A Gunsmith of extraordinary skill

[Papa Charlie]

This video was posted on another shooting site and I was fascinating to watch the extraordinary gunsmith craft a Kentucky rifle from scratch. While I have always loved the look of the Kentucky rifles, I have never really got into shooting them. But, I am very impressed by the ingenuity of this smith to research the methods and processes used by our forefathers to make a flintlock rifle from scratch. It is one thing to see how the craftsmen of old did it, quite another thing to figure out how to execute it. I thought I would share it here.

Here also, is a very interesting story about the smith himself as told by a close friend and associate of his. Very interesting read.

http://www.flintriflesmith.com/WritingandResearch/Published/wallaceretires_mb.htm

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. I have watched the video many times, picking up interesting tidbits each time. I especially like the barrel forging part and the stock staining which takes place around minute 53 of the video.

 

[JRS]

Allen Martin in Pennsylvania crafts the best I have ever seen.

 

[Little Jimmy]

Amazing to see this craft has been so well preserved when so many others have been completely lost. Great video, thank you for sharing!!

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Thats a real gunsmith. Lost art

 

[Dusty Stevens]

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

 

[Papa Charlie]

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

Definitely a craftsman. Although I can't help but appreciate the challenges of the gunsmiths of old had to deal with. Not to take away from today's craftsman who are able to produce highly detailed, accurate shooting pieces along with the engraving and carving. Many we know and appreciate here on this site.

 

[Drop Port]

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

Beautiful, my list is similar but would involve a trip to Or. to visit Reto Buehler.

 

[dave@aDave]

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

 

[dkhunt14]

I have seen some of the guns built by guys that went to Colonial Williamsburg and learned the trade. There was a guy not far from my residence who had went. His workmanship was second to none. The carving and silver wire inletting was a true masterpiece. I haven't heard anything about him for a few years and maybe he moved away. Matt

 

[butchlambert]

Know a few very very talented smiths. Most impressive to me is an Aussie that built a miniature, about 2", firing rifle. And yes the barrel had lands and grooves. It was also engraved. I had his workshop bookmarked for a few years and now is gone. I will eventually remember his name and I will post it.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Wonder how many millenials are taking up this trade?

 

[luckeeshot]

Wonder how many millenials are taking up this trade?

you can't put it in a phone app and do it while driving can you ?

 

[JRS]

Wonder how many millenials are taking up this trade?

A few at least. The craft is taught here in PA and limited to about 8 students each fall and spring.

www.jacobsburghistory.com

 

[TheOtherZilla]

I have watched this a few times..

 

[shortgrass]

Wonder how many millenials are taking up this trade?

About the only thing any are interested in anymore is "chambering their own barrels". Stock making takes too much time and concentration. Repairing double guns just isn't very glamorous, heck, any repair work ain't glamorous! Custom bluing is nasty and too labor intensive. Only things that get an "atta boy" and a pat on the back on the interdnet are what most are after. In the recent past all of the gunsmith schools have had waiting lists. What age group is on those lists, I don't know...

 

[hogpatrol]

Gunsmithing is like flying. For what one needs to know and be responsible, it isn't worth the money. You have to love it.

 

[Drop Port]

Wonder how many millenials are taking up this trade?

I have yet to see a machine shop / gunsmith shop that would qualify as a "safe space"

 

[hogpatrol]

I have yet to see a machine shop / gunsmith shop that would qualify as a "safe space"

I had to tell some of my shop class millennial students it wasn't the place to listen to DR. DRE and Taylor Swift on their headphones and they couldn't understand why.

 

[Westhunder]

Wonder how many millenials are taking up this trade?

Working on it.... running a construction company now, but the plan is to retire young, from construction that is.... I love to work, while learning gunsmithing and moving to Montana! First project coming up soon... finally learning to chamber a barrel!

 

[Papa Charlie]

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

Working on it.... running a construction company now, but the plan is to retire young, from construction that is.... I love to work, while learning gunsmithing and moving to Montana! First project coming up soon... finally learning to chamber a barrel!

Working on it.... running a construction company now, but the plan is to retire young, from construction that is.... I love to work, while learning gunsmithing and moving to Montana! First project coming up soon... finally learning to chamber a barrel!

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.