I have met Scott once,, at a Ruger collector weekend in Harrisburg Pa.
I have had several deals with him, AND have helped others buy from him.
I consider him a friend I'd trust.
He is honest,,,and will deliver.
And,, currently, one of his deals is being done for a friend,, (who has also met Scott,) where we were told he was going on a hunting trip, wasn't scheduled to be back until the 25th,, WEATHER PERMITTING. He also allowed how he'd gladly try to ship the rifle of he could,,, after we got him a copy of the FFL. He said the check could wait until he got back.
So, YES,,,, he WILL ship a gun & wait on the money.
If a person has never had a deal with someone,,, it's ok to politely ask a question. The OP did just that.
To those who have never dealt with the buyer or seller,,, maybe they should wait & see what happens before condemning someone. ESPECIALLY if dealing with someone who lives in Alaska. Shipping, mail, etc is different going to & from there.
And yes,,, all of us, everywhere have lives, as well as livelihoods,,, that can delay anybody for any number of reasons. So, while you may have your "standards" of how a deal should go,, then before a deal is made,,, you should make sure your standards are known to all BEFORE any money is exchanged for products.
Scott works, and getting to a PO as well as packaging stuff etc can be hard,, especially when a seasonal hunting trip where he's the pilot or the guide etc is involved.
A good hunter has plenty of patience,,, knowing the trophy isn't easily gotten.