Growing up in NE Pennsylvania my father ignited a passion for hunting and fishing which led to my graduating from Paul Smith's College with a degree in Forestry. My early years fighting fire as a Forest Service (FS) La Grande Smokejumper then as the first Union Hotshot fire crew supervisor was part time and I began working as an apprentice gunsmith at the Blue Mt. Gunshop in La Grande Oregon in 1982. I opened my own shop in 1990 continuing until 1994 when I closed to pursue my Forest Service career. Even then I continued to apply my gunsmith skills part time.
I was very active in the La Grande Rifle and Pistol Club and served as a Trustee, managed and coached the Youth Rifle team and started the Bench Rest Program at that club. It was as a competitive Bench Rest shooter my desire to build Precision Rifles began.
Throughout these years I had the opportunities to learn from Master Gunsmiths; Bill Knechtel, Pete Grisel, and Ferris Pindel to mention a few. I studied the techniques of Greg Tannel, and Gordy Gritters and continue to learn as the technology evolves.
My passion for gun work led to a desire to have enough room to build and shoot quality precise rifles. That home is in Council, Idaho; two hours north of Boise.
Council Mountain Gunworks opened its doors in 2011. The shop is located on 97 open acres and is fully equipped and dedicated to building precision and custom rifles as well as restoration and customization of quality firearms.
I was very active in the La Grande Rifle and Pistol Club and served as a Trustee, managed and coached the Youth Rifle team and started the Bench Rest Program at that club. It was as a competitive Bench Rest shooter my desire to build Precision Rifles began.
Throughout these years I had the opportunities to learn from Master Gunsmiths; Bill Knechtel, Pete Grisel, and Ferris Pindel to mention a few. I studied the techniques of Greg Tannel, and Gordy Gritters and continue to learn as the technology evolves.
My passion for gun work led to a desire to have enough room to build and shoot quality precise rifles. That home is in Council, Idaho; two hours north of Boise.
Council Mountain Gunworks opened its doors in 2011. The shop is located on 97 open acres and is fully equipped and dedicated to building precision and custom rifles as well as restoration and customization of quality firearms.
