with Lancaster. Aim Surplus and Atlantic Arms simply stopped doing business with Lancaster, as they decided that trusting Chet Durda was not a good idea. It really amazes me that not only does Lancaster stiff it's retail customers, but they also stiff some of their dealers too! Just how brazen and reckless does a manufacturer have to be, to stiff the people who sell their products?!?

    Your mistake was in pre-paying. I would NEVER send Lancaster a dime until I had a valid tracking number, showing that the product had already shipped. (Lancaster has been well-known to send out invalid tracking numbers.) But, it appears that you had done business with them before, and thus had no reason to worry. I'm sorry you had to find out about Lancaster's shady practices the hard way.

    And why does Lancaster do this, anyway? One can only guess. But I had a well-known and well-respected AK builder tell me that he believes Lancaster may be running a sort-of "Ponzi Scheme", where money from new orders gets used to make rifles for people who have been waiting for months and months. This builder told me he based this on his observation that there was no way Lancaster could be making money by selling rifles as cheap as they were. While I have no way of knowing if this builder's suspicions are true, it would certainly explain why some people have waited for months (and in some cases over a year!) to get a rifle they paid for.

    I would advise you to contact the Arizona Attorney General's office, and file a complaint. Send them a copy of the cancelled check. The AG needs to know about all the problems Lancaster has, so that they can take appropriate action to protect consumers.

    And finally, I agree...Lancaster "can only get away with this type of business practice for so long." At some point, their reputation will be so tarnished that no one will trust them nor want to buy their products. Honestly, I'm a little shocked that they haven't reached that point yet, and that they're still in business. Chet Durda has pissed off a LOT of people in the last two years. I would not even be remotely surprised if I soon learned that Lancaster folded, filed for bankruptcy, and disappeared. The way they're doing business now simply isn't sustainable. (Which is all the more reason you should not wait too long before getting your money back! If Lancaster folds, your $5716 will be gone for good.)

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  7. Having problems with Lancaster Arms and don't know what to do? I purchased an Ak74 rifle in September 2009. Rifle fell apart and was sent back in September 09. I recieved it back "fixed" in November 09. I made the mistake of not testing it when I got it back, so it only saw maybe 200 rounds throughout 2010. In January 2011, I put almost half a spam can through it and the dust cover became loose, rivets began moving and the rear trunnion had damaged the stock.

    I sent it back in January 2011. They have had it since. They don't answer my emails. They answered the phone a couple times and gave me bogus reasons, how they get robbed, missing parts, etc. So, I get promised a ship date and am given a tracking number two weeks ago. Only for it to turn out to be fake. They said they have to test it and then they will ship it Thursday (today). They didn't answer their phone today, so I don't know if it has shipped or not. I have filed a complaint with the BBB and contacted the Arizona AG online and started a case, but it doesn't seem to be working. What should my next step be?

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  8. Keep following up with the Arizona AG, Zu. It will take some time, but they will sort it out. They will send a letter to Lancaster, and Lancaster will have to respond with a resolution.

    The important thing here, is to keep on 'em. Lancaster blows off people hoping that those people will just go away. I suspect this is successful for Lancaster a great deal of the time, which is why they keep doing it. Don't be that person who gets sick of dealing with them, and just goes away. That's what Lancaster wants. Stay on 'em until they do the right thing.

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  9. Update...
    I sent an email to the Mayor of Goodyear yesterday. Her name is Mayor Georgia Lord at
    georgia.lord@goodyearaz.gov
    I also sent an email to Detective Lieutenant John Singleton of the investigative Division of the
    Goodyear Police department, his email is
    gypd@goodyearaz.gov
    Today I received a message from the Mayors office stating that the Police Department has begun an investigation of Lancaster and that they would inform me of the progress. Let's see now what happens.

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  10. Thanks for the reply, do you think it's possible for me to take the route of Anonymous and contact the Mayor and local PD? I don't know if it would work since I sent them the rifle to repair.

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  11. Zu....

    I sent my rifle back for repair too. This is the 3rd time. Last year they kept my rifle during the 2 repairs for 7 months. This year they have kept my rifle since January.

    I used my name and address in all of my correspondence with the Police and City Hall. I would contact them immediately since it would help them with the investigation.

