It was discovered that the gunstock patterns made by Darwin Hensley are no longer in the families possession. If anyone hears about someone having a Darwin Hensley patterned gunstock being made...please contact Steve Nelson of Nelson's Custom Guns.

541-745-5232 or nelsons-custom@comcast.net He is handling this matter for the Hensley family.

Thank you

How can I recognize one?

Darwin was a master at carving details into his patterns. There are shadow line details and carved patterns around ejection ports, bolt handles, bolt stops, behind grip caps.... Darwin earned a Certification as a Master Carver and taught at University of Washington for a while. He specialized in restoration of antique carved furniture and carried this trait into his gunstock making. It was never gaudy. It was always done in a way to accent that which was already there in the action shaping.

Also Darwin's patterns were always one off patterns. He would use a planer piece of wood for the outside of the pattern. The inside of the pattern is always bedded to the exact action that was to be carved. Then Darwin would have either Bob Gibson or John Vest carve 1 to 1 from his pattern. He was heavily influenced by the German and English rifle/shotgun makers of the 1880-1920's.

Clear as mud what to look for; I'll keep my eye out for them and I will let you know if I see a copy.

OK some one steal them,????

on the plus side we won't worry about blaser geting them

Darwin was a master of detail. Lines were sharp and defined. The lines always flowed with the geometry of the action and the purpose of the gun. Big Game rifles were functional and traditional with details that identify a Darwin Hensley gunstock. Once you have seen a Hensley stock, you will not forget it easily.

As to "were they stolen"....that I can not say. Trez Hensley (his son) reported them missing on Saturday. Trez is a member of the ACGG as was his Father. Darwin has been gone from our ranks for 10 years(7 years prior, Parkinson's Disease caused him to cease building. His passing was 3 years ago).

As a way of explanation as to why I am reporting this....I owe my choice of Professional endeavor because of the encouragement and persistence of Darwin. His faith in my ability and his doggedness for 15 years...... has been fruitful.

"A picture is worth a thousand words."

THAT is a gorgeous stick....

Jesus that is a beautiful rifle.