A Gunsmith of extraordinary skill

[shortgrass]

Heres a modern day twist on true gunsmithing. A double rifle, especially a holland and holland, is the top of my bucket list items to own

Even in this video that Dusty posted, look at all the hand work involved. The receiver might have been CNC machined, but look at the next guy handling it. He has a file in his hand. And the guy that solders the two barrels together, all hand work. It ain't all about 'machining'. I didn't see the stockmaker using anything but hand tools either,,,,,, and a side lock at that. Probably the most difficult stock to make (side locks were not allowed during the "tang style" portion of stockmaking, when I attended school, as the difficulty level is so high). Hand work requires patience, much more than machine work , much more than most folks have. And the results of that hand work take time. Time,,,,, in a world that demands instant gratification. You might chamber a barrel in an hour or 2, but you're not going to make a stock in that same amount of time, or fit a new disk and firing pin.

 

[Immike]

Hershel House and his sons of Morgantown/Woodbury, Ky have been know to turn out some nice black powder firearms. A US Marine. A very "colorful" character

Hershell House has several films that are most amazing. He makes all of his hardware from scratch, you won’t believe your eyes watching them. He could build a rifle anywhere with whatever is available to work with and it will be a masterpiece.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Hershell House has several films that are most amazing. He makes all of his hardware from scratch, you won’t believe your eyes watching them. He could build a rifle anywhere with whatever is available to work with and it will be a masterpiece.

How much does a 100% handmade colonial rifle go for? Where did all the rifles go that were built at colonial williamsburg from 1968 when that was filmed til he retired like in 2004? Does hershell just build em like he wants then sell em when hes done?

 

[Immike]

How much does a 100% handmade colonial rifle go for? Where did all the rifles go that were built at colonial williamsburg from 1968 when that was filmed til he retired like in 2004? Does hershell just build em like he wants then sell em when hes done?

I’m really not sure but suspect 10-20k for hand made rifles. The best place to go shopping for these types of rifles is Friendship Indiana during the NMLRA nationals. They have a gunmakers Hall for viewing all the latest work and it’s unbelievable to see the quality of famous smiths all in one room. Well worth the trip to see. Several are for sale also, this craft is still alive in the east and all over the country. They are usually starving artist and have to sell them if a customer doesn’t pick up. Friendship is the place to buy one of these for a bargain.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I bet they sell every one they make before they finish. I have absolutely zero interest in a modern kentucky rifle but a handmade one like in the video id love to have.

 

[JRS]

Check out Allen Martins website. Look through the gallery of guns. I would imagine they are pricey.

 

[Papa Charlie]

They are working works of art

 

[JRS]

Old world craftsmanship is very time consuming:

 

[dkhunt14]

I bet they sell every one they make before they finish. I have absolutely zero interest in a modern kentucky rifle but a handmade one like in the video id love to have.

Yes Dusty, they are true works of art. From all the silver inlays, hand carving, silver wire Inlaid into the wood to engraving done on barrel and inlays. They were taught at Williamsburg to even sand cast all the hardware. I shot alot of muzzleloader competition back in the early 1980's, even at Friendship Indiana at Nationals.

Friendship was pretty neat, you had the primitive area where it was all TP's, leantoos and Even candle lanterns. The 300 yard slug guns were pretty neat also. It was a really big shoot. I was competitor number 3031. Easy to remember because of powder NUMBER. Matt

 

[JRS]

From another old world craftsman. These are his personal hand crafted spurs:

 

[Immike]

For those of you that are interested in the history of rifles then read Ned Roberts “ muzzleloading cap lock rifle” written when the erra was all but gone. You will enjoy this book!

 

[JRS]

The spur maker, world renowned knife maker, and his favorite mule. Notice the spurs he is wearing.

 

[JRS]

Tim's tools of the trade:

 

[Knotwild]

I used to love seeing George Sutton on "Impossible Shots". I don't click on youtube or facebook (I am adamant about protecting my mind), but he is there.

Look him up he is very interesting.

https://www.facebook.com/mr.flintlock/

 

[BenPerfected]

Gentlemen, I posted this to celebrate the craftsmanship of early man, lets stay on topic here please. i am facinated by what our forefathers ingenuity in developing the technolo



I here there, can't wait to do what I like from what I have to do to make a future for myself and my wife. Plan to retire in four years. God willing.

It may be a struggle to start a new craft after your retirement. You may spend more $ on starting a new business than the revenue you can generate.
Wish you the best,
Ben

 

[butchlambert]

Jerry Fisk is an old Arkansas feller. He does know how to build a good knife.

 

[JRS]

Jerry Fisk is an old Arkansas feller. He does know how to build a good knife.

Yes he does, Butch. The "national living treasure" is one of the best on earth:

 

[NorCalMikie]

Those are NOT gunsmiths. They are TRUE Craftsmen, bar none.
Same goes for Knife and Spur makers.
Anybody that would shoot one of those "pieces of art" should be shot with a pea shooter or a rubber band gun.
And my guess is: If you have to ask "How much"?, you can't afford one.

 

[JRS]

Those are NOT gunsmiths. They are TRUE Craftsmen, bar none.
Same goes for Knife and Spur makers.
Anybody that would shoot one of those "pieces of art" should be shot with a pea shooter or a rubber band gun.
And my guess is: If you have to ask "How much"?, you can't afford one.

Even works of art are made to be used. Take a look at the rifles produced by the gunsmith Keith Weil. Artwork made to be used

 

[Papa Charlie]

Those are NOT gunsmiths. They are TRUE Craftsmen, bar none.
Same goes for Knife and Spur makers.
Anybody that would shoot one of those "pieces of art" should be shot with a pea shooter or a rubber band gun.
And my guess is: If you have to ask "How much"?, you can't afford one.

While I appreciate where your comment comes from. For me, I would not want to own something that I could not or would not fire. I know this may seem like a sin, but just the way I am. Of course, I have never owned a pure work of art either.