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  12. Yes Zu, I think it would be appropriate to contact the mayor and detective. As Anon 6:37 suggested, the more people who contact them, the more those individuals will realize that they really do have a problem business in their jurisdiction. The mayor, in particular, is very involved in making sure that Goodyear, AZ is seen as a great place to do business. To the extent there are any businesses in her jurisdiction that are giving the place a bad name, I'm certain she'll be very interested in hearing about it. I know that if I was the mayor of a town like that, I would be alarmed if I started getting emails from all over the country, telling me that a business in my town was screwing people over left and right.

    Feel free to direct them to this blog too, so that they can see the full extent of the problems.

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  13. UPDATE...UPDATE...UPDATE
    I just heard from the Police Department. Before you can file a theft report with the police you need to send a certified letter to Lancaster stating and I quote, "Prior to making a theft report with the Goodyear Police Department, you would want to send a certified letter demanding return of the weapon. This would be evidence that you made it known to Lancaster Arms that you do not wish to continue the contract and want your property back," end quote.
    I am sending mine tomorrow but I suggest that everyone contact the major and let her know, then send your certified letter, then file a theft report with the police. They also told me to file a complaint immediately with the Attorney Generals Office because that would add to their current investigation into Lancaster at this address.
    http://www.azag.gov/consumer/complaintform.html

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  14. UPDATE...UPDATE...UPDATE

    I just received a follow up email from the Police Department. They told me to send a certified letter to Lancaster before I file a theft report. They said and I quote, "You are not the first to complain about this company. You may wish to contact the Arizona Attorney General’s Office to make a report as they already have an existing investigation going on. http://www.azag.gov/AllComplaints.html
    Prior to making a theft report with the Goodyear Police Department, you would want to send a certified letter demanding return of the weapon. This would be evidence that you made it known to Lancaster Arms that you do not wish to continue the contract and want your property back" end quote.

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  15. Thanks again for the reply to both of you. I have contacted both the Mayor as well as Police Dept of Goodyear Arizona and sent them the summary of every contact I have had with Lancaster including all failed ship dates, ignored emails, fake UPS tracking numbers. I also included my name and address in both correspondences. I am expecting as Anon 7:05 said that they will ask me to send a demand letter via certified mail asking for the rifle. I am writing one up right now, just to have on hand, but when I ask for it back, do I mention in repaired condition? Or how should I state such? In the working condition? Any help would be appreciated guys. Thanks so much, this blog has helped me every step of the way.

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  16. Zu, yes, you should tell them you want the rifle back WITH ALL REPAIRS PROPERLY COMPLETED AS PROMISED. I would even mention that if the rifle needs additional repairs after you get it back, you will send it to a gunsmith at that point and will be sending the bill to Lancaster for payment! I would do that, and I would then sue Lancaster when they didn't pay it. But then, I have no tolerance for Chet Durda's bullshit.

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  17. UPDATE...UPDATE
    My certified letter was delivered today to CHET! I also heard from the Police Department and they told me to wait until next Tuesday to file a theft report if Lancaster does not comply or contact me. The letter was also sent to the Police Department as well as City Hall and the Mayor's office.

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  18. Found this site on a search looking to see if others had any problems with Lancaster Arms as I have.

    Called the Attorney General who told me to fill out a complaint form, then it would be mailed to Lancaster Arms - Psst!...guys!, their voice mail box is filled to overflowing so do you think that might be a big clue for you? - then they will mail it to them and you and give them 10 days to respond at which point the AG will decide if they will take action needs to be taken. It was implied in the conversation with the AG's people this afternoon that the possiblitiy of that happening being slim to none.

    So here I stand without what I bought and they continue to let him operate while they tell you to go through the paper work process so all those government employees paid high wages to process paperwork stay employed.

    Of course, as always we the citizens are forced to subsidize these non-functioning government agencies and all their BS, or at the very least, apparently being forced to accept that criminals get a pass to steal from the little guys openly because the goverment is a big customer of his apparently. If any of you ever talked at all with Chuck Durda you know exactly what I mean here. Hope that little statement gets someone's attention. Are you paying attention boys?

    Called ATF next, left a message with the folks that keep track of FFL complaints and they haven't got back to me yet.

    However, when I called one of the local Pheonix news organization that shine huge spot lights on these kinds of things....well now, they were quite interested.

