Author Topic: The finest contemporary gun you've seen?? (Read 14741 times)

davec2 · « **Reply #50 on:** October 15, 2019, 07:06:12 PM »

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......

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.

Bob McBride · « **Reply #51 on:** October 15, 2019, 07:31:07 PM »

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.

rich pierce · « **Reply #52 on:** October 15, 2019, 08:04:46 PM »

Dave, thanks for sharing great work.

Craig Wilcox · « **Reply #53 on:** October 15, 2019, 10:13:08 PM »

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.

Mick C · « **Reply #54 on:** October 15, 2019, 11:39:49 PM »

Incredible works of art, Dave.

Shreckmeister · « **Reply #55 on:** October 16, 2019, 04:06:19 AM »

This one makes me think it is possible to be entirely creative yet appear to be from another time. Ian Pratt

Bob McBride · « **Reply #56 on:** October 16, 2019, 04:30:04 AM »

Quote from: Shreckmeister on October 16, 2019, 04:06:19 AM

This one makes me think it is possible to be entirely creative yet appear to be from another time. Ian Pratt

He’s a genius.

Mike Brooks · « **Reply #57 on:** October 16, 2019, 03:09:52 PM »

Yup, that's a helluva gun.

Bob Roller · « **Reply #58 on:** October 16, 2019, 03:15:44 PM »

Quote from: Bob McBride on October 15, 2019, 07:31:07 PM

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

axelp · « **Reply #59 on:** October 16, 2019, 04:10:42 PM »

Its the good work, fine work, exceptional work that transcends time. Meaning, it is recognized as such yesterday, today and tomorrow.

davec2 · « **Reply #60 on:** October 16, 2019, 08:39:32 PM »

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

Dan Fruth · « **Reply #61 on:** October 16, 2019, 09:35:54 PM »

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

Jim Kibler · « **Reply #62 on:** October 16, 2019, 09:54:05 PM »

Monte Mandarino's two French long guns. Nothing even a close second.

Jim

bob in the woods · « **Reply #63 on:** October 16, 2019, 11:50:17 PM »

There are a few of Eric Kettenburg's creations that would top my list.

Dphariss · « **Reply #64 on:** October 19, 2019, 05:54:21 PM »

Quote from: D. Taylor Sapergia on October 01, 2019, 06:58:09 PM

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

Dan'l 1946 · « **Reply #65 on:** October 21, 2019, 06:56:20 PM »

Quote from: Jim Kibler on October 16, 2019, 09:54:05 PM

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.

Tim Crosby · « **Reply #66 on:** October 22, 2019, 12:34:22 AM »

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.

Stoner creek · « **Reply #67 on:** October 22, 2019, 12:37:02 AM »

Quote from: Tim Crosby on October 22, 2019, 12:34:22 AM

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!

oldtravler61 · « **Reply #68 on:** October 22, 2019, 10:31:06 PM »

Tim I agree...to..that..one...but..I might add Flectos...latest..Bucks county..she sure is sweet to look at...Oldtravler

Brian · « **Reply #69 on:** October 24, 2019, 02:13:32 AM »

Quote from: Daryl on October 03, 2019, 05:41:46 AM

This one kinda turns my crank.

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!

westbj2 · « **Reply #70 on:** November 23, 2019, 09:36:21 PM »

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.

Daryl · « **Reply #71 on:** December 01, 2019, 01:15:17 AM »

Taking "FANCY" & "ORNATE" to the highest level indeed.

Eddie Southgate · « **Reply #72 on:** December 02, 2019, 06:09:22 AM »

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 .

Daryl · « **Reply #73 on:** December 03, 2019, 09:37:24 PM »

"You must the logged din to do (see) that"

Eddie Southgate · « **Reply #74 on:** December 09, 2019, 12:48:24 AM »

Daryl, This better ?

News:

Author Topic: The finest contemporary gun you've seen?? (Read 14741 times)

westbj2