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Even though I have made my living mainly in information technologies, I have always considered myself an artist with interests in all types of arts and crafts. Very early, however, I fell in love with antique guns, particularly the American longrifle. I was captivated by the artistry and craftsmanship of these guns. The variety of skills required to create one also appealed to me as well as its importance in the development of this nation.
I started out with a CVA pistol kit when I was in seventh grade and built an absolutely awful rifle from scratch when I was in high school and college. We didn't have the resources in those days that we do today, and I really didn't know what I was doing. I didn't start another rifle for 15 years. Tired of just working with computers day in and day out, I started piddling with my second rifle in 1995 and finally finished it in 1999. I won a Judges Choice award for that rifle at Dixon's Gunmakers Fair that Summer. It provided the encouragement to keep building. I have been studying and building seriously since 2003.
In an effort to continually improve my gun building skills, I regularly attend the Dixon's Gunmakers Fair and have attended the Armsmakers Workshop at Conner Prairie, and the N.M.L.R.A. Gunsmithing Workshop in Bowling Green, Kentucky. I also take every opportunity to study original guns, making appointments as necessary to view both public and private collections.
I have a particular fondness for iron mounted southern rifles; particularly the guns made in the region from Augusta County Virginia southwest into East Tennessee. I am currently concentrating on building rifles from Virginia. There are plenty of folks building Pennsylvania rifles.
I am building only as a hobby at this time, pursuing projects that interest me for myself, my family and my friends.
If you would like to contact me, please e-mail me at melliott@valongrifles.com. I am always interested in examining original longrifles, buying original parts or buying good original guns in need of a little work.
As much as I love building my longrifles, I love the Lord Jesus more because he died so that sinners like you and I might be forgiven our sins and have eternal life. Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven and trying to get better each day. As a sinner needing forgiveness; just ask the Lord Jesus into your life; repent of your sins; rejoice in the fact that your sins, past, present, and future are forgiven and forgotten; and let the Lord help you each day to become better and better. It is a life long journey, but the end of the journey is eternal life. Don't wait, start your journey today! Jesus loves you and is waiting for you to ask him into your life. Once you do, you will also find that he will lift your burdens and make things possible that are far beyond your capabilities.
Thanks,
Mark E. Elliott
This page was last updated on 01/12/08 .