AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Contemporary Longrifle Collecting => Topic started by: Justin Urbantas on October 01, 2019, 06:44:45 PM
-
I would be curious to see what people would say is the finest contemporary built gun that they have ever seen. I am hoping to see some amazing guns on this thread.
For me, it has got to be Jim Kibler's burl mounted fowler. I hardly have words to describe the beauty. I want to print out posters of it to hang in the gunshop, just so I can look at it all the time.
Here is a link to the gun on Jim's site incase you haven't seen it yet (you must!!)
https://www.jimkibler.net/burl-stocked-fowling-piece.html
-
That sets the bar extremely high, Justin. I've seen some wonderful stuff posted on this site over the years.
-
I would have difficulty narrowing it down to 3 or 4 dozen. there are a lot of very talented gunmakers out there these days.
-
There’s a difference between fineness and desirability to me. If I could have one contemporary gun it would be Eric Kettenburg’s gun styled after the Musician’s rifle.
-
There’s a difference between fineness and desirability to me. If I could have one contemporary gun it would be Eric Kettenburg’s gun styled after the Musician’s rifle.
I am not familiar with that one
-
There’s a difference between fineness and desirability to me. If I could have one contemporary gun it would be Eric Kettenburg’s gun styled after the Musician’s rifle.
I am not familiar with that one
http://www.erickettenburg.com/1750s.html
-
WOW. They are both fine and desirable to me. Jim's is rifle out of a shop as new and beautiful and Eric's looks like a well used 200 year old. I doubt I could choose one or the other. They are both fantastic. I probably have to agree with Mike that it is too hard to choose as the next one shown I will feel the same about. 8)
Dave
-
Certainly not the most elaborate rifle Wallace has made, But I've always been drawn to it...completely made by hand 50 years ago using many tools that were period antiques or forged to replicate those in a mid 18th century shop. The tree was cut by hand in SW Va, the blank sawn out of the log in a pit saw, forged barrel & lock, shop cast brass furniture from old candle sticks, patchbox/pipes - toe plate annealed and hammered out sheet brass, etc., etc.,etc. No attempt to age the rifle so it appears as it would out of a shop before 250 years of wear. What is remarkable is this was created without even an electric light!
http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2017/10/rifle-made-in-colonial-williamsburg.html
Bruce
-
Certainly not the most elaborate rifle Wallace has made, But I've always been drawn to it...completely made by hand 50 years ago using many tools that were period antiques or forged to replicate those in a mid 18th century shop. The tree was cut by hand in SW Va, the blank sawn out of the log in a pit saw, forged barrel & lock, shop cast brass furniture from old candle sticks, patchbox/pipes - toe plate annealed and hammered out sheet brass, etc., etc.,etc. No attempt to age the rifle so it appears as it would out of a shop before 250 years of wear. What is remarkable is this was created without even an electric light!
http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2017/10/rifle-made-in-colonial-williamsburg.html
Bruce
Is that the one from the video Gunsmith of Williamsburg?
-
Justin,
Nope, the movie gun is in the CWF collection; this one is in private hands.
Bruce
-
Ah. Even so, it's fantastic that he could do that. Wallace and Hershel House from Foxfire 5 are a big reason I got into gun building. I'm only 34, so their inspiration spans generations
-
This was a Mike Brooks interpretation of an F&I rifle. I've admired this gun for sometime. It came up for sale sometime this year, but I already had a rifle in the works.
http://www.fowlingguns.com/rifle12.html
-
That painted Pratt rifle at the CLA show was pretty neat. I like Brian Barkers TN rifle too and I like everything Brooks makes.
-
Any of Allen Martin's Lehighs. $#*!, any of Al's rifles actually. Great architecture, tasteful carving, masterful inletting.
-
I think Jim Kibler is one of our very best. And this piece is great . One of the greatest compliments I've ever received is that the judges at Dixons years ago said they could always know my guns and I had no need to put a tape over the signature. My time has passed but like wise you can always know a Kibler. But this is not a signature gun. Others are.
I also love Eric Ketinburgs stuff. But I think Allen Martin can outdo the musition rifle on a routine basis.
-
To many to choose from out there. I like so many.
Bob
-
I haven't had the oportunity to see many contemporary guns in person. However, just the other day, a fellow brought two pistols made by Gary Brumfeld (sp?) for me to see. I was definitely impressed.
-
I have never personally seen this gun but I believe this gun by Monte Mandarino certainly ranks as one of the best contemporary guns made.
