Hey Ya'll,
Thanks again for all the kind words and encouragement. I was really looking forward to having a complete rifle and it was incredibly disappointing to pay someone that amount of money and not get at least a working firearm.
Sorry for the lack of replies. My family is going through an extremely difficult time, so much so I moved back to Kentucky to help my parents out. Between the move and the family issues I put rectifying the wrongs of the builder on the back burner. If anyone is in the Ohio/Kentucky/WVa/VA/NC area that would be willing to help out in getting this rifle in working order, please let me know. I would be happy to drive 3-4hrs each way from Lexington, KY to have the rifle worked on. If not, I would be willing to sell it.
Thanks again for all the generosity and kindness. Great community here, I'd love to be a part of it with a working rifle!
All the best,
Sam