LONGRIFLE OVERVIEW

            In no way do I consider myself an expert; rather, someone who like yourself, chooses to study any information I can to further my own knowledge on the longrifles and pistols of our past. As you shop through the pages of this catalog, understand I have done my best up to the current limit of my education thus far! We all learn everyday, and I am no exception. In my case, I am being happily forced to explore all styles instead of concentrating on one or two. This makes my task extremely challenging; but quite frankly, a lot of fun! From brand new customers, I get more questions about what Kentucky rifles are, than all else. It is not a bad question. Consider that in the early days of our country, our state lines were ever changing with growth and our current definition of Kentucky is not what it was in 1771. In fact, the whole territory west of the Cumberlands and south of the Ohio was considered “Kentucky.” When I learned this simple historical fact, I finally understood as to why we hear a Pennsylvania longrifle referred to as a “Kentucky rifle.” If there is any one thing I can recommend to newcomers or anyone, it is the accumulating of books that will have the most impact on your knowledge. Also, think about their time frame. Imagine something as basic as light. What did they do for and with light? Think about the hours by candlelight, windows, time outside, and just how they may have used light. They certainly had a disadvantage there in comparison to what we have now. I think about those things and try to use as few power tools as possible when I build, but find myself always needing more light, both direct and indirect! Also, learning what tools do the best for the task at hand has got to be the best well kept secret(s). And study features that make a style what it is compared to another. Then look forward to the day, at a point in the future of your learning process, when you will become able to recognize those small but important features that make up the backbone of these schools.
            If learning these schools and styles is indeed your focus, one of two of the finest and most valuable books you can acquire is “Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age.” This book is considered the manual by which most contemporary builders base their study upon. Written by Joe Kindig, Jr., annotated and published by George Shumway, it is a huge book and one of, if not the largest and most thorough studies available on schools of gunsmithing. This work was initially written as a pictorial of known original pieces. I don’t think it was originally intended to be used as it has been by builders. A gunmaker of these fine rifles needs the views which are normally not presented in this book. Belly views, top, wrist and buttstock enlargements as well as close-ups of forestock details are vital to show mountings, relationships and visual dimensions necessary for re-creating these weapons. Views of this nature are indeed available in another highly sought after two volume set of equal importance, known as “Rifles of Colonial America.” This set and the first mentioned book are now available once again for a short time limited run. I highly recommend them to anyone interested in the gun history of our nation. And yes, I will offer them through our company as long as they are available. If you purchase no other books, purchase these. I did, and look where I am today! (Or should I say…… look at what I’ve gotten myself into! Hopelessly hooked!)

ATTENTION  !!!!         PLEASE READ !!!!    -  NEW STOCKS – NEW SUPPLIER!

As you look through the latest stocks available through MBS, please note that these stocks are made to help you by providing a basis for the school of your new rifle. I can tell you that most stock profiles are capable of producing several rifle styles or a style by different makers. In the hands of a capable builder, many stock styles can be manipulated to provide you with a range of “original” representations. This is our best way to cover so much ground. While I am trying to improve the quantity and variety of rifle stocks I cannot keep every combination of stock & size in inventory. That is impossible for the quality control necessary. So as a matter of necessity, we have our stock shop process your orders when you order, so expect as much as 4 to 6 weeks for delivery during the busy winter months. In time, I will have more stocks in inventory, so just ask. I will try to do this more often for your convenience.
            At this time we are currently working on several new patterns and the furniture to match as well. These projects are underway and I look forward to surprising you with them as they are completed. The best new projects will be pistols in the short term and many new castings. There is a great need for castings from original pieces or from correct documentation on these beautiful guns! I am currently trying to procure more original pieces and access to others for future projects as well. I surely look forward to helping you!

God bless you and yours, and thank you for choosing all of us at MBS for your supplier.