    Figured I should go through the process of filing a complaint first I suppose ...even though when I called Lancaster's number at 603-877-4356....the mail box was full so you couldn't leave a message. Interesting.

    Maybe good old Chuck is drinking Vodka in Europe with his Russian business partner toasting how they screwed all of us ....and laughing at the various state and federal agencies with their heads so far up their collective asses they are slowly suffocating to death.

    Excuse me folks, but I am really pissed off about this because all I want is what I bought and paid for and no one in any of the agencies charged with dealing with these guys seem to care. They are all singularly focused on the paper work and the process that obviously doesn't work.

    I will keep you posted.

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  19. Anon 2:22...good work! Keep at it! (And BTW, I am the owner of this blog. For some reason, I can't log in under my user name.)

    Anon 6:44...I understand your frustration, and in fact that was one of the primary reasons I started this site. It seemed to me like the various government agencies responsible for sniffing out consumer fraud are either too overwhelmed, or simply don’t care enough to deal with a company that is ripping people off left and right.

    Part of the problem is that consumer firearms issues, in general, do not fall under any regulatory agency. The FTC is expressly prohibited from dealing with firearm-related consumer issues, and BATF does not typically deal with consumer issues. Thus, firearms dealers/manufacturers fall into a sort of black hole with regard to consumer regulation. Lancaster knows this, and exploits it for all it's worth. You can write to the AG, but as you stated, they are either too busy or simply don’t care. (Although I HAVE heard that the Arizona AG is actively investigating Lancaster due to the sheer number of complaints, so who knows.)

    If you would list which news agency you contacted, that would be helpful. I have considered contacting a local news station in Phoenix myself, or perhaps even one of the national news networks, to inform them that something smells rotten in Goodyear, Arizona. I would think that one of those “investigative reporter” types would be all over a story like this.

    Fortunately, this blog is the #3 Google search result for "Lancaster Arms", so anyone doing even a small amount of research on them before buying will be warned. But more needs to be done.

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  20. ok....4:00PM..PST June 1st...ATF returned my call. I explained my feelings and told them what I thought they should do as our representatives in their regulatory duties.

    We will see....and I will keep you posted.

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  21. The ATF contact is Cheryl there in Phoenix at 602-776-5400 ....I encourge each and every one of you to call her personally and tell her your story. That is the swich board.....call it and ask to speak to her about Lancaster Arms.

    Believe within a very short period of time, she will understand our problem and deal with it as the regulatory agency in charge of FFL holders there in the state of Arizona because regardless of whether this is a civil matter or not, the ATF as the regulator of FFL holders needs to deal with this guy right now.

    That is my opinion for what it is worth.

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  22. Sorry I didn't read your post closer. By all means possible let's put a light on this and start yelling and screaming about it....sooner or later they will be forced to deal with it. And those regulatory types reading this...it is nothing personal.....we just want action taken on this so he doesn't continue to do it!...damn folks!...it is pretty simple really. The guy is..a questionable character at the least.

    As for the news contacts!....why didn't I think of that!....it is News 3 there in Phoenix....guy named John Roller and he can be contacted at 602-207-3443 or jroller@azfamily.com There you go!....let the e-mails and phone calls begin. All of you! Try this my way folks. Just politely ask the lady ATF if all the FFL's in the country can do what this guy does....take peoples money and not send the product. And is it true he makes guns for the government.

    ...chuckling as I sit here thinking of Jeremiah Johnson -Robet Redford telling the old prospector he could skin anything the old trapper brought him as the old boy heads up into the woods to bring him a Griz!....hahahahhah...we will see if the people who regulate us really can do there jobs in the commercial arena. ....more to follow as it develops....or goes viral....how ever...the people need to be protected here folks.

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  23. I decieded to order a Lancaster AK-47. There is one at the range I go to and it's very nice and tight tolerances. Probably one of the best AKs I have seen.

    I ordered a 3060MB in late November but was told to wait until I recieve a return phone call to send the money after the rifle was built and getting ready to ship. I sent Lancaster the full amount for the Milled AK-47 on December 29th, 2010. Was told it was going to be shipped in 7-10 business days. I have called over and over again thoughout the months. Mostly no answer and when someone does pick up, Chet is sick or out to lunch. After 4 months, I got the excuse that they would send me a shipping confirmation number. Then just last month, they claim they had a break in and rifles were damaged and needed to be refinished. They also always have a new girl that has no clue what’s going on, answering the phone.

