Best Makers?

[rich pierce]

If you like Shipman's work, and only a fool doesn't, other stars that can knock your socks off include Jim Kibler, Mark Wheland, Mitch Yates and Ed Wenger. I am sure there are many others. These are guys I know well enough to recommend unconditionally as quality men as well as outstanding artists.

I don't recollect whether or not this site allows links to other sites, but look at the work on the Contemporary Makers Blogspot (google it) and search using some of those names.

 

[colmoultrie]

I have looked at Allen Martins work, it is very well done indeed. Unfortunately I like my guns to look like they were made yesterday, which in fact they were. Antique guns would have looked that way when they were handed over to the customer. I can appreciate the aged look, and realize that it is popular, just not for me.

Before you rule out a gunmaker based on their "aging" their work, talk to them. I specified to Allen that I wanted a rifle that looked like it had been gently used, but not abused. He hit it right for me. I know you probably want more engraving than this, but this fit the style of the John Fries rifle I asked Allen to emulate:







Allen's a personable guy, and if you explain what you'd like, he'll either agree or explain why he thinks it would be incorrect for what you're asking. As Rich Pierce said, whom you choose depends on what style of rifle you want - some do many different styles well; others are masters of a few particular styles.

 

[billk]

Hi, I am not familiar with Mr Jim Kibler, but I did a quick search and saw some pics or great looking guns by him. Does he have a website? Where can I get some additional information about him and his work? Has anyone here handled his guns?
Thank you,
BillK

 

[rich pierce]

I've handled Kiblers guns. He can do anything right now in building longrifles, European guns, etc. There is nobody better right now. Anything Bivins or Mondarino, etc could do back in the day, he can do. He needs artistic license, not, "build me a copy of x". His work is going through the roof.

I didn't mention Eric Kettenberg specifically because you don't like aged guns which are a specialty of his. If I were to buy one custom rifle I'd have EK build it, because his work is totally believable, masterfully made, artistic, and usually funky and fun.