My passion for guns came from my father. My father was a gunsmith and had his own shop in Montana for many years before selling out. He then did it part-time and when I was in my teens I took every opportunity to help out. I then attended Trinidad Junior College and became very interested in custom stock work. After graduation I went to Kalispel, Montana to apprentice under three custom rifle makers; Jerry Fisher, Don Klein, and D’Arcy Echols. Also in the shop were two engravers, Dan Goodwin and Steve Huff. This apprenticeship lasted 11 months and gave great insight from some of the top craftsmen. I was very fortunate to have had this opportunity to study under these men and for them to share their knowledge with me.
Less than a year later, I relocated to Enid, Oklahoma to work out of Chaplin Firearms Shop. I did the custom stock work on the Chaplin Rifle and did other jobs as well. It was in Enid that I met Jack Rowe. Jack is from England and trained in the gun trade from a young man. Jack mode to the U.S. in the 80’s and I was fortunate enough to work in the same shop as him for several years. It was through his influence that I became more interested in shotguns. I spent many hours with him going over the finer points of the working, styling, and handling of these guns.
In 1991 I looked into expanding my business. In decisions with Mike Murphey of Augusta, Kansas a decision was made to move to and oped up my shop. I have been specializing in fitted shotgun stocks. This covers everything from, new stocks built to customers dimensions (these are arrived from building a pattern stock), to bending, refinishing, and new pads.
I began competing in sporting clays in 1992, and have been in master class for several years. Between work and a family shooting is limited now, but I have still made many state teams and zone teams. I am also a state delegate in the NSCA for Kansas.
If you are interested in a custom fitted shotgun, from altering an existing gun or a brand new custom stock, I have the knowledge and expertise to handle all the details. Starting with the fitting or building a pattern stock to the help in choosing a checkering pattern through to the finished job. You will spend time in the shop working with your mount and grip configuration and then to the sporting course to shoot targets to ensure the fit.