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Author Topic: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle  (Read 876 times)

Offline Pro Libertate

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Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« on: September 03, 2024, 12:47:16 AM »
I’m thrilled to unveil my latest treasure: an Armstrong rifle crafted by none other than the legendary Richard Miller. A true master, Miller’s work has graced the pages of Muzzle Blasts and earned him a revered spot in the NMLRA Gunmakers Hall, where he dedicated over five decades, even serving as chairman.

This rifle is a stunning example of craftsmanship, with a beautifully carved, highly figured maple stock, paired with an exquisite blend of engraved brass and silver furniture. The inletting is flawless, with the metal and wood fitting together so perfectly that it’s as if they were always one. Sleek, slender, and elegantly long, the rifle handles like a dream, with its swamped barrel providing effortless balance.































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Offline wattlebuster

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #1 on: September 03, 2024, 01:14:15 AM »
Thats quite a rifle. Specs please ;D
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Offline Stoner creek

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2024, 01:42:51 AM »
Dick Miller does wonderful work! You got a good one.
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Offline Seth Isaacson

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2024, 04:22:10 PM »
That was probably my favorite of the batch. He definitely made some stunning rifles.
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Offline BOB HILL

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2024, 05:10:55 PM »
Outstanding work, as always, by an outstanding fellow.
Bob
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Offline bama

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #5 on: September 03, 2024, 07:48:33 PM »
His work is among the best, congratulations on a wonderful rifle.
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Offline Mike Brooks

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #6 on: September 04, 2024, 01:46:48 AM »
When was that gun made?
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Offline Pro Libertate

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #7 on: September 04, 2024, 07:05:48 AM »
Quote from: Mike Brooks on September 04, 2024, 01:46:48 AM
When was that gun made?

That’s a great question, Mike! I bought it second-hand and there doesn’t appear to be any build date or serial number on the rifle. I’d love to get ahold of Dick and inquire about it.
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Offline Frozen Run

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #8 on: September 04, 2024, 07:13:54 AM »
Richard Miller is also the man who makes those wonderful little scrapers that just about everyone has in their tool box. I bought a set of them a while back and he treated me like a million bucks even though it was such a small time purchase. He is a true class act through and through, congratulations on your rifle! 
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Offline Pro Libertate

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #9 on: September 04, 2024, 07:27:50 AM »
Quote from: wattlebuster on September 03, 2024, 01:14:15 AM
Thats quite a rifle. Specs please ;D

Here’s the information from the listing:

“Like new Armstrong rifle by Richard "Dick" Miller. Miller is a highly regarded builder and has been featured in Muzzleblasts. He is well-known in the NMLRA gunmakers hall where he was active for over 50 years. Miller is no longer actively making guns.

Carved stock is highly figured maple and furniture is a wonderful mix of engraved brass and silver. Inletting is excellent with a seamless fit of metal to wood. There is not a mark or scratch anywhere on the gun. Gun is long, slender and graceful. The swamped barrel makes handling very easy and the gun balances well.

Barrel is a 47.5 inch swamped 45 caliber, 0.925 at breech to 0.759 at waist and 0.835 at muzzle. Bore is pristine, bright and shiny. Barrel is browned as is the lock plate. Siler lock shows a few strikes on the frizzen and internals are super clean.

Overall length is 64 inches, with a 14 inch LOP and weight of 8 lbs 11 oz.”

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Offline Pro Libertate

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #10 on: September 04, 2024, 05:06:22 PM »
Quote from: bama on September 03, 2024, 07:48:33 PM
His work is among the best, congratulations on a wonderful rifle.

Thank you! I tend to agree with you regarding his work. I’ve become quite the Richard Miller connoisseur— just purchased another one yesterday.












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Offline HSmithTX

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #11 on: September 04, 2024, 09:15:56 PM »
Wow, just wow!  Those are incredibly nice. 
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Offline Robin Henderson

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #12 on: September 05, 2024, 04:34:16 PM »
When I'd go to Friendship, I would always make it a point to go behind the Gunmaker Hall and watch Dick work on a build. Dang, he made look so easy.
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Offline Pro Libertate

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #13 on: September 05, 2024, 05:54:01 PM »
Does anyone know if Dick does the engraving as well as the carving on his rifles? Hard to believe one man has that much talent.

I’d be curious as to whether he has a presence on the forum and would relish the opportunity to get to chat with him.
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Offline BOB HILL

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #14 on: September 05, 2024, 10:26:33 PM »
Mr. Miller is an outstanding artist. We were admiring one of his rifles at the CLA show one year and he said Dennis Priddy had engraved it. I know they are great friends. If you would like I’ll send you his phone #. I’m sure he would enjoy discussing his work with you.
Bob
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Offline Pro Libertate

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #15 on: September 05, 2024, 11:02:52 PM »
That would be wonderful, Bob! If you wouldn’t mind sending me a PM with his contact info, I’d sure appreciate it.
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Offline BOB HILL

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #16 on: September 06, 2024, 12:23:05 AM »
I sure will. You’ll enjoy him. He’s quite a character.
Bob
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Offline Pro Libertate

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Re: Richard Miller Armstrong Rifle
« Reply #17 on: September 07, 2024, 05:21:17 PM »
I gave Dick a call yesterday morning and enjoyed a rather lengthy conversation. You ain’t kidding, Bob… he is quite the character! Thanks again for providing me with his contact info.
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