Contemporary Longrifle Foundation

The Contemporary Longrifle Foundation (CLF) operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit incorporated in Virginia, dedicated exclusively to funding the Contemporary Longrifle Association (CLA) and the artists who build contemporary longrifles and related accoutrements.

The Foundation makes grants to the CLA that directly support master gunbuilders and craftspeople working in the longrifle tradition. Rather than selling firearms or running a retail operation, the CLF functions as the financial backbone enabling the CLA to support its community of artisans.

One flagship initiative showcases the Foundation's work: the John Jacob Sheetz Rifle Project. Commissioned to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, master builders Darrin McDonal (Channahon, Illinois) and Jim Parker (Warrior, Alabama) spent hundreds of hours creating a documentary copy of the original Sheetz rifle—a Kentucky longrifle carried by William Ross during the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.

The Original Rifle's History: > On January 8, 1815, William Ross carried this .38 caliber flintlock into battle as a member of Captain Thomas Beale's Rifle Corps under General Andrew Jackson. The rifle features a 42-inch wrought iron barrel marked "J. SHEETZ," expertly carved curly maple stock, and classic Virginia styling with hand-engraved edelweiss motifs and silver inlays.

The documentary copy matched 25 trial wood samples to recreate the original's color and underwent meticulous documentation with over 1,000 photographs during construction.

The Foundation connects with serious contemporary longrifle builders:

• •Darrin McDonal: 28-gun builder, NMLRA member, specializes in 1750-1780s flintlock long guns and pistols. Contact: 815-467-8108 or [email protected]
• •Jim Parker: Mechanical engineer and 63-gun builder, lifetime NRA member, seven-year CLA member. Contact: 205-566-1387 or [email protected]

Contributors to recent projects have included Ed Rayl (barrel), Wayne Dunlop (stock blank), Jim Chambers (lock), and others providing specialized components.

Mailing Address: Post Office Box 2247 Staunton, Virginia 24402

• •Phone: 540-886-6189
• •Email: [email protected]

The Foundation maintains an active social media presence on Facebook and Instagram, where they share project updates, builder features, and auction announcements.