(https://i.ibb.co/yWrMFDb/20190107-180052.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Ln3qdM2)
-
Allen Martin’s Bucks County Schimmel made for Larry Pletcher reminds me of the story of a young Giotto being asked by the Pope to do a painting as proof of his skill and in response he hand draws a perfect circle.
.(https://i.ibb.co/9HnPxDD/118-EDD06-ACDB-4719-9-FA0-8-D0-B6-E884-C96.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VYV6F11)
(https://i.ibb.co/Jtf14k7/14-B4-E9-F9-4-F23-4400-BEAE-A5-A11-D9-F96-D5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8sWCp85)
-
I have never personally seen this gun but I believe this gun by Monte Mandarino certainly ranks as one of the best contemporary guns made.
(https://i.ibb.co/yWrMFDb/20190107-180052.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Ln3qdM2)
Yep, that's a hum dinger there. Definitely in the Brooks top 40 of favorite guns
-
That sets the bar extremely high, Justin. I've seen some wonderful stuff posted on this site over the years.
My favorite was and still is an Alex Henry target rifle made by a Canadian friend,Ted Girodat.
It was better than the original he copied and Don Brown said it made his best ones look bad.
Ted Girodat is no longer with us,cancer took him way too soon.
As Taylor just said,There has been some wonderful stuff posted here over the years and will be
in years to come,both newly made and fine relics of a day long gone.Sometimes I wish I had
concentrated on making rifles instead of small parts for them but between the small parts for
rifles and parts for cars we were OK and can now do much less and have fewer thing to bother
us.
Bob Roller
-
I like Shaker furniture, the Japanese katana, and similar things that at first glance seem quite simple. But, a second look will reveal that tremendous effort went into making the item appear to look simple, when in fact it is quite complex.
The above Allen Martin schimmel, a Mike Brooks Carolina trade gun, and similar unadorned long guns with complex architectural details are what truly interest me.
Mike Brooks's Game Creepers rifle that he made for himself, but subsequently sold, is another example.
-
I have kept that issue of Muzzle Blast showing Monte's creation hanging in my shop as a reminder of how little talent I have. To me that level of work is humbling.
kw
-
I was just PM's asking what I thought that Mandarino gun is worth. I quickly estimated $100,000+. After thinking about it I'd adjust that estimate to $250,000+. I believe he's the only one I know of that is capable of that level of work.
-
Ken Gahagan's painted red bumford trade gun. no Woodbury or liberace style stuff.
-
Maybe I misunderstood the OP's title. It said the finest gun you've ever seen not what you prefer in a gun. Heck I like a plain rifle best of all but they certainly aren't the finest rifle I've ever seen. Mark Silver's jaeger that he displays at the CLA each year is quite a masterpiece. I have little use for a gun that I can't hunt with but they certainly aren't the finest gun I've seen.
-
it doesn't get any finer than Gahagan's Bumford for me. it's totally historically correct and finely made.
-
Well good topic but I would be hard pressed to name one or two. I have always liked Jack Dupreys guns. Mike Brooks with the folksie lion. That he had at the CLA is impressive. Several of Stoners guns. Impress me along with John Bivins.
Not the guy for fancy but I do appreciate the skill it takes to do that kind of craftsmanship. But I'll take a plain jane Soddy or Tennessee any day..! Oops I almost forgot Joe Sells (sp ? ) North Carolina style.
Oldtravler
-
I like Shaker furniture, the Japanese katana, and similar things that at first glance seem quite simple. But, a second look will reveal that tremendous effort went into making the item appear to look simple, when in fact it is quite complex.
The above Allen Martin schimmel, a Mike Brooks Carolina trade gun, and similar unadorned long guns with complex architectural details are what truly interest me.
Mike Brooks's Game Creepers rifle that he made for himself, but subsequently sold, is another example.
We sure seem to have the same eye. I posted the Schimmel above, own the Brooks ‘Gamecreeper’ rifle, and love Shaker furniture. You have a very fine taste indeed sir..... ;)
-
A few years ago, Bill Shipman posted pictures of a very fine M. Fordney rifle he had finished building. I cannot say it was the finest contemporary piece I have ever laid eyes on, but it was certainly in the top tier of many a fine piece!
-
This is a really tough and somewhat loaded question as there are so many amazing gun makers here on this forum, any number of which I would be tremendously honored to be caretaker of one of their works of art. However, for me, the most spectacular rifle that I have seen up close and held in my hands fairly recently (a few years ago) is the one made by Jim Chambers. Here is a link to a picture of Jim holding the rifle from a profile of him on the Contemporary Makers Blog:
https://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2012/05/contemporary-makers-portraits-jim.html
-
I don’t know the finest but I like this one by Jud B
(https://i.ibb.co/qgPJR6W/02-D1-AB96-A2-C7-4-F50-AD7-A-D8-B33717-A047.png) (https://ibb.co/vdKXJ9Q)
-
I thought my Verner was the best I had seen, except for, now that I think about it, some Jerry Hudleson, DaveC2, Dave C. and Tom C. have built.
