18th Century Craftsman
Welcome!
I found my passion for 18th and 19th century trades being around many highly skilled craftsmen at Conner Prairie, a living history museum in Fishers, Indiana. I started as a youth volunteer and then became a paid employee, working nearly 15 years at the museum. While there, I built my first flintlock rifle in 2006 under the supervision of the late John (J.W.) Weston, known for his flintlock rifles. John was working with me on one of my first scratch builds when he passed away. Since then, I have continued to learn from others and spend time honing my skills to keep the historic craft alive.
Today, I am active in the War of 1812 re-enacting community and I’m currently serving as the president of the White River Guard, a local re-enacting group. I also assist others with building rifles at weekly work nights with the White River Guard.
In 2020, I started Aaron Owens Flintlocks LLC to provide high quality flintlock rifles to the muzzleloading community. Using modern technology, services, and providers when it makes financial sense, I strive to create a finished product that looks and feels like that of an original, using traditional techniques and tools to finish them.
If you are interested in an item on this page or a custom piece, please contact me.
Services
As a custom and semi-custom gunsmith, I offer the services below. To discuss you project please contact me.
Jim Kibler Flintlock kit assembly and customization (Starting at: $600 + kit cost)
Semi-custom flintlock rifle or pistol from a kit
Custom flintlock rifle or pistol
Carving
Engraving
Repairs
For Sale
This is a Kibler Longrifle kit that was assembled and finished per a customer's requirements. It has a curly maple stock with a .54 caliber swamped Rice barrel. It is finished with a Laurel Mountain stain and a hard durable, natural oil and resin finish that has been hand applied.
Interested in having a Kibler Longrifle kit assembled?
Starting at: $600 + kit cost
Inquire below!
Typical time frame 5-8 weeks from receiving the kit from the manufacturer.
Gun Sock
These gun socks have been custom designed and hand crafted to comfortably fit longrifles with a 61" overall length. Heavy wool construction with a leather tie will help protect you rifle during transport and at events.
Price: $30
Virginia Flintlock Rifle
Reserve Now!
Currently on the bench, this rifle is inspired by original rifles from the Upper River Valley School in Virginia. It has a custom profiled .54 caliber swamped barrel in a curly maple stock. The patch box will be a close reproduction of an original by Philip Sheets. The lock is a Jim Kibler round face english flintlock, arguably the best lock currently on the market.
Asking $2600
This rifle is inspired by the earliest known signed and dated American rifle, built by Joh Schreit in Reading, Pennsylvania. The overall lines are very similar and some of the engravings and much of the carving is inspired by that original rifle. There are certainly differences though from the original which is why it is "inspired."
It is stocked in curly maple and has a .54 caliber swamped barrel. It is finished with a multi-step traditional iron nitrate stain and a hard, durable, natural oil and resin finish that is hand applied in many coats. It has a custom coin silver front sight and cheek piece.
Asking $2400 SOLD!
North Carolina Flintlock Rifle
Currently on the bench, this rifle is inspired by rifles from the Deep River Valley school as identified by William Ivey. It has a .45 caliber straight barrel in a fairly plain maple stock. With the exception of the barrel and lock, all metal parts on this rifle have been hand crafted. The unique swivel patch box is specific to the Greenville area of North Carolina. The lock is a Jim Chambers Large Siler, which is renowned for its design and reliability.
Asking $2200 SOLD!
This colonial style rifle has influences from both Virginia and Pennsylvania. It is stocked in curly maple and has a .54 caliber swamped Rice barrel. It is finished with traditional aqua fortis stain and a hard, durable, natural oil and resin finish that is hand applied in many coats. The brass decorations and patch box are typical of Rupp style rifles. They are hand engraved with a traditional chasing hammer and gravers. The locks was made by Jim Chambers.
Asking $2400 SOLD!
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