It's been a while since I've posted, but wanted to point up my most recent Love-Hate experience with the good folks at Galazan. This one involved $1895 worth of their new extra barrel sets for original Parker 0 frame guns.

First, the Love: I unabashedly love Galazan/CSMC. Nobody else does what they do, and nobody else could even consider offering a product like this. I'm grateful to even have the chance to dump this much money on a "new" set of Parker barrels.

Now the hate: Their customer service stinks. Especially when I'm phoning in, ready to drop nearly two large on a set of barrels they haven't even made yet. My issue? A simple question. Will they make these barrel sets with extractors or ejectors as you wish? And do they come with a "wedge bite" or the old solid steel bite?

Simple stuff. But the lady who answered the phone didn't know. However, the fellow she transferred me to in the shop said they would make them either way, as I liked. Cool. Now about the wedge... he told me most 0 frame Parkers didn't have the wedge. What did that mean? I said mine did. He said they didn't know if these barrels would have a wedge bite or not yet. I said I'd order them anyway, and I got the lady back.

I told her I wanted a set of 28-bore barrels with an extractor. She said they didn't offer extractors. I said the fellow "out back" just said they did. This went round and round for five minutes. I eventually asked for Tony Galazan, assuming he might be able to clear it up for $1895.

I got someone who I assume was Mr. Galazan. He told me it was "ejectors only" but they would work like extractors if my gun was so built. True enough. He then hung up. And I was cut off.

In a dogged effort to enrich Galazan by a measly $1895, I phoned back. I got the original lady. I then put my $500 deposit down on the barrels against an indeterminate delivery day.

I also ordered a few other Galazan goodies, then said "goodbye."

My point here is this: Grace, appreciation and deference to the customer seems to have evaporated in today's world. And, sadly, the shooting world as well. It was almost like Galazan couldn't be bothered by some bumpkin who wanted to spend only $2000 with them for a product that doesn't exist yet. Amazing.

Nonetheless, I'll still deal with Galazan. I've been married before. And I can take the abuse.

Best, Kensal