I have been reading this Thread with interest over the last few days and at first the usual dissatisfied customers weighed in. Now it appears that another group is making their feelings known. It's interesting how the two groups are so opposite?
I first met Tony in the early 1990's when he was still making M21's for USRAC and was selling his own M21 without the Winchester name. I watched the guns over the years and CSMC evolve into a fine gunmaking company. I have met Tony subsequently and discussed particular M21's with him and found him to be knowledgable, open and honest in his evaluations. I have known Lou for about 10 years and have had many dealings with him, a few in person and many on the telephone. I have found him to reliable and he has a very good memory. Carol has always treated me fine on the phone.
I have an RBL, a M21 and a Fox, all purchased from CSMC. Each of the guns is well made and in terms of the M21 and Fox, I would have paid much more for a gun made in Europe of comparable quality but it just so happens I like M21's and although I had never had a Fox in my hands in my life, had enough confidence to order one from CSMC. The gun was completely to my specifications and I'm well satisfied.
As far as offering fitting, if you can afford the tab for one of the bespoke guns, then certainly you can find a fitter.
As for watching and not ordering a Fox for 20 years for some slight, you have missed out on one of the most superb upland game guns being offered today and if you order today it will cost a lot more than when CSMC first offered the Fox.
I believe communication is a two way street and if you have good communication skills, you will do well in life and get what you want. If your skills are not good and you refuse to learn, then you will be constantaly chafing at percieved slights and problems that arise.
Those that have encountered problems and percieved slights and chose not to business with CSMC because they can't work things out, are missing an opportunity for some great shotguns.
Me, I have some guns I couldn't get anywhere else at the price and they are as well made as any being sold today or being sold in the past.-Dick