This is the gunsmithing forum.

I'm here because I seem to have caught some kind of disease: About three years ago I became obsessed with building rifles.

I quit reading "The New Yorker,"--well, I didn't quit completely--and spent much of my free time reading books like Dunlap's "Gunsmithing" book.

And looking at photographs of Mausers.

I'm not in the same tax bracket as most of our contributors, and that includes the 'smiths.

But I spent whatever discretionary income I had on rifles.

With no regret.

I'll never build a rifle to compare with those of our valued Guild members.

But I'm proud of the few rifles I've built, and not ashamed.

My question, I expect, is mainly for gunsmiths, and I'm not certain there will be any responses.

On the highest level--Guild firearms--'smiths depend on the patronage of clients much more affluent than they.

There are no doubt great advantages to being a 'smith. One can live in firearms friendly environs, which, to some degree, often coincide with game rich environs.

One can take time off during hunting season, and, if you're lucky, you're invited to hunt with your clients.

And, from my point of view, there's a satisfaction in building a fine firearm that transcends any satisfaction from making a lot of money.

I believe the talented gunsmith has earned an immense pride.

Earned it.

That said, what we see here every day is alliances between clients, often businessmen, with a talent for making money, and gunsmiths, with a talent for making beautiful firearms.

My belief is that this is sometimes--on the part of clients--a love/hate relationship.

The affluent can purchase most anything. There's little doubt of that.

But they will never be able to buy the ability to create a beautiful firearm.

Because this is the result of a lifetime's dedication. And talent. And discipline.

And living without the kind of pleasures that money can buy.

flaco

N.B. I'd love to hear from patrons, but... please search your soul before you answer.