My Uncle is a pretty amazing guy...

So I grew up apprenticing under my Uncle who is a pretty well known maker of contemporary flintlock rifles. These are the types of rifles used in the Revolutionary war era. I've built a few myself (that I'm incredibly proud of) but it pales in comparison to his work. This is the man himself in his shop. Amazingly his shop really isn't anything special in and of itself, beyond the man and the things he creates in there.

This particular one is called a "swivel breach" allowing you to fire, flip the barrels and have another shot, since they're muzzle loaders.

Honestly this man taught me everything I know. How to be a man, how to treat family right, how to always keep pushing for excellence. He's full of incredible stories and advice. I spent the better part of 10 years in the woods, at the range, or in his shop learning from him.

All of this work starts off as a plank of wood (mostly curly maple). The metal inlays start off as sheet metal (mostly silver and brass). The metal work, the carving, the engraving is all 100% done by hand from scratch... by him.

The photos don't even do them justice. And he shoots, hunts, and makes sure all his rifles get full use. He hates the idea of making one that'll just end up above someone's fireplace.

Most of the rifles are Lancaster style (akin to how they were made in Lancaster County by gunsmiths of that era). He's done a number of random projects as well in other styles, the contemporary ones are my favorite though.

These 4 are made for each of his 4 grandchildren. They all shoot them (very well too). They're much smaller than the normal ones.

Every detail right down to the wood he picks is impressive. Some of the best advice he ever told me after I got frustrated one day was "A true craftsman isn't one who can make it perfect, a true craftsman is the best at fixing their mistakes"

Another photo of the "grandchildren" collection.

I never got to build a swivel breach before "real life" took over, but he's become quite well known for them. He actually machines and sells the kit he invented for other gun builders to use in their own projects.

And another of him in his element. Just wanted to share, and show some love to a great man and his work.