Kentucky Rifle Foundation
Suggested Reading

Selected Articles from the Kentucky Rifle Association Bulletin - Vol. 1-30
The material contained in this book is a collection of the best articles published in the KRA Bulletin over the last 30 years. The book has 552 pages of information regarding the Kentucky Rifle and its use previously available only to Kentucky Rifle Association members. The book contains 157 articles and over 750 halftones and line drawings. Over 70 gunsmiths and their families are included and over 20 gunsmith schools are discussed.

Chapters include:

• Kentucky Rifle Architecture
• Kentucky Rifle Variations
• The Kentucky Rifle at War
• The aforementioned Gunsmiths & their families
• Gunsmith Schools
• plus a number of articles on Powder Horns, Hunting Pouches, and Tomahawks

It is a must read! Available from the Kentucky Rifle Foundation at $75.00 plus $12.50 S&H. (Note: GA and PA residents add 6% sales tax.) Send check or money order to:

The Kentucky Rifle Foundation
PO Box 768532
Roswell, GA 30076

Longrifle Series: A great group of books published by George Shumway, R. D. 7, York PA 17402. Order direct or from a major bookseller.

Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age by Joe Kindig, Jr.
Although not the earliest, this book, published in 1960, was at the time and still is considered the Kentucky Rifle bible. Kindig challenged the collectors of 'Kentucky Rifles' to enhance and continue to update his research. The above listed book Selected Articles from the Kentucky Rifle Association Bulletin - Vol. 1-30 answers that challenge to a great degree.
(Available at Amazon.com)

Rifles of Colonial America - Vol I and II by George Shumway
Volume I was published in 1980 and Volume II came shortly after. Shumway had access to the Kindig collection plus the support of a number of KRA members. If you are serious about this hobby or an individual developing an interest, you need Volume I and II in your library.
(Available at Amazon.com)

George Schreyer Sr & Jr - Gunmakers of Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania by George Shumway
First published in 1990, it is recognized as the most informative historical account of these famous gunsmiths. A firm response to Kindig's challenge.
(Available at Amazon.com)

Longrifles of North Carolina by John Bivins, Jr.
John Bivins was a true student of the Kentucky Rifle. He collected them, made them and freely gave advice to anyone who asked questions. His knowledge and interest in North Carolina rifles took him past the rifle itself and into the documents of the region and time of his study - 1750 thru 1850. Biographical data on more than 400 NC gunsmiths is given.
(Available at Amazon.com)

Gunsmiths of Ohio 18th and 19th centuries by Donald Hutslar
Biographical data on over 2,400 Ohio gunsmiths is included in this study. The author integrates the firearm into the economic and social growth of Ohio.
(Available at Amazon.com)

The Kentucky Rifle by Capt. John Dillin
This well known book, the first study of the American longrifle, was published in 1924. It is still in demand and in its 5th or 6th printing. It is a classic and will allow the reader to see just how far more recent research efforts have progressed.
(Available at Amazon.com)

Arms Makers of Maryland by Daniel D Hartzler
Maryland was an important producer of handmade guns in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Some of the most beautiful flintlock rifles known were produced in the state. Over 250 gunsmiths are listed in this book.
(Available at Amazon.com)

The Foundation Board of Directors will be adding a list of 10 additional books in the near future.