    I have gotten nothing but excuses. I wish I lived in Arizona. I would be kicking down the door if I was there.

    Also ordered a milled Lancaster Ak-74 from ARMS OF AMERICA dot COM. Received it within 10 days. But having trouble with "failing to load/chamber." A magazine with rounds in it, the bolt and bolt carrier is pushed up far enough to have the bolt slam into the receiver. Serial # not on their recall list.

    I called and actually spoke with someone. Ron was his name I believe. He told me to send it in and he would take a look at it. I am almost too scared to send in my AK-74.

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  24. UPDATE...UPDATE...
    I have been in contact again with the Goodyear Police Department. Yesterday the officer I have been dealing with said to proceed with filing a theft report. This is a "criminal" offense and they "will" do something about it! Anyone that is waiting or that has filed with the BBB should now be in contact with the Police Department. I have listed the appropriate email addresses of those you should contact in my earlier postings. You must also be contacting the Mayor's Office as well. This is the ground work that must be done before we begin contacting the local TV station...at least IMHO. This is the officer I am working with;

    William R. Newman Jr.
    Patrol Lieutenant
    Goodyear Police Department
    175 North 145th Avenue
    Goodyear, AZ 85338
    (623) 882-7665

    bnewman@goodyearaz.gov

    The Mayor's office is;
    Mayor Georgia Lord at georgia.lord@goodyearaz.gov
    her assistant, Sondra Healy at sondra.healy@goodyearaz.gov

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  25. UPDATE...UPDATE...
    I should have included...
    Sondra Healy
    Assistant to the Mayor
    City of Goodyear
    190 N Litchfield Rd
    Goodyear, AZ 85338
    office: 623.882.7782
    mobile: 602.380.7231
    fax: 623.932.4249

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  26. UPDATE...UPDATE
    Today I filed the "theft report" with the Goodyear Police Department. An officer has already driven over to Lancaster and spoke directly with Chet. I wish I had been there. Anyway, Chet showed the Police Officer my rifle that was completed and said it would be shipped by the middle of the week. The officer told me to contact him immediately if I do not receive the rifle within a reasonable time-frame. He then would move forward with the criminal report.

    I feel Chet has finally responded due to the "theft charge" and the certified letter he received last week...and the Police Officer talking about a theft report filed against him.
    If you are having problems...I encourage you to follow the same process immediately since the Major, Police, ATG and ATF are now on his case.
    I will post with further updates.

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  27. Update:

    The Police and Mayor responded and instructed me to go forward a Anon said above. I sent the certified letter, but it says a note was left yesterday. That mean he plans on not picking it up?

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  28. UPDATE...UPDATE

    Sir, I sent my letter via post office that required them to sign for it. It took 2 attempts before the mailman was able to have someone sign for it.

    Today is the day that Chet promised the Police Officer that he would ship my rifle. Let's see what happens.

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  29. Hey everyone...it's this blog's owner here (still having trouble logging in for some reason.)

    Good work everyone on keeping up the pressure! I continue to get emails on a weekly basis from people who are wondering why they were told a rifle would be shipped to them in 10 days, only to find out months later that they still have nothing to show for it. Apparently nothing ever really changes with Lancaster.

    If Lancaster has lied to you multiple times about a product you bought from them, I would continue to encourage people to contact the Better Business Bureau, Arizona Attorney General, The Goodyear Mayor's office and, if necessary, the Goodyear Police Dept. All of those organizations now have Lancaster on their radar, and all of them understand that the sheer volume of complaints they're receiving, is troubling.

    Scott: It is amazing how brazen Durda is, isn't it? The guy actually tells you to wait until the rifle is done before sending money, and then when he tells you the rifle is done and that you should send the money...he pulls a fast one on you, like he has with so many others. I'd bet $20 your rifle was never built. Or was built, and given to some other person who has been waiting even longer. As he has done with other people, he'll just sit on your money until you do something about it. (And this is a point EVERYONE needs to understand. Chet likes to play this game of seeing how long he can string you along before you actually do anything about it.) You have been defrauded, Scott. Send a certified letter to Lancaster, letting them know they have 5 days to have either a functioning rifle or your money back in your hands. If they ignore it, call the Goodyear Police and file a theft report. In any regard, NOTHING is going to get resolved until you do something. You'll just keep getting excuses until you decide you've had enough, and do something to resolve the issue.

