Tip Curtis Rifles

[dpkdavis]

Just a few days ago I started my research on flintlock rifles. I found the forum here (thanks for it). Stated some information about myself and location in new members forum. Well I had a local guy on here, found me via the new member forum and told me about Tip Curtis. Small world I live 32.5 miles from my front door to his. I called and drove up yesterday and spent the day with him. WOW I walked in the door and he was doing some stock work. In my research up to this point I felt I knew what I was looking for. Well after talking to him for a few hours he answered a lot of questions. I thank him for that. And now I truly understand what I want. Just wanted to say thanks for the forum and all the information I have found here. Now that I have it figured out what I want in my first flintlock (.50 cal Tennessee) I'm now looking at a fowler for bird/small game. I'm hook.

 

[silly goose]

In my opinion, you could not have gotten a better start. I hope to own a Tip Curtis gun someday. If it wasn't a 16 hour drive I'd have been to his shop by now. I just need 3 days to be able to burn, oh, and about $1500. I don't think you could put a price on time spent learning from him. Congratulations, and when are we gonna see a pic of that Tennessee?

 

[curiousgb]

I live within driving distance. One day I really want to go to his shop. Preferably before my wife figures out what is happening.

 

[frogwalking]

My wife and I swung by Tip's place a few months ago while visiting grandchildren. I left her sitting in the car reading as I told her I would be about 15 minutes. Two hours later she came in to get me and my new gun parts. She spent another hour talking with Tip. Wonderful man and wonderful place for a bp shooter to spend an afternoon (and some $).

 

[maypo59]

I live about an hour further away, been there once, but hadn't called ahead.. missed him. Did drool all over the windows though. I really need to take the time to run down there again.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

... missed him. I really need to take the time to run down there again.

Yes, yes ... you sure do!

I'll admit he probably is in the top 3 of the nicest people that I have ever met and instantly bonded with, having never met the man before. When I left, I felt more like I was leaving my favorite Uncle's place, than that of a stranger's ...

 

[dpkdavis]

All so true. Super nice guy and all. But lets not forget he makes some really nice muzzleloaders and from my research good prices to. He has about 40 guns there ready to go. I'm very lucky to be so close. What has said about being a long lost uncle is so true. We talked for hours and I felt bad for pulling him away from work there. He is off to FL now put on his return. I'm going to make it a point of taking him to dinner. Back home we would just say "He's just good people"

 

[don hepler]

Good deal.... Look in the General Muzzleloading section, under Photos, and you can see a couple Tip Curtis rifles, Mine is on page 2. We'll need to see some pics of your rifle, too.

 

[smo]

I could send every day at Tips place just shootin' the breeze with him. He's truly a great guy and a wealth of knowledge. :wink: He told me he started building muzzleloaders when he was 16 years old. :thumbsup:

 

[fleener]

does Tip do all of the building himself? If so, how does he do so many rifles in a year and have good quality? I have looked at his rifles at Friendship and was impressed with the quality of the inletting.

Fleener

 

[dpkdavis]

Well his shop is 50 yards from his house for one. He lost his wife a few years back. None of his kids or step kids live close. He has a lot of time on his hands. With all that. I think that's why he is so easy to talk with. When there each time I tried to leave I felt myself being pulled back into the conversation. I personally can relate. I have the empty nest thing going on at home. I was in the army over 20 years gone all the time between Afghanistan and Iraq the last few years. I retire and not long after my baby goes off to college. When your life is all about the kids and than they are gone. I look at my wife of 25 years just us now and I ask myself who is she ?? LOL

 

[Wes/Tex]

Time to get reacquainted! :thumbsup:

 

[Mike New]

I live about forty minutes away from Mr. Curtis. I have been to his shop many times. He knows what works and why. He doesn't know me from Adam but he all ways talks to me like he has known me all our lives. I wish I could go and spend $1000 a week. Mike N.

 

[smo]

That would not be hard to do for several weeks :haha: :haha: If only I had that many thousands..... :shake:

 

[Mike New]

I have to be careful of how much money I take with me when I visit Mr. Curtis. I bet suppliers have a name for men like me with glassed over eyes and callused hands with cash they will gladly hand over for locks, barrels or wood. Good topic!! Mike N.

 

[Danny Ross]

I have a 50cal Lancaster model I bought from him a few years ago and that thing shoots. He is defiantly a gentleman and doesn't know a stranger. If you can't make his shop in Tennessee not to far over the Kentucky state line, he goes to Friendship, IN twice a year and takes all of the guns in his shop when he goes, both in the white and finished. I know he goes to other shoots I just don't know what they are. His prices are very reasonable (that is unless you are afflicted with "I GOT TO HAVE one of those." disease) and his quality is unsurpassed. I hope it won't be for some years yet, but when he passes this sport will loose a great man and gunsmith. DANNY

 

[fleener]

I will be heading to Oakridge TN to shoot in March, looks like his shop is not too far off my path. Will have to stop and see him.

Fleener

 

[smo]

Yep he is just North of Nashville just call before you to make sure he will be there first. Mr Tip is a busy man, he makes quite a few road trips in the Spring and Fall.

 

[TFoley]

He is defiantly a gentleman and doesn't know a stranger.

I guess I'm missing something important here. Can you explain what you mean by this sentence?

tac

 

[silly goose]

It sounds to me that he is saying Tip is a gentleman, and that he treats people he doesn't know as if they were a friend, in accordance with what most others are conveying in one way or another. I've only had phone conversations with Tip and it seemed like he enjoyed the conversation, even though I don't know what I'm talking about. The more he talked, the more I realized I didn't know. :grin: