That is great stuff. It's funny that as you say some folks will not share what they learn or know. I have found several times in my research on the Shreckengosts that there are family members who absolutely will not share what they know. Some will not even let anyone see their rifles. I can think of two such cases, both being people who have swivel breech rifles. In another case, I have Levi Shreckengost's great granddaughter stating unequivocally that he was never a gunsmith. Levi had about 10 children as did his brother Lincoln and strangely, I have found no written records or even letters by their hand. Only a daybook by Levi that has gotten out of the family and likely in another generation will be lost. Maybe I should focus on paperwork more than chasing after rifles. It could be more rewarding.
Anyway, nice research and interesting rifles. I am going to have to save those letters to file so I can enlarge them to read them. Thanks