Jerry Kirklin rifle

[Frank Graves]

I purchased this rifle in 2009 not having a clue as to the maker "JK" on the silver barrel cartouche - it was nice looking and I wanted something not old to shoot.  It took a while, but I figured out that it was Jerry Kirklin, (sorry, NOT Kibler or Kirkland).  I tracked him down and we spoke on the telephone some years back before he passed away. He said that the "HH' on the wrist was for Hugh Hartz, another maker and the original owner who Jerry said did the final finishing around 1984.  It has a Getz slightly swamped barrel of .45 and a Siler lock.  Jerry said that he made it with Rupp and Moll features.

I know now that Jerry died, and I never got to ask him about how many rifles he made or anything else.  The overall style of this one is different than others that I have seen so I am assuming that Mr. Hartz might have had something to do with that.

I like this one very much and regret not following up with Jerry when I had the chance but I would like to know anything that any of you out there can tell me as well as others who might be interested about this maker's history.

Thanks for any help with this and I hope that you all enjoyed looking at this one.

Frank Graves

[AMartin]

Great rifle ..Jerry Kirkland .. not Kibler .. not a big deal but it is what it is ..

[Frank Graves]

Thanks, I stand corrected.

Frank

[Mule Brain]

Thanks for sharing it

He really had a passion for fine work, and it shows 

[Bigmon]

Would that be a relative of Turner Kirkland of DGW?

[D. Buck Stopshere]

Jerry’s last name was Kirklin.

I used to see him at the Track Of The Wolf’s booth at the Commercial Row at Friendship back in the ‘80’s & ‘90’s.

[Frank Graves]

Well, then I stand corrected once again.  Thanks.