    Anon 12:55 - I would bet money that Chet just picked up the first rifle he saw, and told the officer, "Yeah, this is the guy's rifle....yeah, that's the ticket. This one was built just for him!" But it's good to hear that the police are taking notice. By all means, follow-up and hold Chet to his worthless word. If you don't have that rifle in your hands by Friday, pick up the phone and let the detective know.

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  30. I paid for a rifle that should have shipped over 4 months ago! I have filed a complaint with the BBB and the AZ AG. Both to no avail. I filed a Fraud report #2011-33059 with the Goodyear, AZ Police. William Newman of the Goodyear PD asked me if I knew of any other fraud victims to have them email him at BNewman@goodyearaz.gov. Include the details of how you were defrauded by Chet Durda and Lancaster. They are still gathering information and the more victims that are identified the better.

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  31. Update:

    Just received the same email as stated above. Also, will send another letter requiring signature delivery. It seems the local Police dept is going to get serious with Lancaster and Chet. Thanks to the many posters and of course the site owner here.

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  32. I'll be in Phoenix next week. Anyone know if the address on Lancaster's website is correct? I just might make the short trip over to Goodyear and pay them a visit.

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  33. Update:

    Just received another emailing verifying charges will be brought against Chet and Lancaster and asking for those who have similar experiences who would also be willing to testify in court.

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  34. UPDATE...UPDATE!!

    OK I am Update "Dave"... here is the latest. It seems I must be the point of the spear. I need everyone that is having these issues to contact the Police now. I have not called them back but will tomorrow. I have no idea if Chet has shipped my rifle like he told the Police Officer. Here is the latest email from the Police.


    Do you wish to bring criminal charges of Fraud against Chet Durda doing business as Lancaster Arms, LLC and are you willing to testify in court? I need this information to proceed with the case. Thanks.



    William R. Newman Jr.
    Patrol Lieutenant
    Goodyear Police Department
    175 North 145th Avenue
    Goodyear, AZ 85338
    (623) 882-7665

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  35. Dave, you are not alone. I cannot discuss more right now, but will very soon. Suffice it to say, you are not the only person who is currently talking with Lt. Newman about these matter. There are a few others.

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  36. Yes Dave, I got the same email.

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  37. Hey guys, I'm in the same boat as all of you in contact with the AG and Police. My question is how much time do you need to give Lancaster in order to comply before you file theft charges with the Goodyear Police? (I'm trying to write my letter to Lancaster, since they never answer the phone). Thanks.

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  38. So... The thought crossed my mind that they might be on the brink of bankruptcy... What does that mean for all of us who are still waiting on a refund? Is there a way we can collectively take Lancaster/Chet Durda to small claims court? Anyone care to chime in with the legal side on all of this?

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  39. Anon 7:18,

    In all likelihood, if you're like many people, you ordered a long time ago and have been getting the runaround everytime you call Lancaster (when they answer the phone, that is.) They have had plenty of time to send whatever you ordered. As such, I would give them exactly five (5) business days to have either your order done, shipped and in your hands, or your money back. If they don't comply, go ahead and contact the police to file a theft report.

    And actually, you should contact the police anyway. The Goodyear Police have already received enough complaints about Lancaster that they know "something's up" with the company. It would be very helpful if you would contact Lt. William Newman ( BNewman@goodyearaz.gov ) so that you can be added to the growing list of people who are wondering where in the hell their rifle and/or money is.

    As for Lancaster being on the brink of bankruptcy, one never knows. While their behavior is certainly similar to what you'd expect to see from a company with financial issues, fact is, Lancaster's been running its business like this for years now. The only difference is that now, people are getting fed-up with it and are starting to do something about it.

    I might guess that Durda has been getting away with this for so long now, that he just assumes he can lie and rip people off whenever he wants, at will. But with 44 BBB complaints and scores of pissed off people, he has now sort of drawn attention to himself.

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  40. Whoops, that last message was for Anon 4:27.

