Comfortably_Numb
The Evil Mike Brooks
Hey Brice, has the sideplate been stretched? Looks to be slightly two different colors up by the front lock screw.
Best US Made Kentucky Rifle?
- Thread starter Longrifle NH
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Good eye. The plate has had a piece of brass brazed on and to extend it to line up with the lock bolts. Must have been a commercial plate for a smaller lock.
Dave is right on. These guys are all builders of the best Kentucky rifles in the U.S.A, however it's best to call them all "American Longrifles", seeing as the originals came from places like Pennsylvania, Virginia and several other schools.
And by the way, Dave Person himself belongs in that list, I personally really admire his work.
Rockvillerich
Pilgrim
Architecture is more important than engraving and pretty wood. Allen Sandy should be on the list of notable modern makers. He'll make a plain gun, or a fancy one, but its the shape that makes a rifle.
Another vote for the above. I also like Brad Emig's work at Cabin Creek Muzzle Loading. I'd have to say one of the very best, unembellished (plain) rifles out there is the Kibler, or a Curtis, or an Emig.
LD
Rockvillerich
Pilgrim
Tip Curtis was at Fort Frederick Market Fair a few years back and had a good selection of parts as well as reasonably priced semi finished rifles that had tons of potential...not sure I've seen one completely done.
Speaking of Market Fair, (April 24-28th), that's got to be one of the best places to pick up a used flint rifle, musket, or pistol.
All of the guys mentioned are top notch, but Marvin Kemper should be on the list, too. He does beautiful work.
I've been to Cabin Creek and saw several of Brad Emigs pieces and his sons. They are excellent makers and do everything by hand, carving and engraving is excellent.
One other factor to consider.
Do you want a piece of art?
Do you want a piece of art that shoots?
Do you want a well made rife that shoots well, and is very pretty to look at hanging on the wall when you're not shooting it?
Do you want something that is well made and shoots well, and appearance isn't a major concern?
Because they are not all inclusive. I have several rifles that shoot really well, and one is a bit fancy in the wood. I don't care what others think, as the rifles hit what I point them at, and thus I admire them when they are on the wall. I've had amazing adventures with them, and they are old, reliable friends....
I know three fellows, one only owns one flintlock rifle (very fancy with curly wood, inlays and carving), another owns several rifles (some fancy in appearance), and the third is constantly buying and selling his fancy rifles. The first fellow's rifle is so pretty I won't touch it..., I wouldn't handle the Mona Lisa either, know what I mean? It shoots like crap (for him). Very pretty but doesn't fit him well at all so he has a tough time when shooting it..., so he doesn't shoot it much..., a circular situation thus and he will never shoot it well. (It shoots well from the bench though) He loves it anyway. The second fellow has pieces of art that can shoot, but he prefers for them to say on display, and uses a much simpler, plain rifle most often when shooting. His fancy rifles are really just for "the looking". The last fellow wants a piece of art that is a "nail diver" and since for his body shape that is tough to find (OR he's impossible to please perhaps), he buys and sells fancy flintlock rifles several times a year.
Ask each which builders make "the best" rifle, and you will get different answers. NONE of which are wrong, but different parameters of taste and want = different desires.
It's true for other areas as well. A close friend of mine from India, a successful businessman, will drive nothing but Maserati cars, but his son loves top-of-the-line, American built, pick-up trucks. Each think the other's taste in vehicles is cracked, and each drive very well made vehicles. I can't afford either of their choices.....
LD
Do you want a piece of art?
Do you want a piece of art that shoots?
Do you want a well made rife that shoots well, and is very pretty to look at hanging on the wall when you're not shooting it?
Do you want something that is well made and shoots well, and appearance isn't a major concern?
Because they are not all inclusive. I have several rifles that shoot really well, and one is a bit fancy in the wood. I don't care what others think, as the rifles hit what I point them at, and thus I admire them when they are on the wall. I've had amazing adventures with them, and they are old, reliable friends....
I know three fellows, one only owns one flintlock rifle (very fancy with curly wood, inlays and carving), another owns several rifles (some fancy in appearance), and the third is constantly buying and selling his fancy rifles. The first fellow's rifle is so pretty I won't touch it..., I wouldn't handle the Mona Lisa either, know what I mean? It shoots like crap (for him). Very pretty but doesn't fit him well at all so he has a tough time when shooting it..., so he doesn't shoot it much..., a circular situation thus and he will never shoot it well. (It shoots well from the bench though) He loves it anyway. The second fellow has pieces of art that can shoot, but he prefers for them to say on display, and uses a much simpler, plain rifle most often when shooting. His fancy rifles are really just for "the looking". The last fellow wants a piece of art that is a "nail diver" and since for his body shape that is tough to find (OR he's impossible to please perhaps), he buys and sells fancy flintlock rifles several times a year.
Ask each which builders make "the best" rifle, and you will get different answers. NONE of which are wrong, but different parameters of taste and want = different desires.
It's true for other areas as well. A close friend of mine from India, a successful businessman, will drive nothing but Maserati cars, but his son loves top-of-the-line, American built, pick-up trucks. Each think the other's taste in vehicles is cracked, and each drive very well made vehicles. I can't afford either of their choices.....
LD
I would say Dave hit the nail on the head with his answer! Best of the best in my book..........but have you seen the pics posted of Dave's builds? Stunning!!! Greg
Absolutely, put Dave Person on that list. And, I don't need no pictures. I've got one built by Dave.
Putterboy2
Pilgrim
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There is an event this weekend just outside Portsmouth where some gun makers will be selling. Here is a link: http://ellisriverknifeworks.com/newengland-colonial-trade-fair . You might see something you like there, and perhaps can work something out with a NH gunmaker either for what he has or can make.
If you have not done so, join the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA). You get a monthly periodical in full color to go with your membership called "Muzzle Blasts". Also subscribe to, or go purchase the magazine, "Muzzleloader". ML comes out bi-monthly. Both these mags, especially the latter, will give you a great wealth of information and show you exactly what a great rifle looks like. Take your time.
He’s a crook!!!! Stay away!!
I thought he passed away a couple years ago
But, @loflyr55, when @Eric Krewson wrote that reply in 2019, Tip Curtis was still alive. Now one will have to seek out semi-custom guns by TVM or some rifles built on speculation by some custom gun makers or hope to find a good used gun. Now there are builders assembling the Jim Kibler kit rifles and reselling them. Look to the classifieds.
I hope by now that @Longrifle NH, the OP who began this search in Jan 2019, has found his rifle.
I hope by now that @Longrifle NH, the OP who began this search in Jan 2019, has found his rifle.
Check July 2, 2020 Last Relay at NMLRA
His stuff is great. But, he is not alone, this avocation has created quite a few exceptional craftsmen.
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You guys know the original post is 3 years old, right?
Old posts get brought up all of the time. Besides, the OP never said he had made a decision so opinions are still being accepted
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