LaMaster Arms

Brian LaMaster runs one of the country's most respected operations for 18th and 19th century American firearms—specifically Kentucky rifles, Pennsylvania longrifles, and period fowlers. Working out of High View, West Virginia, he combines master gunsmithing with deep historical knowledge to serve collectors, builders, and enthusiasts across the country.

Brian learned his craft under Keith Casteel in Woodstock, Virginia starting in 1985, and became a full-time master gunsmith in 1992. His work has been featured in Muzzleloader Magazine and multiple books. He built rifles used in the 1991 film Last of the Mohicans. As past president of both the Kentucky Rifle Association and Kentucky Rifle Foundation, his expertise in identifying regional styles, makers, and construction methods makes him a sought-after appraiser and consultant.

"From a flat bar of soft iron, hand forged into a gun barrel; laboriously bored and rifled with crude tools; fitted with a stock hewn from a maple tree in the neighboring forest; and supplied with a lock hammered to shape on the anvil..." —Captain John Dillin

• •Custom Rifle Builds - Scratch-built rifles and fowlers starting from a 2½" plank of wood. Hand-shaped stocks, custom patch boxes, thimbles, and inlays. Each gun is one-of-a-kind.
• •Fine Restorations - Period-correct restoration work that preserves the integrity and authenticity of each piece. Restorations are in the hands of prominent collectors nationwide.
• •Collection Appraisals & Consulting - Expert identification of regional makers, construction methods, rarity, and condition assessment. Collectors rely on Brian to establish provenance and authenticity.
• •Virtual Gun Shows - Integrity-based online auctions where collectors can buy and sell antique firearms with honest condition reports. Next show: January 22–27.
• •Educational Content - YouTube videos, photo libraries of previously consigned items, monthly articles, and resources about Kentucky rifle history and construction.

In mid-18th century Pennsylvania, gunsmiths created a rifle that changed world history. The Kentucky Rifle (also called the Pennsylvania Longrifle) had a long barrel with rifling that allowed black powder to burn more efficiently, producing accuracy unmatched by muskets. Over the next 100 years, gunsmiths in Lancaster, York, Reading, Allentown, and Lebanon developed distinct regional styles and "schools." Apprentices spread the craft to Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

LaMaster Arms exists to keep this heritage alive. Brian handles rifles and related items in any condition—flintlock rifles, percussion rifles, fowlers, pistols, powder horns, hunting bags, tomahawks, swords, and Native American trade guns.

• •Honesty and Integrity - Known throughout the community for fair dealing and transparent condition assessments.

• •Breadth of Experience - Decades of study in Kentucky rifle construction, regional variations, and maker identification.

• •Published Work - Featured in Muzzleloader Magazine and multiple books. Regular speaker at Dixon's Gun Fair, Kentucky Rifle Association events, and Sons of the American Revolution.

• •Active in the Community - You can find Brian at events like the 18th Century Artisan Show (February 6–7 in Carlisle, PA).

Customers describe Brian's rifles as "instant family heirlooms." One collector said: "The rifle Brian LaMaster crafted for me is nothing short of a work of art. The fine details, quality materials, how he uniquely customized it to me and my family, and the precision and beauty of each element are beyond anything I could have hoped."

Whether you're looking to commission a custom build, restore a family heirloom, appraise your collection, or learn the history of American gunsmithing, LaMaster Arms is the place. Contact Brian at 304.703.6899 or [email protected].