Custom Rifles in Black and White

            by Steven Dodd Hughes

Custom Rifles in black & white showcases 40 of the finest Bolt Action,
Lever Action and Single-Shot custom rifles by America's elite craftsmen.
Descriptive accounts, combined with more than 250 photographs, reveal the
art & function of working rifles.  $34., postpaid in USA, $45., international.

Just as firearms historians have acknowledged the Pennsylvania longrifle and the London double-gun as examples of outstanding gunmaking, contemporary American custom rifles have become a recognized school of firearms artistry. Custom Rifles in black & white, by Steven Dodd Hughes presents an unusual and curious look at 40 custom rifles created by America’s elite craftsmen during the final 15 years of the recent century.

Profusely illustrated with more than 250 black & white photographs, the rifles are presented in close-up and full-length views. Each rifle is accompanied by informative text explaining the design, function and esthetics, along with a dose of workshop insight.

The soft cover book’s 194 pages are wrapped with engaging color photography. Bolt Action, Single-shot and Lever Action rifles are included. The majority of the rifles were built for serious shooting; only a few presentation pieces are included. The rifles range from .22 to .485 and encompass examples of traditional, contemporary and classic, target and hunting rifles. The stories and photos combine to reveal the art and performance of elegant working rifles.

“A quality custom rifle must integrate three essential features to achieve recognition,” Hughes writes, “First, it must be fully functional and accurate. Second, it must be pleasing to the eye and equally proportioned throughout. And finally, a custom rifle must possess a balance and handling quality appropriate to the desired shooting discipline.”

Each rifle was individually examined, handled and chosen for this book by Hughes. “When I write about custom rifles, I try to convey these qualities to the reader who is unable to touch the rifles himself.”

Steven Dodd Hughes has been professionally building custom rifles for more than two decades. His articles about, and photographs of custom guns have appeared in most American firearms periodicals.

Hughes’ text is written in a clear, concise and enlightening manner. His photographs reveal the craftsman’s eye for purpose, fine lines and exquisite detail. “There are few things in our modern world, even fewer that are hand-crafted, that unite art and function, and are sized to fit and made to order.” Custom Rifles in black & white was made to order for anyone who has ever dreamed of owning or building a custom rifle.

Early response to the book has been laudatory, extolling the depth and quality printing of the photographs. The detail is sharp and clear, bringing the rifles to life so you can almost feel the warmth of the wood and the cool steel of the barrel. Hughes’ discussions of the process of creating a custom rifle, brings light to the intricate talents each individual craftsman bestows upon one rifle.

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