This whole thing kinda stinks.
Something ain't right.
First off, with a hole drilled into the barrel, this isn't email business, let alone a two or three email kind of deal.
This is, Receipt in hand, and copy's of the email(s), phone call stuff,,
then;
"Please connect me to someone in the USA"
then;
"Please let me speak to your Supervisor"
then;
"Could I speak to the Person in charge of Sales or have a contact number for them Please"
It would be good to have already made contact with the Better Business Bureau of that state, and have the name of someone in that office that you spoke too.
All this should be done Firmly, but very Politely, and with enough minutes on the phone card for at least an hour. Don't get ****** or cuss, especially when your talking to the underlings, the goal is taking it to the top for a command decision.
Try to keep it as there is one person involved, not a friend bought this kit and I'm building it,,
And if time off from work is needed to do this during business hours, well that's what needs to be done.
Points to stress;
*This is a rifled barrel.
*The Hole is into the land/groove.
*Where is this barrel made as it's a factory fault.
(Investarms in Italy, shipped this to Lyman)
*I have X amount of hours involved in the build
(make it a lot)
*I've had to take time off work to speak with Customer service.
Is this Left handed Flintlock Kit so many years old that they don't offer it any longer?
Think of, What is the reason they don't want to replace the barrel?