Who to build from blank for you?

[Pee Wee]

If you could have any modern builder alive or dead from the 1950's to today build your rifle who would it be? Would you want a smooth bore or rifled bore? I have a SMR that was a Kibler kit built by Chuck Edwards, one IMO very good looking rifle in .45 cal. Next one will be a smooth bore in .58 or .62. Have been talking to 3 builders refining the build. Price wise they are all real close on cost. One has said he doesn't enjoy making the gun I set pictures to and he is 4-5 years out now, the other 2 are 1-2 years out. I think being able to shot shoot, ball, and buck and ball would put game on the table.

 

[Eric Krewson]

I can't answer your question, I built all of my guns. If I were you, I would keep a close eye on the classified here and the ALR site for a smooth bore, builders put their new guns up for sale often on these sites, the best work shows up on the ALR site.

Here is some fine work that is posted on the ALR site right now.

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=72432.msg736209#new

 

[Grenadier1758]

Well, @Pee Wee, here in the midwest, not many builders of long guns will be better than Chuck Edwards. I would think long and hard about selecting a builder, no matter how good he may be, if he wouldn't enjoy making the gun you want.

 

[ronaldrothb49]

I build all of my rifles myself. If I could choose just one from another builder it would be John Schippers. He was a master at engraving and carving.

 

[rich pierce]

Eric Kettenburg for an early colonial rifle, Ken Gahagan for a Hudson Valley fowler (nobody else is even close), Ian Pratt for a creative gun of amazing artistry with forged iron mounts. But a personal connection with a strong, long-standing friendship wins, so Tom Curran. A Rifle of Unknown Origin by Tom Curran.

If I wanted an English gun it would be Dave Person.

 

[nchawkeye]

Hacker Martin....

 

[Cruzatte]

Right now I'm really into French trade guns. If I wanted a sure enough fusil de chasse, Alex Efremenko would be the guy.

 

[waksupi]

Monte Mandarino.

 

[rich pierce]

Monte Mandarino.

You must have expensive taste!

 

[ZUG]

Since I am not into historically accurate rifles or smoothbores I would pick me. This choice would save me a LOT of money and short completion date. My second choice would be a Kimber kit again cost effective and also a short wait time.

 

[waksupi]

You must have expensive taste!

If you're going to dream, dream big! Monte isn't building anymore, he just does restoration work now.

 

[Zutt-man]

Leland Davis out of Wells, KS makes great rifles

 

[S.Kenton]

Ken Netting is an excellent choice..Lee Wise is another fella who does a great job.

 

[CuNosecap]

Homer Dangler.

 

[SOLANCO]

Brad Emig.