This one, today, took my breath away, just as those mentioned did some time ago.
https://www.jimkibler.net/burl-stocked-fowling-piece.html
-
This one here qualifies in my opinion. Most of you are familiar with it.
(https://i.ibb.co/kM2TPZH/51486-C64-8-FF9-4045-A6-DC-5-A59-FA85-B7-E8.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3kmbPKr)
(https://i.ibb.co/bL5cck9/83-B7-D89-C-21-A7-4461-AB28-A63-A96-FAEF37.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Y8BHHxs)
Everything works.
-
I think the question is sort of like, "Which BBQ is the best?" I like them all. Similarly, I love so many of the beautiful contemporary rifles I have seen.
All of that said, I think my all-time favorite rifle happens to be from the Golden Age (yep, stretching the rules of this question). The silver mounted John Vogler Salem, NC longrifle commissioned for a Lieutenant of Francis Marion some years after the Revolution. It embodies my ideal of a beautiful gun....
(https://i.ibb.co/hXrdzTc/John-Vogler-Silver-Rifle-9-ACC-3461-h-jpg635602879730000000.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DGmM2jY)
You can see this one in person at the MESDA Museum in Old Salem, NC.
God Bless, Marc
-
my personal favorite is the Lenord Meadows rifle we posted in contemporary collecting.
Being built in the mid 70s ,there is much to see when holding. All these mentioned are fine work,way beyond my skills. But I honor the makers in high regard, Best regards, Dave F 8) 8)
(https://i.ibb.co/2SNnxrN/len-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gdVjN8V)
-
This one kinda turns my crank.
(https://i.ibb.co/k89WVvZ/100-1629.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wWwxZjt)
(https://i.ibb.co/0fz8S2P/100-1630.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dQH1qMn)
(https://i.ibb.co/R2Yvq2C/DSCN1071.jpg) (https://ibb.co/p2b0S23)
(https://i.ibb.co/gP2DFqT/100-1722.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5n05xp8)
Of course, it is signed by the maker on the barrel.
Sapergia, in script
-
My favorite is D. Taylors bag grip Hawken . I know it's not fancy, but as usual he did a perfect job and I'm obviously a Hawken nut.
-
I base my input on what I’ve “seen” in person (which is based on very limited number of rifles) not just pics. I was very impressed with Marvin Kemper’s copy of the John Small Grouseland rifle. I saw both the copy and original at the Illinois show and didn’t even then comprehend the full story till the next issue of Muzzleloader Magazine came to my door.
-
My favorite is D. Taylors bag grip Hawken . I know it's not fancy, but as usual he did a perfect job and I'm obviously a Hawken nut.
Yes - that bag-grip Hawken was REALLY nice. Good shooting rifle, too.
(https://i.ibb.co/WDWbZbj/100-4502-zps5ff3ce9c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GsvKyKN)
(https://i.ibb.co/c1GRTBp/100-4504-zps89e9601a.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vH7fzFr)
-
Well, I just had to jump in anyway. Many of the rifles posted do indeed make it hard to catch one's breath; wheew... But while I can truly appreciate gorgeous guns as high art, I really like plainer ones and those with somewhat understated carving and engraving. Perfectly authentic renditions are admired but not absolutely required.
-
Since the question was finest I too would have to go with Monte Manderino,s creation. It is not only executed flawlessly (to my eyes) but ornate to the extreme and every thing about the build was custom hand made by him IIRC.
-
My all time finest would be a swivel breach by John Schippers. It is number 13 in his book. It's just a very well made beautiful rifle.
-
Funny. I had no idea Monte Mandarino lived an hour away from where I used to live in MT. Wish I could've spent some time learning in his shop.
-
My favorite is D. Taylors bag grip Hawken . I know it's not fancy, but as usual he did a perfect job and I'm obviously a Hawken nut.
Yes - that bag-grip Hawken was REALLY nice. Good shooting rifle, too.
(https://i.ibb.co/WDWbZbj/100-4502-zps5ff3ce9c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GsvKyKN)
(https://i.ibb.co/c1GRTBp/100-4504-zps89e9601a.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vH7fzFr)
Daryl,
Thanks Brother, I'm glad I'm not the only one who appreciates Hawken perfection!
-
The bag grip Hawken is one of my favorites as well.FIRST CLASS craftsmanship across the
whole job and I am happy to have been able to furnish the 1/4x80 tap and die for the tang
sight. This gun is an upgrade on the original that inspired it in all aspects and is a collection
in and of itself. This kind of gun makes me wish I had tried harder to learn rifle making but
the locks and triggers appealed more to me along with the cars and aircraft interspersed in
between shop work.
Bob Roller
-
The bag grip Hawken is one of my favorites as well.FIRST CLASS craftsmanship across the
whole job and I am happy to have been able to furnish the 1/4x80 tap and die for the tang
sight. This gun is an upgrade on the original that inspired it in all aspects and is a collection
in and of itself. This kind of gun makes me wish I had tried harder to learn rifle making but
the locks and triggers appealed more to me along with the cars and aircraft interspersed in
between shop work.
Bob Roller
Thanks Bob, :)
I'm glad that you like it too, thanks for being involved in it!
-
Ian Pratt’s Holston iron mounted rifle or one of Chuck Edwards iron mounted early rifles
-
I'm pretty fond of my Cornell Kemper .45... but then, it's mine. And she shoots quite well.
But yes, every time I think I've seen the pinnacle of contemporary work, one of you fine folk post photos of something even nicer.
I do sorta aspire to own a Brooks rifle someday... mainly because I remember him as Gunmaker back when I first got onto Gunboards. And because he makes a fine smoke-pole.
-
A very well made rifle will always beat one that just has a lot stuff on it.
-
There are far too many fantastic builders for me to choose "the finest"....I would feel a little better if the question was to pick the top 1000. I have only seen pictures of all the amazing rifles I think would fall into this category, except for this one by John Ennis. This is the only contemporary gun (except the ones I made) I have personally held in my hands . It was an inspiration to me on many levels......
(https://i.ibb.co/qBP42hg/ennis-2.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
(https://i.ibb.co/SvpHcyc/ennis-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/x5QwYLY)
(https://i.ibb.co/f9tSk6w/ennis-4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5kv9rpH)
(https://i.ibb.co/VTc89Rr/ennis-5.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
(https://i.ibb.co/sKR4KHx/ennis-6.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
(https://i.ibb.co/n6H2q0t/ennis-7.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
(https://i.ibb.co/nmKN73C/ennis-8.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
And this one by Steven Alexander has haunted me for many years. A few years ago I tracked down the photographer who took the pictures of this rifle for a magazine cover. That led me to Mr. Alexander himself. I asked if there were any other pictures of this rifle and he told me the rifle was in private hands and that the owner was very reclusive about taking other pictures or letting anyone know who he was. I can understand that, but I wish the photographer had taken just a few more pictures of such a lovely rifle.
(https://i.ibb.co/dsNMx0n/Alexander-Rifle-2-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Y45Qw7v)
(https://i.ibb.co/K2D3Hs1/Alexander-rifle-breech.png) (https://ibb.co/c6w7d8m)
(https://i.ibb.co/cbtv5T8/Alexander-rifle-wrist.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wJCLH6Q)
-
Now that is a fine rifle, but, regarding the term ‘fine’, it isn’t a scientific term. Its subjective. I define ‘fine’ as ‘precise’ not necessarily ‘elaborate’. I always seem to admire a thing’s essence, which is easier to appreciate in simplicity. But that’s just my way of seeing it.
-
Dave, thanks for sharing great work.
-
Dave, to be honest, that John Ennis rifle is one that I could think was built by you. Splendid work.
The Alexander rifle is probably the "finest" that I have seen.
-
Incredible works of art, Dave.
-
This one makes me think it is possible to be entirely creative yet appear to be from another time. Ian Pratt
(https://i.ibb.co/wCJ5mnj/083-B7-FC4-33-BF-4797-9-C53-BB149-E79422-D.png) (https://ibb.co/pZWYFH5)
(https://i.ibb.co/tP68qSy/A0-D57-A97-F83-E-463-F-9-E43-8-D7-B5243-F5-EA.png) (https://ibb.co/2YrgvwX)
-
This one makes me think it is possible to be entirely creative yet appear to be from another time. Ian Pratt
(https://i.ibb.co/wCJ5mnj/083-B7-FC4-33-BF-4797-9-C53-BB149-E79422-D.png) (https://ibb.co/pZWYFH5)
(https://i.ibb.co/tP68qSy/A0-D57-A97-F83-E-463-F-9-E43-8-D7-B5243-F5-EA.png) (https://ibb.co/2YrgvwX)
He’s a genius.
