Kentucky
Rifle Foundation
Suggested Reading
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.
