"Special Finds", a gun you had been looking for, an unexpected find you couldn't pass up, or maybe an out of prduction gun you regret having not purchased. I think you get the idea.
Mine? Actually I have a couple but, to me, the best one was .50 caliber walnut halfstock caplock Hawken made up by Robert Richey of Lewistown, Montana. As well known gun builders go Richey may not ring a bell with you. I don't believe he advertised his gun making talent for sale. I ran across him when I was a young man in 1978. I'd been shooting my T/C Hawken for at least two years by then and was in the early throws of my blackpowder shooting addiction. I met him through and older fellow, who had to be at least 30, who Richey was just finishing a Leman rifle for. From that point on I would visit Richey when I could find him in his shop.
If I recall correctly Richey, let's just call him Bob, had built his first guns for himself and a close friend for them to hunt deer together. His friend has since died of a diabetes related condition. I believe Bob also suffered the same ailment. Anyway I left Lewistown for Sedalia, MO before I could work a way of having Bob build me a Leman gun. Had I the money at the time it might have happened. My later adventures would find me back ln Montana, eastern this time. I checked for Bob from time to time but never reconnected. I later heard Bob had passed.
Like others I scan the web in search of classic muzzleloaders. About 10 years ago I happened across the Hawken rifle built by and marked Robert Richey with a cross figure following it. The condition, not perfect, and price worked for me, plus it was a Robert Richey build. I bought it on the spot. I had to lap the barrel a bit but it shoots well.
I never thought I see another Robert Richey gun until a lucked into this special find. Do you have a special find story to share?
Mine? Actually I have a couple but, to me, the best one was .50 caliber walnut halfstock caplock Hawken made up by Robert Richey of Lewistown, Montana. As well known gun builders go Richey may not ring a bell with you. I don't believe he advertised his gun making talent for sale. I ran across him when I was a young man in 1978. I'd been shooting my T/C Hawken for at least two years by then and was in the early throws of my blackpowder shooting addiction. I met him through and older fellow, who had to be at least 30, who Richey was just finishing a Leman rifle for. From that point on I would visit Richey when I could find him in his shop.
If I recall correctly Richey, let's just call him Bob, had built his first guns for himself and a close friend for them to hunt deer together. His friend has since died of a diabetes related condition. I believe Bob also suffered the same ailment. Anyway I left Lewistown for Sedalia, MO before I could work a way of having Bob build me a Leman gun. Had I the money at the time it might have happened. My later adventures would find me back ln Montana, eastern this time. I checked for Bob from time to time but never reconnected. I later heard Bob had passed.
Like others I scan the web in search of classic muzzleloaders. About 10 years ago I happened across the Hawken rifle built by and marked Robert Richey with a cross figure following it. The condition, not perfect, and price worked for me, plus it was a Robert Richey build. I bought it on the spot. I had to lap the barrel a bit but it shoots well.
I never thought I see another Robert Richey gun until a lucked into this special find. Do you have a special find story to share?
