ID Gunsmith from photograph of his work

[Ray B]

I have read that the top quality gunsmiths had a recognizable style in there work. Here's everyone's chance to post a photograph of their custom rifle and learn if others can recognize who did the work. If I can follow the directions, I'll post a photograph of a rifle made by a well known smith.

I'll need to get a different photo- the one I tried was too large.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

be sure to post a pic of the side of the barrel that has their name on it

 

[germanlongbow]

None of my smiths have ever put their name anywhere on the rifle.

 

[mikecockcroft]

If its a semi-modern bench rest rifle with a custom action, they all look alike to me.
Now if its a 1940's - 1980's hunting or benchrest rifle maybe there is noticeable features that will give it away.

 

[shortgrass]

Each stockmaker of wood stocks has a distinctive style, but when the rifles all start looking like a piece of machinery, fitted into a stock that someone else made (H-S, McMillan, Manners, ect) it might be a bit difficult, so do as Dusty suggests, show the side with the makers name.

 

[ebb]

If Col. Billy Stevens is holding the gun I can identify who your smith is after that things get a little muddy.

 

[Hal]

When they talk about knowing who built the custom rifle. They are talking mostly about custom wood stocks.
Some custom metal work will show who the gunsmith was.

Hal

 

[joshb]

Here's one. Try to guess the Smith.

 

[people]

None of my smiths have ever put their name anywhere on the rifle.

That is how it used to be. Now everyone I have seen recently has the company name on it.

 

[ab_bentley]

Still trying to figure this one out.
Adam

 

[Eddie Harren]

View attachment 1027812
Still trying to figure this one out.
Adam

You're too modest!

 

[joshb]

Yeah. That's a tough one.

 

[ab_bentley]

Yeah. That's a tough one.
View attachment 1027833

Says the man that builds master class stocks from 4/4 lumber.

 

[Gary in MD]

I’ll give you guys a hint, the smith that did this one retired, I think.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Thats sure a nice stock

 

[mikecockcroft]

Richard Franklin is my guess on the maple stock based on the style of forearm

 

[Gary in MD]

Richard Franklin is my guess on the maple stock based on the style of forearm

Bingo!!
6mm AI

Gary

 

[joshb]

That's REAL pretty!!! Nice stock! They say "copying is a form of flattery". I might try to flatter him. Nice lines to that one.

 

[joshb]

Says the man that builds master class stocks from 4/4 lumber.

Aww, Thanks. I'm just making sawdust. Gotta do something with my retirement. You know what they say about idle hands.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

This one should be blatantly obvious. Not just the fact that he would write a "note"(so helpful). But then to misspell it, is just priceless!

View attachment 1027874

Thats slang.