I'm not sure how much deep relief wood stock carving you see. The net, watching from home, and the ease with which you can "tune in" here makes it pretty common-place. I honestly do not know another person doing this. Sure - it exists. I'm sure there are hundreds of them. But - do you know any?

If I had the mystery of being from some obscure Swiss village ... I think it would all be far more unique. I've got the white beard, the wire rim glasses, and the leather apron ... but, it's my fault for being accessible. My e-mails have told me, for many years now, that the general lack of comments comes from the fact that readers expect nothing less from me now. Hummm.

Well, starting a new series of Epidural Injections this morning, I didn't know how I'd feel today. I stayed up late, and finished that carving on the Caribou rifle.







I really enjoy doing this detail work on my guns. Problem is ... it takes alot of time. And, I can't just keep adding more and more, and keep the prices the same. So; if I were to add in another couple of layers of the skill sets I've developed thru the several decades I've studied and worked ... I'd be completing work that would have to be marketed totally different from the business model I've worked with thru the past 13 years.

I've been trying to show you more and more, and still balance the work so that it will still get into the field (Occasionally).

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy seeing the progression of work.

Gary

Gary, I'm not sure I can even begin to comprehend the skill, patience and artistry that goes into a work like that!
I can understand the frustration of never seeing that work again, once it departs your workshop....but maybe there is a some satisfaction to be had that people covet these works of art to such an extent that they treat them as such and treasure them and derive satisfaction from getting them out of the cabinet and admiring them now and then? Like you though, I'd love to see them in action more, but then that artwork might get dinged....
Enjoyed seeing the progress on this gun immensely, thanks.
Neil

Cool stuff!

Is the stock ready for application of a finish before you start carving?

That's really beautiful, Gary. It's really interesting to see how things have evolved over the years.

looks great , but as youve said allready , its what we expect , i really hope the new injections work well for you , and they dont knock you sideways with aftereffects.
t

Neil, Dan, Doug, Tom ....

Thanks for your comments.

I'll answer the questions together. First ... I understand that someone would not take this rifle out, toss it in the back of the pick-up ... and go coon hunting at night. However; everybody I know carries their guns in bullet-proof bank vault cases that could be dropped from 20,000 feet without damage. An afternoon, on a shooting bench, isn't real stressful to a gun. And then, there have been direct requests for video sweeps of the guns to be posted. I've never had a cam corder take a chunk out of one of my guns ... could happen I guess. Only for the risk-takers. haha.

The stock is shaped, and mostly sanded before carving. It's cleaned up afterwards. Yes - it's a stock oil finish. Seems to hold up wonderful and age well.

I'm sure that some think I'm bragging, but I don't initiate the ideas. I don't know where they come from. God must like airguns, I suppose. I have infinitely more ideas than I can begin to apply. The ones I make, often are a hybrid of previous work that intersects with some new idea. That mix seems to appeal to my sweet spot. When that sneaky garbage truck finally runs me down as I try to help a puppy ... someone remember that there are hundreds upon hundreds of shop drawings of designs and mechanisms. See Kelly.

I'm very lucky that these epidural injections work for me. For many people, they do nothing. It's just a matter of where my damage is located, and how the steriod effects me. It's a Godsend, or I'd be out of business. You can work thru pain, but not agony.

Thanks for reading guys. I enjoy your company.

Gary

I'll be vewy, VEWY careful.

Gary,
I have been lucky enough to have shared your passion with you over the last half dozen years. It has been a blast to see you continue to transform and improve on the state of the art as well as to see the variety of art mediums you work in. The Caribou is another grand creation which while deserving respect, I would no hesitate to take it afield. I cherish the minute character lines some of my guns have obtained while hunting. They give life to the piece as much as any picture or wall mount. Thanks again for sharing. Hope to see you again soon,
Kent

Yeah well, it's nice and all that but I still want to see MY idea of the "Jolie" gun get carved...

Thanks Kent,

That's the Spirit!

Hey ... what would the Liberty Bell be without the crack? haha. I'm glad you have used and enjoyed your guns. That's what they were made for ... by Golly.

You whip up some Steamed Shrimp, and I just might stop by ...

Gary

Very impressive carving Gary! It makes the gun look even more beautiful and a treasure. I'd love to have it on my gun he..he.. Good job!!