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  41. I'm in a bit of a situation here. So, if he doesn't ever pick up my letter, does that mean I can't file a theft report with the Goodyear PD? I don't know which USPS service will attempt delivery daily until the letter is delivered, I spoke with a customer service rep and they said they don't have anything like that. If he doesn't go and sign for it, he can say he never received it. I'm going to go ahead and call tomorrow anyway and see what the GYPD say, I'll update for any of you guys who are planning to send your own letters. I think after he received the letter from Anon 8:31, he is aware he will be getting more and will try and avoid them.

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  42. After asking around...I have obtained the owners personal cell phone # from a dealer that was doing business with him. He ripped them off as well so he gave it to me! 623-505-8990 enjoy!

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  43. Update:

    Just got off the phone with an officer at the GYPD. He explained that he went to Lancaster and Chet showed him the rifles being repaired, so he can't file theft charges against him. He said the only route is to make a civil suit. I think he was referring to Anon 12:55 situation, as he said another person filed the same report about Lancaster. Two returns and Lancaster held their rifle for about 7 months. Supposedly, Chet is going to ship it out this week. He said it is only Chet and one other guy working on the rifles.

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  44. Yes, of course Chet was able to point at some rifles and claim "Here are the rifles we're fixing". But those could have been (and probably were) someone else's rifles. You know what's going to happen now, right? You're not going to get a rifle back, and you're going to be going through this entire process again in a few weeks. The officer apparently made the mistake of thinking that Durda wouldn't outright lie to him. That officer doesn't know Durda very well, does he?

    Hopefully you'll get a rifle next week, but really...weren't you supposed to have it this week? Isn't it always "just a little bit longer" with this clown?

    I wonder if there were only two guys in the shop when the offier stopped by, or if it's only Durda and one other person working there right now. Certainly, if I was working at Lancaster and knew what was going on with all the customer complaints and what not...I would quit. BEFORE the ATF kicks down the door.

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  45. Well, you're opinion is the same as mine. I don't think Chet is going to ship next week and I don't even know if the rifles he showed him included mine or not. I am disappointed that the GYPD couldn't pursue theft charges. I am considering the civil suit, but honestly, it is very expensive and I think Chet knows it's not an option for most of his victims. Even if I get the rifle back, I'm taking it to a gunsmith to verify it is in correct functioning order and then its going to get sold.

    Has anyone been able to get into contact with Lancaster recently? Like the last few weeks? I try, but they have even stopped answering their phones. I wish this blog existed when I bought my rifle.

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  47. I paid for an AK47 in May I will send a letter and then file a complaint too. Thanks for all the help guys.

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  48. Update...Dave

    ZU,

    I think the officer you spoke with is Chris Hertenstein. He is the policeman that went to Lancaster on my behalf and spoke with Chet. While there he saw a AK47 with my name tag on it. Chet couldn't have added the tag before becasue he didn't have any idea that the officer was driving to inspect and chat with Chet. The officer called me from his cell phone for the details of my claim about 2 minutes before he walked into Lancaster. The officer called me immediately after his visit with Chet and told me that if I don't receive the rifle by this coming Tuesday that we will file the theft report...that is the whole reason for the registered mail. Chet can't keep your property for an indefinite period of time.

    If for some reason we don't get our rifles then we need to file the theft report...contact the mayors office...call the women listed on this blog at the ATF...contact the local TV station as well as the ATG office. This ain't over yet...Chet will not win this one.

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  49. That is good to hear Dave. I hope we can get this issue cleared up with GYPD. My letter was delivered Friday to Chet. So, he should be aware that more are on the way. Keep us updated Dave, I hope he does deliver your rifle, it will be a sign that he is finally cooperating. I'll try calling all day tomorrow in the morning and while I'm at work. He has to pick up sometime. I will explain to him in a calm, rational manner, what is going on and ask him a final time to return our property. I don't want to bother GYPD again, but I am confused as to why they gave us two different answers regarding bringing forth theft charges?

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  50. UPDATE...Dave

    Well it has been 1 week and a day...nothing has shown up on my door step. Chet Durba lied to the Police Officer last week that he was going to ship my rifle immediately. I called the Police Station and left a message for the officer to call me. I will let you all know the next move. Chet should be in jail.

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  51. What Dave??? Do you mean to tell me that Durda lied to the police? I'm shocked. Shocked, I tell you! I mean, Durda isn't well-known for pathological lying, is he? LOL!

