renfrowridge,
I could not agree more. They should NEVER make committments to customers that they cannot honor. As you say, "tell me the truth, or don't tell me at all". Well put. This is an example of BAD customer service, on their part....no other way to phrase it.

Perhaps they will (eventually) suffer for their misinformation, with reduced sales. With many specialty items, a category into which gunstocks certainly fit, there are not that many companies manufacturing this kind of a product. I'll bet that this has something to do with the (apparent) fact that Richard's has not suffered wholesale "customer flight" to other stockmakers. It is unfortunate.

Again, I hope that your problem will be resolved, soon.