swd
Silver $$ Contributor
Just got the unfortunate call that Gill Van Horn just passed. Many accuracy shooters may not recognize his name but he was a legend in African rifle building. A mentor to Ryan Breeding and many others in the African rifle building community.
He was one of the last of the great Southern California custom rifle makers from the era of the 50's-80's such as Watler Abe, Ed Harris and many others. I have a good friend who knew him well. When he told Gill I was a young gunsmith interested in African rifles he would make me about 1 VHS tape every 4-6 months and send it up. He was true craftsman that made many/most small parts with nothing more than a hack saw and a file and sandpaper. A true ecentric gunsmith, his Bridgeport was set up in his bedroom.
When he worked for Weatherby in the 50's he was making 2 completely inletted and shaped stocks a day from rough blanks ready for final sanding.
God Bless and rest in peace.
He was one of the last of the great Southern California custom rifle makers from the era of the 50's-80's such as Watler Abe, Ed Harris and many others. I have a good friend who knew him well. When he told Gill I was a young gunsmith interested in African rifles he would make me about 1 VHS tape every 4-6 months and send it up. He was true craftsman that made many/most small parts with nothing more than a hack saw and a file and sandpaper. A true ecentric gunsmith, his Bridgeport was set up in his bedroom.
When he worked for Weatherby in the 50's he was making 2 completely inletted and shaped stocks a day from rough blanks ready for final sanding.
God Bless and rest in peace.