-
Yup, that's a helluva gun.
-
Now that is a fine rifle, but, regarding the term ‘fine’, it isn’t a scientific term. Its subjective. I define ‘fine’ as ‘precise’ not necessarily ‘elaborate’. I always seem to admire a thing’s essence, which is easier to appreciate in simplicity. But that’s just my way of seeing it.
I agree with Bob McBride.The mostly *unornmented Gibbs long range muzzle loader I saw
in Ted Girodat's collection years ago is a fine example of fine AND precise.This one by
Steve Alexander is a fine (to me) example of a decorated rifle.Almost ANYONE can make
a GUN but it takes a dedicated craftsman to make a RIFLE.I can make a gun but that's
about it.No ornamentation of any kind.
*As I recall,the only ornamentation on the Gibbs was a double border engraved following
the shape of the lock plate and MAYBE the checkering on the hammer.Also THIS Gibbs was
an original,not the new ones from Europe.One more thing,Steve Alexander worked with Lynton
McKenzie who was another TOP craftsman and now deceased since February of 1998.
Bob Roller
-
Its the good work, fine work, exceptional work that transcends time. Meaning, it is recognized as such yesterday, today and tomorrow.
-
Do any of you know who owns the Steven Alexander rifle I posted a few pictures of ? I would pay a lot of money just to have a complete set of pictures of that rifle and wold love to get in contact with the owner through someone who knows him or her.
Thanks
-
I am biased, as he was my mentor, but Jack Haugh's jaegers as well as his English guns are some of the best.
http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2008/04/jack-haugh.html
-
Monte Mandarino's two French long guns. Nothing even a close second.
Jim
-
There are a few of Eric Kettenburg's creations that would top my list.
-
That sets the bar extremely high, Justin. I've seen some wonderful stuff posted on this site over the years.
My first thought was where to start????
Dan
-
Monte Mandarino's two French long guns. Nothing even a close second.
Jim
Jim, I think your burl maple fowler is as fine a piece as I have ever seen.
-
The question was: "The finest Contemporary gun you've ever seen" Then based on this definition of "Contemporary":
"2.belonging to or occurring in the present."
I have to put this one in:
http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=56475.0
Tim C.
-
The question was: "The finest Contemporary gun you've ever seen" Then based on this definition of "Contemporary":
"2.belonging to or occurring in the present."
I have to put this one in:
http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=56475.0
Tim C.
Mighty fine choice Tim!
-
Tim I agree...to..that..one...but..I might add Flectos...latest..Bucks county..she sure is sweet to look at...Oldtravler
-
This one kinda turns my crank.
(https://i.ibb.co/k89WVvZ/100-1629.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wWwxZjt)
(https://i.ibb.co/0fz8S2P/100-1630.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dQH1qMn)
(https://i.ibb.co/R2Yvq2C/DSCN1071.jpg) (https://ibb.co/p2b0S23)
(https://i.ibb.co/gP2DFqT/100-1722.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5n05xp8)
Of course, it is signed by the maker on the barrel.
Sapergia, in script
That one always spun my wheels as well Daryl. I saw that one go together from the very start. I still can't find a mistake on it.
I actually got to shoot that one once! ;D
-
This is the French fowler by Monte Mandarino shown in an exhibition in 2003 at the Minneapolis institute of arts. Recall a few details from conversation with Monte.
-Trigger guard has 90 piercings and took 3 dozen jeweler saw blades.
-4+ ounces of gold
-almost 3 years to complete.
Owner is now deceased and whereabouts of the gun are unknown to me.
(https://i.ibb.co/7WDS80S/mandarino4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XsPWNGW)
(https://i.ibb.co/F74V1YM/mandarino-3.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
(https://i.ibb.co/mzGVbDP/mandarino-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/h8yJL7T)
-
Taking "FANCY" & "ORNATE" to the highest level indeed.
-
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/attachments/right-side-small-jpg.17166/
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/attachments/left-side-small-jpg.17167/
This rifle suits me as well as any I have seen . A Kibbler kit built by Tim Williams . If I had him build it for me I wouldn't add or subtract a thing . Belongs to a feller on another forum .
-
"You must the logged din to do (see) that"
-
(https://i.ibb.co/3NBJWCK/Tim-Williams-Kibler.jpg) (https://ibb.co/d2Gh65Z)
(https://i.ibb.co/kq2n0rq/Tim-Williams-Kibler-Left.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SVwT01V)
Daryl, This better ?