The Artist
About the Artists
I am a 7th generation descendant of the legendary Beck gunsmiths of Lancaster and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. One Beck rifle was built by John P. Beck, and presented to President George Washington, this rifle is currently in the Frazier Museum in Kentucky. Growing up hearing the Beck family oral history from my Grandfather, I became fascinated with long rifles and began studying their design and building.
I began working as a carpenter in 2008. I worked for a master cabinet maker in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania as an apprentice honing the skills necessary for the craft. I launched my website in 2021 to persevere the Families legacy building Long rifles. I had the opportunity to learn from Ian Pratt and Ken Gahagan at Canters Cave.
I have a full time career and create rifles on the side for the art and history. I hope to build rifles for individuals to share my family’s history. Though I may make one for you, I really make them for myself.
Living in the Susquehanna Valley, I am at the epicenter for history involving the Long Rifle and it’s construction.
I have had the opportunity to study many American and European arms in museums and private collections, including the Pennsylvania Longrifle Museum.
Through careful examination and meticulous study, I attempt to take note of the small details of original rifles and strive to incorporate these aspects of authenticity into my own work.
Stocks are shaped from a blank using planes, spokeshaves, rasps, and finally scrapers - creating a rifle that has a feel unlike anything made using modern techniques.
Locks and furniture are customized to appear authentic. Using many of the same hand tools and techniques as gunsmiths in the 18th century, I strive to give my work the look and feel of a fine quality original. Subtle imperfections and mistakes are inherent in all handmade works.
Click here to check out my blog, " From the Workshop" for updates and previous work.
I am fascinated by early American History and the rugged individualism of the frontier. Check out my Essay, "The American Long Rifle" or Digital Art to further immerse yourself.