    I've said it before, I'll say it again: If Durda's mouth is moving, he's lying. This guy has a serious integrity issue. That issue being...he has none.

    I don't know if it's true, but I recently heard that Chet and some other person are the only two people working at Lancaster these days. I might guess (and it would only be a guess) that either he can't pay any additional employees right now, or the employees who were there realized what a disaster the business was, and decided to leave.

    This would certainly explain how come Lancaster isn't returning emails or phone calls these days. (Lancaster's voicemail box is apparently full, so you can't even leave a message if you try.)

    I can't say any of this is a surprise. You simply can't run a business the way Durda is running Lancaster Arms, and expect that you're going to be able to keep the doors open once word gets out that you simply can't be trusted.

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  52. Just sent an email to Lt Newman. I have an AK74 that I returned for repair back in March. Since then I have been unable to reach anyone to get a status on the repair and return. Hopefully the PD can force their hand...

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  53. Update:

    Just received a new email from Officer Newman which included an attached letter stating all claims against Lancaster Arms LLC prior to Febuary 1, 2011 should be handled by the Attorney General's office and any claims made after should be filed with the Good Year PD. Not sure why. To have any questions answered call Lt. Troy Castillo at 623-932-1220.

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  54. Zu, it is my understanding that the Attorney General's Office is pursuing an investigation into Lancaster. Perhaps that Feb 1. date is the cut-off that they've established for that investigation, although I'm not sure why since I know for a fact that people are still actively filing complaints with the AG's office. If you find out anymore, please let us know.

    Whatever the case, I'm glad that the authorities have finally recognized that Chet Durda is not running a legit enterprise, and are doing something about it. I hope that "something" involves jail time and/or substantial civil penalties. People like him should not be able to open up a business that only exist, as far as I can tell, to rip people off.

    I just saw today that Lancaster has now hit the magic 50 mark for BBB complaints. That is an awful lot of people to be complaining about such a small company. I can see how it's hard for the authorities to ignore Lancaster at this point. Dumbass Durda had to understand that if he ripped off enough people, eventually he was going to draw unwanted attention to himself. Then again, I've heard through the grape-vine that he's not a particularly smart guy. Clever (in a criminal, scammy sense), but not at all bright. At least, that's what one of his former business associates said.

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  55. I have actually visited Chet in his new location in Goodyear and he lied right to my face. The BBB route is just a statistical count - Chet will ignore the complaint. I have received confirmation from the AZ AG's office that they received my complaint. I also sent copies of all documentation to the PHX office of the BATFE - just thought they should know a crook is making and selling machine guns. I will now contact Lt. Newman of Goodyear police thanks to info above. I will also think about a civil suit, but that is likely good money after bad as I doubt I could ever collect on a judgement.

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  56. Just found this site. I sent my 3060M in for repair on 4/4/11 and was told it was an easy fix and that he would have it back in two weeks. I have been unable to get a hold of anyone since. I just finished sending e-mails to the governor, and pd. I will be filing with the bbb tomorrow and sending a registered letter to Lancaster as well. This guy needs to be stopped. I'll keep u all updated. This site is VERY helpful. Thank you.

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  57. Has anyone got help from the Attorney General. I just filled my second complaint and still nothing. GOodyear PD sent the same letter, to handle with the AG. He has had my gun since December 2010. I live in Texas so small claims would be a wash. Has anyone filed a theft charge on them with the Goodyear PD. I doubt they would help since they just sent me a letter. Thanks

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You are welcome, and in fact encouraged, to leave your comments about experiences with Lancaster Arms. The only requirement is that you stick to facts, or well-documented opinions.

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About Me

But quite willing to "help" Lancaster Arms fully understand why the way they run their business, is completely unacceptable.

Welcome to LancasterArmsSucks.blogspot.com

This site exist to help police a firearms manufacturer that has decided to run its business using questionable ethics. Too often, there is not enough complete, accurate information on the Internet about companies engaged in the manufature of firearms. It is my hope that this blog shall serve as a useful tool to help guide potential customers of Lancaster Arms to a fully-informed decision. As of the start date of this blog, many, many people feel as though Lancaster Arms does not run an honest business. We'll let the chips fall where they may...