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He showed pretty. But I am uneasy with it. Back in the day, I might go to a smith and say you built a gun for my buddy and I really like it. But when it came to carving and engraving and such I do not think I would want my gun to ne an exact replica of my buddy's.
My thought is that carving and such is to make a gun PERSONAL. When my grand daughter and her boys look at one of my rifles they will see things about it that say it was mine. My other stuff? Not so much so.
Can CNC produce individuality? maybe it can fake it, if the operator can input it into the machine. But it will not have the touches of the artist. The faint showings of corrections to the carving. The sudden departure in the work denoting an inspiration.
Old guns that were atelier or factory produced have charm which a brand new gun will not. It comes of long use imprinting people on the fabric of the gun. AI can not do that either.
I am reserving judgment, but my gut says this is a step too far, and in the wrong direction.
 
He showed pretty. But I am uneasy with it. Back in the day, I might go to a smith and say you built a gun for my buddy and I really like it. But when it came to carving and engraving and such I do not think I would want my gun to ne an exact replica of my buddy's.
My thought is that carving and such is to make a gun PERSONAL. When my grand daughter and her boys look at one of my rifles they will see things about it that say it was mine. My other stuff? Not so much so.
Can CNC produce individuality? maybe it can fake it, if the operator can input it into the machine. But it will not have the touches of the artist. The faint showings of corrections to the carving. The sudden departure in the work denoting an inspiration.
Old guns that were atelier or factory produced have charm which a brand new gun will not. It comes of long use imprinting people on the fabric of the gun. AI can not do that either.
I am reserving judgment, but my gut says this is a step too far, and in the wrong direction.
This all sounds flowery and nice, but there are VERY few that can pull off carving well. That is, at a high level can demonstrate the characteristics you mention. To be honest, most being done today has serious shortcomings. At least in my view.

I think the how this is accomplished influences the judgement in some. I for one, have never been one to get overly concerned about how something is made, but rather judge it on its own merits.
 
This all sounds flowery and nice, but there are VERY few that can pull off carving well. That is, at a high level can demonstrate the characteristics you mention. To be honest, most being done today has serious shortcomings. At least in my view.

I think the how this is accomplished influences the judgement in some. I for one, have never been one to get overly concerned about how something is made, but rather judge it on its own merits.
Thanks for you interest and I see value in your take. That said, multiple identical rifles are not necessarily bad. I collect Savage 99's. Only bring up the unmentionable to make a point.

I am in accord with your view on most carvings done today. Even primitive carving on rifles of the 18th and early 19th century had a spontaneity lacking on most any rifle carved these days. Yes, my judgment is affected by CNC use for ornamental carving. Does not bother me on mass produced furniture legs, for example. But a long rifle is a much more personal thing. I would want the carving to reflect me and not be present on multiple other guns.

It is why the rifle Rick Baker is building for me is iron mounted on an unadorned cherry stock.

I mentioned earlier in another thread the subtle beauty of British "best" guns. When you encounter one you see the whole gun. It is a gorgeous whole. It is only later on further inspection that you see the checkering, engraving and inlaying that contribute to the whole.
If i have a gun built, or do it my self, that is what I would strive for.
 
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I don't believe labeling Solonco as a Debbie downer is of any value, His statements have plenty of merit. Hand carving is an art as many on this forum have learned or are trying to learn. What Jim is providing in the future will benefit those like me who can't draw a stick person less learn to carve or those of us that can't afford the price of an artist to do it for them. For those that can crave ..... they will still be in high demand and there will always be a difference in the finale product.
Hopefully Jim will let us pick an option on what will be carved "like a picture" in that Sears catalog we enjoyed. WZ
No one that thinks this is awesome needs to hear a Debbie downer tell us why he doesn’t like it!!
 
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