Another great BR Icon- The Late Alvin Davidson

[jamesdmock]

Lately, I have been sharing pictures of the icons of our sport. I feel extremely lucky and privileged to have met so many of the greats. Many reading this post have never met Alvin, but have used his products. He was a quiet, unassuming man who was a great machinist. It has been quite a few years since he passed away, but I think many on this forum would like to see his picture.

 

[jamesdmock]

The picture was taken during a BR match at Tomball Texas. Mr. Davidson was from Kansas but had moved to New Mexico at the time of this picture. I believe he moved to NM for health reasons.

 

[jimmymac]

I know none of these men, but it is nice to hear about a little history. Thanks for all these recent threads you've been posting James. Best regards.

 

[Lbart]

I was lucky to have known, shot with and been a friend of Alvin’s for many years. He was truly a wonderful guy to be with.

 

[jamesdmock]

Let me add a couple more shooters who left the range too soon. Pictured are two shooters who are from opposite coasts. Henry Vranian of Virginia had a great SS performance just prior to his death and many of you know Dennis Thornbury (California) who served as President of the NBRSA. I, along with many many others called these two friends.

 

[BoydAllen]

Dennis put on matches at the Visalia range for about 35 years, and is still in the record book. He was a wonderful person, who is greatly missed.

 

[INShooter]

I first met Henry at K C Young’s range back in the early 90’s when we shot BR-50. I always enjoyed seeing him and his buddy Jack each year at the Super Shoot. I loved his Virginia accent. I remember him every time I turn case necks on the neck turning lathe he made. He was a fabulous guy and I truly miss him.

 

[butchlambert]

Some of you know that Alvin always traveled with his wife. They loved western swing and square dancing. You know why he went to Deitz's range. They loved Gruene Hall. They were very kind and considerate people.
Do you have a photo of Red Cornelison?

 

[jamesdmock]

Some of you know that Alvin always traveled with his wife. They loved western swing and square dancing. You know why he went to Deitz's range. They loved Gruene Hall. They were very kind and considerate people.
Do you have a photo of Red Cornelison?

No, I never had the privilege of meeting Red. My travelling partner, Richard Milton knew him. Red passed before I started shooting Benchrest. I wish I could have known him. I did get to meet Harold Broughton, but I don't have a photo of him.

 

[butchlambert]

You were shooting before Red passed away. I'll check, but it was in the early 2000s.
A story about Harold Broughton. Turk Takano and I went to a Midland shoot together. We traveled back to Harold's place in Big Springs to check out his shop. Turk took photos and had Harold and I stand together holding a rifle. Turk wrote the story for his Japanese gun magazine and the caption said Harold was handing a rich oilman his new rifle-FAKE NEWS! I had Harold's Long Range Express Sharpe until my youngest Son relieved me of it. Harold was a trip, but I always got along with him and he had a very sweet wife.

 

[jamesdmock]

You were shooting before Red passed away. I'll check, but it was in the early 2000s.
A story about Harold Broughton. Turk Takano and I went to a Midland shoot together. We traveled back to Harold's place in Big Springs to check out his shop. Turk took photos and had Harold and I stand together holding a rifle. Turk wrote the story for his Japanese gun magazine and the caption said Harold was handing a rich oilman his new rifle-FAKE NEWS! I had Harold's Long Range Express Sharpe until my youngest Son relieved me of it. Harold was a trip, but I always got along with him and he had a very sweet wife.

Butch, I guess the reason that I did not meet Red was that he had cut way back on his travels. I started shooting BR at Lafayette, LA in Feb. of 1997. I just received a picture of Harold that someone got from the internet. he was older when I finally got to meet him.

 

[jobhopper66]

This thread really is a great tribute to the gentleman who were the forerunners to the great shooters we have today. Thank you very much for starting this thread.

 

[D Coots]

I first met Henry at K C Young’s range back in the early 90’s when we shot BR-50. I always enjoyed seeing him and his buddy Jack each year at the Super Shoot. I loved his Virginia accent. I remember him every time I turn case necks on the neck turning lathe he made. He was a fabulous guy and I truly miss him.

Steve

I also have one of Henry's motorized neck turners. I bought it from him at the Super shoot in 2005.

Later
Dave